Dreaming of learning a musical instrument but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. At Furtados School of Music, we meet countless students eager to begin their musical journey without breaking the bank. The great news? You don’t need to splurge on fancy gear to start creating beautiful music. Whether you’re a beginner, a parent looking for music classes for your child, or just exploring a new hobby, we’ve got you covered with a list of the 5 most affordable instruments to learn. These options are budget-friendly, easy to pick up, and incredibly fun to play!
So let’s dive in—because music should be for everyone.
1. Ukulele – The Happy Vibes Starter
The ukulele tops our list for a reason. This cheerful, four-stringed instrument is compact, lightweight, and extremely beginner-friendly. Prices start as low as ₹1,500–₹2,000, making it one of the most cheap musical instruments that still delivers great sound.
Its simple chord structure and soft nylon strings are perfect for kids and adults alike. In just a few weeks, you could be strumming your favorite pop or Bollywood songs!
2. Keyboard – Versatile and Fun
The keyboard is an all-time favorite and a must-have on any list of easy instruments to learn. It gives you the foundational knowledge of melody, chords, and rhythm, and you can start off with a 32- or 49-key beginner keyboard without spending much.
What makes it even better? FSM offers structured online and in-person keyboard lessons where students learn music theory, popular tunes, and even prepare for international music exams—all on a budget!
3. Recorder – Perfect for Young Learners
Often overlooked, the recorder is one of the best instruments for beginners, especially kids aged 5–10. It’s a simple wind instrument, available for as little as ₹300–₹500, and teaches breath control, finger placement, and pitch awareness.
It’s also widely used in school music programs worldwide, so your child could even get a head start on their school band dreams!
4. Cajon – The Box You Can Beat
Looking for something rhythmic? The cajon (pronounced ka-hon) is a wooden percussion box that’s played by sitting on it and tapping different surfaces to create beats.
It’s used in acoustic sets, jam sessions, and even professional gigs. And here’s the best part—it’s one of the coolest and most cheap musical instruments for learning percussion, with beginner models priced at ₹3,000–₹4,000.
At FSM, our drum and cajon sessions are always a hit with students who love expressing themselves through rhythm.
5. Guitar – A Timeless Classic
Of course, we can’t skip the good ol’ acoustic guitar. With beginner-friendly options starting around ₹3,000, the guitar is one of the most popular and best instruments for beginners across all age groups.
FSM’s expert instructors make it easy to learn everything from chords to full songs—even if you’ve never touched a guitar before. Plus, you’ll be joining one of the most iconic communities of musicians around the world.
Why Affordable Doesn’t Mean Basic
Just because these instruments are affordable doesn’t mean they’re any less exciting. In fact, starting with the right instrument can make all the difference in building confidence and motivation. These options provide a great entry point into the world of music—and once you’re hooked, the sky’s the limit!
And the best part? Furtados School of Music offers lessons for all of these instruments—online and in-person—taught by passionate, certified instructors. Whether you’re starting small or diving in fully, we’ve got a musical path just for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Learning an instrument is not just about playing notes—it’s about self-expression, creativity, and joy. And that should be accessible to everyone, no matter the budget.
So pick your favorite from our list of the most affordable instruments to learn, sign up for a trial class at FSM, and begin your musical adventure today.