A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Musical Instruments
As the school bells start ringing and class timetables get finalised, it’s also the perfect time to begin learning a musical instrument. Whether you're a student starting Junior Cert music, a Leaving Cert performer looking to upgrade your setup, or a complete beginner wanting to try something creative — Musicmaker Dublin has everything you need to kickstart your musical journey in 2025.
From affordable beginner instruments to expert guidance and in-store support, we’re here to make it simple, exciting, and rewarding to start learning music in Ireland.
Where to Begin: Choosing the Right Instrument for Beginners
Choosing your first instrument can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a detailed guide to the best beginner musical instruments for students, and the top recommended models available now at Musicmaker Dublin.
1. Classical Guitar – Perfect for School Music Classes
If you’re doing music in school or taking Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) exams, chances are you’ll need a classical nylon-string guitar.
The Musicmaker Linden Classical Guitar Pack is an unbeatable starting point:
- Comfortable neck shape for smaller hands
- Warm, mellow tone suited for classical, folk, and beginner pop
- Includes gig bag, tuner and strap — all-in-one solution
- Available in ½, ¾, and full sizes, ideal for students of all ages
These packs are built for Irish classrooms and teachers, giving you the right tone, feel, and tuning stability without breaking the bank.
Perfect for Beginners and Guitar Students - the mm Linden Classical Guitar Pack
2. Electric Guitar & Bass – Modern, Fun, and Versatile
If your dream is to play rock, funk, indie, or pop, a Jet Guitar or Bass is the way to go.
Jet instruments are some of the best beginner electric guitars and basses available in Ireland right now:
- Great build quality and finish for the price
- Modern necks and smooth playability
- Models inspired by classic Strat, Tele, and P-Bass shapes
- Ideal for home practice, school bands, and first gigs
We stock both Jet Guitars and Jet Basses in a range of colours and pickup configurations — so you can find your style and your sound.
Check out some glorious guitars HERE.
3. Keyboards & Digital Pianos – Learn with Sound and Style
If you’re starting piano lessons or want to learn music theory and composition, a digital piano or keyboard is an amazing tool. It’s great for practice, songwriting, and learning how music works.
Top Recommendations at Musicmaker:
- Donner DDP Series: Affordable, weighted digital pianos with full 88-key setups — ideal for building real piano technique
- Roland GO:KEYS3: Compact and super fun — perfect for students who want to explore sounds, loops, and recording on the go
Both options are perfect for small spaces, offer headphone outputs for quiet practice, and plug straight into a computer or tablet for music software.
Check out our Keyboards and Digital Pianos HERE.
Packed with features and looking incredibly classy - the Donner DDP-80 Plus
4. Ukuleles – Easy to Learn, Fun to Play
If you want quick wins and lots of musical joy, the ukulele is the ultimate beginner’s instrument — and a firm favourite in Irish classrooms.
We proudly stock a huge range of Flight Ukuleles, including:
- Flight Travel Series – Durable, colourful, and weather-resistant ABS back
- Flight Natural Series – Warmer tones, classic wood looks, concert & soprano sizes
- All Flight Ukes come with gig bags, and work beautifully in school group settings
Whether you’re a young learner or adult beginner, these are among the best beginner ukuleles in Ireland.
Check out more Flight Ukuleles HERE.
Flight Ukuleles are the go-to instrument for Uke players around the world.
5. Electronic Drums – Perfect for Quiet Practice at Home
Dream of drumming but live in an apartment or shared house? We’ve got you covered.
Electronic drum kits from Donner and Roland let you practise rhythms and technique without disturbing the neighbours.
- Quiet mesh heads and rubber pads
- Headphone out for silent sessions
- Built-in coaching tools and drum kits
- USB/MIDI for connecting to recording software
Start learning rhythms, groove like your favourite drummers, and build coordination and timing — all without blowing out your ears.
Check out some Donner Kits HERE.
Check out some Roland Kits HERE.
A seriously good value set of drums - the excellent Donner DED-200 Electronic Kit
6. Violin – Classical Training with Confidence
For students doing RIAM grades or joining school orchestras, a Stentor Violin Outfit is the most trusted way to begin.
Each violin pack includes:
- Properly set-up violin (no cheap toy models here)
- Bow, rosin, and padded case
- Solid construction with rich tone and great tuning stabilit
Available in multiple sizes to suit age and arm length, Stentor violins are the go-to beginner violins in Ireland.
Everything you need to get started - the Stentor Violin and Viola Outfits.
Why Buy Beginner Instruments from Musicmaker?
As one of Ireland’s most iconic and trusted independent music shops, Musicmaker Dublin has been helping musicians start their journey since the early 1980s.
- Specialists in student music gear
- Friendly staff with real playing and teaching experience
- Try before you buy in our Exchequer Street showroom
- Click & collect or free delivery available across Ireland
- Back to school bundles and educational discounts
- Everything from tuners and metronomes to books and cables
Whether you're starting music lessons, upgrading gear for class, or exploring a new creative outlet — we’ll help you get it right from the start.
Browse our huge range of Acoustic Guitars.
FAQ – Starting Music in Ireland
Q: What's the easiest instrument for beginners?
A: Ukulele or digital piano are great entry points — they’re intuitive, rewarding, and fun from day one.
Q: Do I need music theory to start learning an instrument?
A: Not at all! Many students start by ear and learn theory as they go.
Q: Can I get everything I need in one go?
A: Yep — our beginner bundles come with everything: instrument, accessories, and extras like gig bags and tuners.
Q: Do you offer advice for school music classes and exam prep?
A: Absolutely. Our staff know the Irish school system and exam requirements inside out — we can help you choose exactly what you need.
Final Thoughts – Your First Step into Music Starts Here
Starting your musical journey doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive — it just needs the right support and the right gear. At Musicmaker Dublin, we’ve helped thousands of students, schools, and beginners across Ireland find their perfect first instrument. Whether you're picking up a classical guitar for Junior Cert, experimenting with keys and loops, or simply chasing the joy of strumming a uke — we’ve got your back. Come visit us in-store or shop online, and let’s get this school year sounding better than ever.
Check out our dedicated Back to School section HERE.
