When to introduce instruments

When to introduce the recorder, rhythm sticks, finger cymbals, and the kazoo. 


Instrument introduction really depends on the class and making sure that your students are developmentally ready to play them. Some of these instruments are defiantly easier to play than others and can be introduced first and progress to other instruments that need more fine motor skills to be played. 
 I would introduce the gross motor skills instruments first like the kazoo and rhythm sticks; xylophone shortly after. I would then introduce the recorder and the finger cymbals later because require more fine motor skills.
The rhythm sticks are probably the easiest for the students to use. I believe that kindergarten or 1st grade would be appropriate depending on students and behaviors. The kazoo is a fairly simple instrument that I would introduce about the first grade.  The xylophone i would introduce about first or second grade because it does take the students listening skills to hear the different pitches among the different keys on the xylophone.  The finger cymbals can be introduced about second or third grade. These are pretty small and have to be played correctly so I think their motor skills need to improve before using those.  Recorders about fourth grade; takes a lot of motor skills to be able to read music while places fingers on the correct holes for the corresponding notes.