Kids cast off instruments give a great chance to learn. We have a French horn and a cello. I got a merit for Grade 3 French horn with no lessons but I seem to have little aptitude for strings. I'd love to have a cast off oboe; it's by far the most beautiful instrument there is. In my younger days I studied piano and organ - still play the organ professionally and love it. IME the best way to enable kids to achieve is to wait for them to find the instrument that hits the spot with them, arrange lessons, ensure they practice enough daily to improve - about 10 mins initially - and allow the teacher to lead the way. Pushy parents are the most guaranteed way to eventually impede the child's ability to reach its full potential.