Is it possible to play a string instrument recreationally these days?

[Anonymous]

Shockingly, all hobbies can be done recreationally.

Just don't look at the DCUM Soccer forums

or really anywhere on DCUM for advice on recreationally hobbies

[Anonymous]

You could have made appointments to try out three new teachers in less time than it took for you to write all that out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD plays a string instrument, and her teacher is pressuring her to "give it more." She practices every day for about an hour, and, despite her best efforts, is not making the progress that her teacher wants to see. I see my DD trying her best, but I think this is perhaps not going to be the main activity in her life. She is 12.5 and has been with this teacher since age 8/9. When her teacher buckles down on her on how she is not making the desired progress, I think it makes her want to practice even less. I think her teacher is demanding, serious, and perhaps is a better match with the very serious student and/or the student with more natural musical talent. It could just be they are not a great fit at this stage.

I would love for her to have music be a continued part of her life. Many of her friends are in orchestra and so it's sorta become her thing in school as well as outside of school as she also does a youth orchestra and has a little group she plays. When I assess her talents objectively, I think her natural talents probably lie in other areas, but I think she enjoys orchestra enough that I think she would enjoy continuing and playing in various ensembles. For example, she would practice very hard and routinely rank last when she did seating auditions in her community youth orchestra (not that I care, just noting that the community youth orchestra is crazy competitive and full of kids who probably practice much more than her and/or have more natural talent). Her school orchestra is more low key since her school is very small, and she has fun with her orchestra peeps.

I was a very serious musician when I was younger, and my efforts were proportional to the outcome. I focused only on music and it was my only activity, and while I was able to accomplish a lot, and had great opportunities, I'm not sure if it was truly worth it when I look back in retrospect since I practiced 2 hours per day and really had no other time for any other hobbies or activities. Years later, I am not a musician but I love music.

I know this post is very rambling. Just wondering if anyone out there every felt the same way and what you/your child did at this juncture...

There are plenty of kids who play recreationally. There are plenty of kids who practice seriously (I'd say an hour per day on one instrument at 12 is serious) through high school, then switch to 30 minutes a couple times per week, or they just drop the instrument.

Have a talk with the teacher. Lay out the situation in terms of how much your child practices, how the teacher's words are leading your child to feel and not want to practice, and how you view the instrument long-term for your child. Ask if they want to continue with your child, with the same level of practice without their diatribes, or whether they would prefer you find another teacher. If this teacher continues, your child will lose their love for the instrument, and to me, that's exactly what both you and the teacher don't want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD plays a string instrument, and her teacher is pressuring her to "give it more." She practices every day for about an hour, and, despite her best efforts, is not making the progress that her teacher wants to see. I see my DD trying her best, but I think this is perhaps not going to be the main activity in her life. She is 12.5 and has been with this teacher since age 8/9. When her teacher buckles down on her on how she is not making the desired progress, I think it makes her want to practice even less. I think her teacher is demanding, serious, and perhaps is a better match with the very serious student and/or the student with more natural musical talent. It could just be they are not a great fit at this stage.

I would love for her to have music be a continued part of her life. Many of her friends are in orchestra and so it's sorta become her thing in school as well as outside of school as she also does a youth orchestra and has a little group she plays. When I assess her talents objectively, I think her natural talents probably lie in other areas, but I think she enjoys orchestra enough that I think she would enjoy continuing and playing in various ensembles. For example, she would practice very hard and routinely rank last when she did seating auditions in her community youth orchestra (not that I care, just noting that the community youth orchestra is crazy competitive and full of kids who probably practice much more than her and/or have more natural talent). Her school orchestra is more low key since her school is very small, and she has fun with her orchestra peeps.

I was a very serious musician when I was younger, and my efforts were proportional to the outcome. I focused only on music and it was my only activity, and while I was able to accomplish a lot, and had great opportunities, I'm not sure if it was truly worth it when I look back in retrospect since I practiced 2 hours per day and really had no other time for any other hobbies or activities. Years later, I am not a musician but I love music.

I know this post is very rambling. Just wondering if anyone out there every felt the same way and what you/your child did at this juncture...

Of course you can play recreationally! Even into adulthood.
I played flute. No real talent but I liked and worked hard. I play in church and with friends and we play a events around town (holidays / festivals /nursing homes).

Many of my high school friends do this as well. I practice a lot. My goal was to be the high school first chair. Ha! I made it, but that was my highpoint.