Any other middle schooler doesn't do any music instrument at all?

[Anonymous]

3 kids. No instruments. Sometimes you just have to choose how they spend their time.

[Anonymous]

I insisted on 2 years piano and then let it go. Not everyone plays or needs to play a musical instrument.

[Anonymous]

I played a couple of instruments growing up. I wasn't that good at any of them but stuck with it through the end of HS. I never officially picked up an instrument after HS but still enjoy teaching myself how to play the uke or other small instruments. I'm glad my parents forced me to stay with it. It had no impact on university but it had an impact on me.

I am pushing my boys to stay with an instrument and will do so throughout middle and HS. To be honest, without music, they'd pretty much just be jocks. Jocks are fine and that doesn't mean they aren't bright but they need to broaden their horizons.

[Anonymous]

No instruments here, but my DD is in chorus. Once you start getting into middle and high school, music class takes a whole year and thus limits the opportunity to take other electives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No instruments here, but my DD is in chorus. Once you start getting into middle and high school, music class takes a whole year and thus limits the opportunity to take other electives.

For example, if your child will take a full year of language and has music, then your child will not be able to take any other electives.

[Anonymous]

My son has coordination issues and a motor disability, and has spent the last 5 years singing in the Strathmore Children’s Chorus. Takes care of the need for a musical outlet. I highly recommend it for children who can’t or won’t play an instrument!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My teens don’t play instruments and none of their friends play instruments. Don’t force your kid to play an instrument if he doesn’t love it. Colleges don’t care.

of course they care. I have three kids that play and love it. My high school son plays in honor band and is part of several groups related to music. He has competed and traveled through his instrument. It has opened a lot of doors for him that I know colleges do care about. My middle school son plays the oboe which is not a common instrument so the scholarship money available to him is fantastic. Our youngest plays the guitar and sax. If your kid does not like it do not force it but if they do we have found music to be an amazing source for our kids. All three play sports as well (oldest varsity tennis, younger two club soccer and travel basketball) and I think both are equally important.

[Anonymous]

Everyone is different. My 24 yr old suddenly started playing electric guitar when he was 18 and can play anything he hears. He's never had a lesson. He play very difficult heavy metal after only listening to the song once. He's writing his own music to record his own album. Kids will do what they want. Just go with it.

[Anonymous]

Lots of kids don't play an instrument and are fine. Help him figure out what he does enjoy. Sometimes they have to try different things to find a good fit.