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

[Anonymous]

My DS did private piano lesson for 3-4 years and quit after lack of practice. Then did two years clarinet in elementary school band but still doesn't like to practice much. He claims he likes music but just doesn't like to practice! He is going to the 7th grade in August in FCPS and doesn't select any music-related course as elective class. He is doing 2 sports. We are hoping he won't give up music class so soon but can't convince him. Is it true that most kids at least do one music instrument? Any tips how to convince kids to take one music class?Many Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Every kid is different, I'm sure he'll be just fine in life. Why force him to do something he isn't interested in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every kid is different, I'm sure he'll be just fine in life. Why force him to do something he isn't interested in.

He already has a solid music foundation. The best thing you can do for him is to encourage him to take guitar lessons. It will do wonder for his social and dating life in both high school and college and even later in life. That's what my mother did for me and I am so glad she did. I had a wonderful dating life in HS and college and dated pretty girls.

I've not met any ladies who don't like to hang out with musicians, even amateur musicians, especially those who play the guitar.

It will be the best thing you can do for your son. He will love you for it when he gets older

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

My kid took about 3 months each of piano and guitar. Not his thing. He took two years of choir in MS and really enjoyed it, but his favored art form is technical theater (lighting, carpentry etc .. .)

[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.

IMO, it's not about college unless the kid is playing concert. For me, it's about using a different part of your brain, and also IMO, when DC becomes an adult, I think DC will appreciate that DC can play music.

DC quit piano after a few years, which was a shame because DC really has talent. I had a long talk with DC about going back, and I think DC might be more willing this year.

[Anonymous]

I didn't really like to practice, but I did band through HS. Does he want to stay in and not practice or does he want to quit?

I told my DC that I'd like him to try some kind of music in ES (band, strings, or chorus), but if he doesn't like it after that - I think I'll just let it go, personally.

[Anonymous]

Sadly, DS has no interest in playing an instrument. Neither of his friends play instruments either.

[Anonymous]

My daughter just went with recorder that they did in school and that’s all the music lessons she ever had. Totally no interest at all too. We tried her on my old clarinet but gave up!

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine all kids are different. One of my kids loves music and plays two instruments. My middle schooler doesn't play any instrument or do choir - he is into chess, sports, art. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every kid is different, I'm sure he'll be just fine in life. Why force him to do something he isn't interested in.

He already has a solid music foundation. The best thing you can do for him is to encourage him to take guitar lessons. It will do wonder for his social and dating life in both high school and college and even later in life. That's what my mother did for me and I am so glad she did. I had a wonderful dating life in HS and college and dated pretty girls.

I've not met any ladies who don't like to hang out with musicians, even amateur musicians, especially those who play the guitar.

It will be the best thing you can do for your son. He will love you for it when he gets older

We have a girl in similar situation and no interest after trying a couple of instrument. Is Guitar also recommended for girl for social life?

[Anonymous]

Yep - my DS has never played an instrument unless you count the recorder in Elementary school. None of his friends do either. Rising 8th grader who plays a ton of sports and plays year-round travel baseball. He doesn’t really have the time.

[Anonymous]

No instruments for my hs dd - 12 years of ballet instead. Figure she’s dancing to music so that should cover that.

[Anonymous]

I love that other parents are suggesting music for better dating/social life - my mother tried that line on me because her idea of a party was from some movie where everyone gathered around a piano. I can't stand horrible beginner noise so I have never pushed DC to play an instrument, though I wouldn't discourage her if she wanted to. I have fellow immigrant friends who think their children playing classical music is an essential expression of their status and refinement, even though they can't tell the difference between Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. They always trot out their children after dinner to show off their Suzuki violin skills. In my book, it is akin to getting plastic slipcovers for the living room set. My argument to public school tiger parents is to let it go because music electives are unweighted and will lower their children's high school GPA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love that other parents are suggesting music for better dating/social life - my mother tried that line on me because her idea of a party was from some movie where everyone gathered around a piano. I can't stand horrible beginner noise so I have never pushed DC to play an instrument, though I wouldn't discourage her if she wanted to. I have fellow immigrant friends who think their children playing classical music is an essential expression of their status and refinement, even though they can't tell the difference between Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. They always trot out their children after dinner to show off their Suzuki violin skills. In my book, it is akin to getting plastic slipcovers for the living room set. My argument to public school tiger parents is to let it go because music electives are unweighted and will lower their children's high school GPA.

The Suzuki method basically requires parents to push the kids to as many public performances as possible. So if you are paying for Suzuki, you are trotting the kids out as it is "required" by the program. Remember "Tiger Mom" book? She was just doing straight Suzuki.