My kid does Garage Band. He makes music with it. He hates piano and hates band so I just said fine, if you can make something that sounds relatively decent with your computer go to it.

Anyway, he loves it. It isn't Mozart or Tiesto but he's having fun trying.

My daughter plays guitar and loves acting, she won't be joining any music group in middle school. My son is into art and robotics, he also won't be joining any music related electives. Both my kids participate in sports. I don't think it is a big deal not to play an instrument. In this area you are probably better off doing something different to differentiate yourself from every other kid that plays in band or strings.

OP my sister played the violin for 5 minutes and the harp for a further 5 minutes

she went to Columbia university and is now an international journalist with the New York Times.

Her lack of musical ability had zero effect on her a) college education and b) successful career.

I on the other hand, play the piano quite well..

She’s tried 4 and didn’t like any. Loved to sing though. Trying guitar privately this fall.

Okay— maybe I’m a slacker mom here. My kids are a rising freshman and rising junior. And they are not going to make a career out of music. So, I don’t sweat the practicing. When the were in ES, there was 20 minutes of practice X days a week, and I made them go through the routine. Starting in MS, practice is between them, their band/strings teacher and their private teacher. I will not sign practice logs that lie about practice time. Besides that, if they are getting As, fine.

They both have teachers who understand and are on board with the idea that it is more important to us that that our kids enjoy their instrument and stick with it than that they make all-state or join a community orchestra, or are in the band/strings group at their school or become professional musicians. They are performing at a very high level academically, and devoting a lot of time to extracurricular. Band/strings are their down period, and I don’t expect them to excel or be the best.

My older DC is very musical, took AP Music Theory, marches in the band, and has at various times in high school played 4 different but related woodwinds in the highest band. Plays in the drama pit orchestra and the jazz band. He is not going to be a recruited college musician, but ironically is looking hard at the music programs at various colleges in making a decision. Because he wants to stay on with some sort of ensemble, and loved music theory, and wants some type of music studies minor.

DD is arising freshman, and has a lot of art talent. We had big time drama this spring about strings vs. art in HS. I stayed neutral, and she chose art. Which is fine, because art also gives my kids an outlet during school, and a way to extras themselves, and use a different part of her brain. But after the last Ms concert, when it was time to say goodbye to her teacher and turn in her instrument, she decided she could not imagine high school without orchestra. So, she contacted the high school and asked to switch to orchestra.

So, what is your goal OP? If it is just to have your kid keep playing, thedon’t need to practice everyday. They will get so much better in MS because they will play everyday. If the goal is to have him play a very high level, he’s telling you that’s not how he wants to spend his time. He’s not going to get their without wanting to practice. So compromise, and let him be the mediocre kid who never gets solos and isn’t in the highest orchestra, but loves having music in his life in some manner.

Anonymous wrote:He claims he likes music but just doesn't like to practice!

It's the rare kid who likes to practice! Does he love homework?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter went to Berkeley and did not play an instrument after 6th grade. Relax. Your kid can still get into a good college.

Playing a musical instrument has nothing to do with going to a good college. It is something that a child can enjoy for the rest of his/her life. Not to mention that it will improve his/her dating life as well. Look at Gene simmons, Van Halen, Richie Sambora and Patty Smyth

Well obviously. Maybe I made an unfair assumption about the motivation behind OP's concern. However, I doubt she has been hoping her child will turn out to be Gene Simmons.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter went to Berkeley and did not play an instrument after 6th grade. Relax. Your kid can still get into a good college.

Playing a musical instrument has nothing to do with going to a good college. It is something that a child can enjoy for the rest of his/her life. Not to mention that it will improve his/her dating life as well. Look at Gene simmons, Van Halen, Richie Sambora and Patty Smyth

My daughter went to Berkeley and did not play an instrument after 6th grade. Relax. Your kid can still get into a good college.

Anonymous wrote:
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?

Yes, if lesbian.

Anonymous wrote:To one of the PPs, music credits can now be honors so it does help with weighted grades (not that that is why my DD does it) - just saying.

In high school there are various options for music (chorus/orchestra/band)
honors classes after freshman year.

To one of the PPs, music credits can now be honors so it does help with weighted grades (not that that is why my DD does it) - just saying.

2 kids, both is HS. One played guitar for about 2 years (ES/MS), and the other plays piano by ear. Neither one does any lessons (and hasn't in years) nor takes any kind of music in HS. NBD

OP, don't sweat this one. We have five kids. None of them has ever played an instrument. Three of them are in college now. Their lack of playing has not hurt them one whit. Do we care about music? Certainly. I was 1st chair clarinet through middle and high school. But if they don't want to play music then we're not going to force them to play music. It is fine.

Anonymous wrote: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.

I teach seventh grade. I estimate that approximately 15-20% of my students each year take orchestra, band, or chorus in school, though some may be involved in music outside school.