myp it wrote:
Malc wrote:
My three boys are learning the piano, the eldest took his grade 2 last year, and is taking his grade 4 in a couple of weeks.
The other 2 are going to do their grade one in the spring of next year.
Middle Son also plays the guitar.
I wish they would want to play/practice more than they do, because they are all quite good, but could be really good with a bit more passion for it.
Malc
It's a difficult line to tread between encouragement and forcing them. I know someone who's son is very good at guitar and drums, but whenever anyone comes round he shouts 'get on your drums and show them what you can do!' He's often playing with his DS and doesn't even want to most of the time. It's the easiest way to make them lose interest fast.
Oh yeah, I fully understand that, but if we were not actively encouraging them, then they would only play during their lessons. But if we say to them: Do you want to stop lessons? The answer is always: No, and we'll practice more, but within a week, they are back to minimal effort again.
It's frustrating for us, as the lessons are not cheap (especially when you're paying for 3!) and we could easily spend the money elsewhere, but it would be a shame for them to stop, as they do seem to enjoy the lessons, and they all show promise and talent.
Also, I think both of us would have loved this sort of thing as a kid, but neither of our parents could afford it, which makes it harder to see our kids apparently squandering the opportunity.
Ah well, such is life.
Malc