Starting your child on piano lessons is often the easy part. You invest in a piano, you buy a few music books, you hire a piano teacher.
But months or even years in, your child isn’t thriving. She doesn’t enjoy it, and it’s more of a chore than a fun activity. You’re tired of forcing the issue. Should you let your child quit piano lessons?
That’s a top many parents struggle with each year. After all, with dozens of activities to choose fro, and an increasingly rigorous school day, is piano worth it?
Should you let your child quit piano lessons?
Here are a few things to consider as you’re making your decision.
What is she really learning?
If you talk regularly with her piano teacher, has she noticed a change in behavior? Can they help to change what she’s learning?
Many kids start out with specific goals in mind. Maybe they want to play the piano like their favorite musician. But when they get into the everyday learning that starts at the beginning, it can be boring and humdrum.
Talk with the instructor. Would she benefit from changing to a different class? Maybe group lessons would get her excited again. Maybe switching out the songs that she’s playing.
Especially at the beginning, it’s important to investigate different ways of accomplishing the goal. Is there a way to entice learning in a new way?
Evaluate goals
Sometimes kids get too busy, and they grow tired of having an overstuffed calendar. This may be time to sit down with her and discuss what’s really important.
Some kids love music. They want to explore it from different angles. But because they are over-scheduled, they lose interest and grow weary. Find out what your child really loves and put other things aside. It may also be time to add other fun activities that surround her interests.
If she truly does love music, how can you get her involved in other ways? Can she play the piano with a band? Or how about joining a local musical – it’s a great way to show off her talents. Kids often don’t know how they can use their skills. It’s up to you to give them options.
Talent
This often has to do with self-doubt. If your child wants to quit because she thinks she doesn’t have talent, it might be time to consider what’s going on. Is she a perfectionist? Is she scared of playing in front of people?
Most musicians aren’t born with talent. Talent comes from years of practice and determination.
Talent can also be determined by goals. Do you want to be professional? Or do you just want to play music for your own enjoyment? Two different paths.
For most, the concept of playing the piano is all about self enjoyment. And if you enjoy what you’re doing, what else matters?
