Why Do Parents Enroll Their Kids in Music Lessons
As a child, I found myself in a familiar situation: parents forcing their kids to take music lessons they didn't necessarily enjoy. My dad was a fan of classical piano, my mom was an organist, and they wanted me to participate in church services. I enrolled in piano lessons and delved into numerous books. However, playing the piano was not my forte. I only attended the lessons to appease them, and it was just because I had a lovely teacher!
When my dad brought home an acoustic guitar, I immediately fell in love with it. The guitar resonated with me in a way that the piano had not, and my parents were none the wiser. Over the years, I became more engrossed with my guitar, even though I never had formal lessons. Most boys and adults played guitar, so I learned the hard way by pestering other players for tips and tricks.
Is Music Education Necessary for Children?
While parents have good intentions, they might not recognize their child's innate interest in a different instrument or genre. Music education can significantly contribute to a child's personal and artistic development. Whether a child feels the urge to learn an instrument or not, it is essential to provide them with the opportunity. As a parent, my aspiration is to guide my children into learning music, but it must be their choice of instrument and genre. A musical side can be highly beneficial and bring joy to life.
The Prodigal Child's Journey to Music
Years later, after enduring a grueling period of being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), my back had been injured, and I was unable to walk for two years. Feeling hopeless and desperate, I rekindled my passion for music. It was a complete transformation. Being involved in music again was a profound and fulfilling experience. I am sure that many people feel the same way.
Regret and Redemption: A Forced Experience
When I was around eight years old, my brother expressed a desire to take music lessons. My parents asked me if I wanted to take piano lessons since my mother was a skilled pianist. I declined. As an adult, I regret not taking music lessons, and I now believe that offering music lessons to children could be a valuable experience for them. It is admirable when parents take control and ensure their children learn music, even if it means going against the child's initial wishes.
The Disastrous Encounter: A Malignant Parent
My mother forced me to take piano lessons despite her awareness that my talents lay in visual and dance arts. Unfortunately, my mother was a malignant narcissist, controlling, and competitive. I obeyed her for a few years, becoming advanced and adept. My piano teacher eventually discovered that I never learned to read music, memorizing everything, including complete concertos.
During one of her attempts to pull me out of the car to attend a lesson, I fell onto the driveway and promised to kill myself if she forced me to attend another lesson, screaming with desperation. My mother never forgave me for quitting, and I am still terrified of most pianos. While I admire classical music, it is the performers I discovered after leaving my mother's strict environment that I now revere, rather than the pianos and music that terrify me.
Conclusion
Parents' involvement in music education plays a crucial role in a child's development. While some children may not initially enjoy music lessons, it provides them with a platform to explore and discover their interests. Music education can be a transformative experience for both the child and the parent. Whether it's learning to play an instrument or engaging with different genres, the benefits are immeasurable.