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arloiginla · 12-09-2007, 09:39 PM

Was wondering, what is everyone's thoughts on them? Are you taking them now, or is your child taking them?

I ask because it seems like nowadays, kids are no longer brought up to understand the importance of music in one's life - especially on "classical" instruments such as the piano and such. Most younger children who do take lessons and are learning an instrument are doing so simply because their parents took music lessons and still feel the need for every kid to learn something about music at an early age.

Unfortunately it seems like those parents are fewer and further between than even 10 years ago. With the type of music most of us listen to nowadays, the idea of Classical music and learning anything but the guitar is often not even considered.

And of course there is the whole aspect of music building character and teaching other valuable life lessons.

My mother was a piano teacher and so when I was 5-6 years old I was made to learn piano. Of course like most 6 year olds I had no interest whatsoever and was onyl doing it "cause mom says I have to."

I was told to at least go up to grade five (Royal Conservatory of Music) and then I could quit. By the time I made it there, I had developed a real love and passion for playing and found out I was quite good at it - I achieved high scores on exams and won in the Kiwanis Music Festival and other competitions regularly.

13 years later I am a piano major doing a music degree (and then a master's) at the University of Calgary, entering in international competitions, and possibly paving the road to becoming a professional concerto pianist. I have a studio and teach students aged 6-50 (really) currently. I took the violin as well up to grade 7 RCM, and am taking voice as a second instrument at school and sing in the U of C Chamber Choir that tours nationwide. To me music is practically life, but am shocked (not naive, I LOVE today's rock music and totally understand where most kids nowadays are coming from) at the declining importance that seems to be put on music in one's childhood and youth.

Does this seem the same way to you guys or is it just me? For those parents out there, how do you view music and its importance in your own or your child's life?

12-09-2007, 09:39 PM	#1
arloiginla #1 Goaltender Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calgary Exp:	Music lessons Was wondering, what is everyone's thoughts on them? Are you taking them now, or is your child taking them? I ask because it seems like nowadays, kids are no longer brought up to understand the importance of music in one's life - especially on "classical" instruments such as the piano and such. Most younger children who do take lessons and are learning an instrument are doing so simply because their parents took music lessons and still feel the need for every kid to learn something about music at an early age. Unfortunately it seems like those parents are fewer and further between than even 10 years ago. With the type of music most of us listen to nowadays, the idea of Classical music and learning anything but the guitar is often not even considered. And of course there is the whole aspect of music building character and teaching other valuable life lessons. My mother was a piano teacher and so when I was 5-6 years old I was made to learn piano. Of course like most 6 year olds I had no interest whatsoever and was onyl doing it "cause mom says I have to." I was told to at least go up to grade five (Royal Conservatory of Music) and then I could quit. By the time I made it there, I had developed a real love and passion for playing and found out I was quite good at it - I achieved high scores on exams and won in the Kiwanis Music Festival and other competitions regularly. 13 years later I am a piano major doing a music degree (and then a master's) at the University of Calgary, entering in international competitions, and possibly paving the road to becoming a professional concerto pianist. I have a studio and teach students aged 6-50 (really) currently. I took the violin as well up to grade 7 RCM, and am taking voice as a second instrument at school and sing in the U of C Chamber Choir that tours nationwide. To me music is practically life, but am shocked (not naive, I LOVE today's rock music and totally understand where most kids nowadays are coming from) at the declining importance that seems to be put on music in one's childhood and youth. Does this seem the same way to you guys or is it just me? For those parents out there, how do you view music and its importance in your own or your child's life?