Daughter wants to stop learning piano

[mrswongtuition]

To someone who is naturally musically inclined with sharp eyes, a poor instrument is very frustrating. My sister did not enjoy playing the violin (because my dad nags at her all day long to practise & likes to give comments when he does not even know how to play any instrument) until my parents finally invested in a good violin.


She enjoyed it even more when she started joining an orchestra and getting to interact & indirectly compete with other kids.

Maybe your girl needs some performance outlet or find a friend to learn a duet with her It'll be more interesting

[metz]

I don’t play any musical instruments. But from my kids’ learning journey, I learnt something about them. Hence, would like to share my thoughts on it.


Indeed, it is not necessary to invest on an expensive piano, especially in the beginning. For the first few months, it’s probably alright to let the kids pound away on keyboards. However, there will reach a stage whereby the kids need a proper piano (not necessary an expensive one) to progress further. Imagine learning to play Chopin’s Nocturne on a keyboard and piano. Of the two, the piano will allow one to have greater room to express his/her feelings. Even with the easy classical piano arrangements that my son is working on, I can feel a piano helped greatly in his learning. And the same goes for violin too. He started off with an inexpensive violin (even then, it costs us $280). He was fine with it too. However, he felt the difference when he played on a higher-end violin (a used violin from a kind friend, $600 violin & $200 strings). With a better violin, he can feel the music better and more motivated to practise harder. So yes, the right equipment does make a difference in learning music. At least in my kids’ case.

However, if the kid has absolutely no interest in music, a grand piano may just be another white elephant.

[metz]

red_ryder:

Hi all. My daughter is 6 yrs old, and has been learning piano since she was 5. She hasn’t taken the Grade 1 exam yet. She seems to be losing interest in learning, refusing to practice and asking us to stop the lessons. I don’t want to force her, but at the same time I don’t want her to regret this later in life. I know a few people who regretted not learning a musical instrument when young. Also it seems a waste to throw away 1 yrs worth of lessons just like that.


She was the one who asked for piano lessons at 5 yrs old. She used to love banging away at the piano ever since she was a toddler, but apparently not anymore. What should I do?

Have you spoken to her teacher about her progress? What are her views on it?

For kids who have reached a standstill in piano, my kids' teacher would advise the parents to let them take a year's break. After the break, the kids usually progress much better, probably due to maturity.

I understand what you mean by a waste. I wouldn't advise giving up easily, especially in the face of hardship. But if you have exhausted all means to get her interest back and it's still not working, then perhaps it's time to consider taking a break (maybe a short one)? Otherwise, it might end up an agony for your girl and yourself.

[Poonie]

red_ryder:

Hi all. My daughter is 6 yrs old, and has been learning piano since she was 5. She hasn’t taken the Grade 1 exam yet. She seems to be losing interest in learning, refusing to practice and asking us to stop the lessons. I don’t want to force her, but at the same time I don’t want her to regret this later in life. I know a few people who regretted not learning a musical instrument when young. Also it seems a waste to throw away 1 yrs worth of lessons just like that.


She was the one who asked for piano lessons at 5 yrs old. She used to love banging away at the piano ever since she was a toddler, but apparently not anymore. What should I do?

Hi red_ryder
One year is certainly too soon to give up. I've also heard of friends' teenagers who blamed their mum for not encouraging them on when they quit learning piano when they were much younger. I think you have to do your part by encouraging them on first. If after much encouragement your daughter's interest is still not rekindled then just let her quit and try other things like ballet or gymnastics etc. But first and foremost get a new piano teacher.

My kids were in this situation before, so I tried these and thier passion returned:

- During the rare occasions when they practiced, I would record their practice and make it my phone ring tone. They were thrilled each time my phone rang.
- Go onto Youtube and show them some amateur kids' piano concert or even home practice. This inspired them and I even told them that if they could play smoothly I would post them on Youtube too.
- My kids hated playing 'baby songs' got onto Youtube piano tutorial and let them learn Canon In D major or Fur Elise. They were very proud that they could play these world famous pieces although using right hand.

One word of caution is: Don't start her on exams so soon just let her be exposed to as many pieces as possible.

Good Luck!

[metz]

Poonie:

- Go onto Youtube and show them some amateur kids' piano concert or even home practice. This inspired them and I even told them that if they could play smoothly I would post them on Youtube too.

That works for us too, except I would upload their clips on my blog and share them with friends. My kids feel exceptionally excited and proud of themselves whenever they see themselves online. :love:

[buds]

Wa. I oso want to see.

Share your blog leh..

[amylqf]

tamarind:

If my kids say they have no interest in learning piano, then I am more than happy, don't need to spend the money.


Actually why does so many parents think that learning piano is essential ? I never have the chance to learn piano because my parents could not afford it. I may learn piano when my kids grow up. It is never too late to learn anything. I have no regrets. In fact, I am more than happy to just listen to music.

Only reading and writing is both English and Chinese, as well as all the subjects they need to study in school are essential and non-negotiable. For me, computer skills, not just knowing how to use the computer, but know how to write software using a programming language, is more important for earning a living. For me, piano is purely for pleasure only.

Agree. My daughter also doesn't have interest in piano.
but it doesn't mean that she doesn't like music.

We change to dance instead.

[metz]

buds:

Wa. I oso want to see.

Share your blog leh..

No problem. Will PM you later. Just don't get bored by it.

Share yours too leh...

[buds]

I mountain tortoise.

Still dunno how to set up blog.
Mebbe... :idea: ... i'm just lazy.. Haa! :lol:

I'm already behind in updating the KSP Love Story thread.

[buds]

Gawd! :!:

B's REALLY good, chamonix!
I'm sold man! He plays it
so effortlessly... and i noticed
some head swingin' action while
he plays too... which shows he IS
feeling it... My kudos to him!

And you of course... :love: ... for always
being there to encourage him. I can sense
from his feeling and his calm swingin' expression
that he really enjoys playing it. Unless he really knows
how to fake enjoyable expression.. (Haha! :lol:) on-screen. Ahakz.