Really Terrific Tunes For Kids

Anyone whose been a parent, or possibly even a child probably knows about the struggle it can be to get a kid to practice their musical instruments. I also know, I’ve heard a number of stories about adults who have been incredibly successful in life because of the music or piano lessons they took as a child. They even freely admit to how much they hated it as a child, and how grateful they are as an adult that their parents or guardians forced them to stick with it. On Jamie Foxx interview in particular sticks in my mind, every time my kids fight me on having to take piano lessons. It was shortly after his incredible success and academy award winning role as Ray Charles in the move Ray. When he auditioned for the role, the producers had no idea that Jamie was a fairly proficient piano player. They were a bit concerned about how to do the cut shots showing a “real piano players” hands during the movie. Jamie assured them he could handle the playing, and the rest is movie history. During the interview he goes on to thank his recently departed grandmother for making damn sure he attended all his piano lessons and put in the practice time. As it turned out, the role was a career making one for him, and largely in part to the skills his grandmother forced on him as a child.

While it would be silly to suggest that you get your kids to take piano or any musical instrument lessons just to become a celebrity. The point to the story here, is that what you do as a child or don’t do has serious implications over the rest of your life. The old “you’ll thank be for it later” line is never going to be appreciated at the time by our children, but one that is worth repeating. Music is a life skill, and one that can take you places you’ve never dreamed of. Even if it only amounts to creating an incredibly popular YouTube video. A part of growing up and becoming more human, is to understand the different aspects that our culture can offer. If you can find a way to make it fun for your kids, that that’s even better. If not, than do wimp out and let them off the hook because your afraid they won’t like you later. While it’s true that they may be picking out your retirement home someday, I suspect they’ll be a little more happy with you as an adult if they have plenty of options open as they become adults themselves.