to think that Learning An Instrument is a bit of a useless skill?

[morningpaper]

.... ?

It seems to be something that cheery middle-class mummies with too much time on their hands foist upon their (mainly female) children.

What is the point of it REALLY in this day and age? They don't need to trill something tuneful on the piano to snare a husband - is it REALLY worth the time and money for some very specific and probably fairly useless skills?

[belgo]

enjoyment?

[morningpaper]

you can't wait for everyone else

I want you to decide NOW you big sheep

[MaryAnnSingleton]

to be able to play an instrument brings huge pleasure for goodness sake - if the child wants to do it of course. God how I wish my parents had encouraged me to carry on with classical guitar...

[morningpaper]

But you stopped because it wasn't enjoyable

[flowerybeanbag]

Well none of my skills have been developed for the purposes of snaring a husband, however my musical skills did in fact snare me DH, and indeed a previous boyfriend as well, so YABU!

Plus I enjoyed it, got a lot out of being in orchestras and all that.

[morningpaper]

ok that is an acceptable starting position

[mabanana]

I would love to play a musical instrument. I tried to learn as a child but have no ability whatsoever. I am envious of those who can do it. People I know who can play the piano love it. Also, it's good for your brain to learn to play music. It's something I want my children to have the opportunity to try.

[belgo]

Playing an instrument has always been a very social activity for me. I've been in several amateur orchestras (despite being fairly rubbish at my chosen instrument) and I've had fun, making good friends.

[hullygully]

I agree. What a bloody waste of time. And art. What's the point of that? Let them watch telly.

[Lauriefairycake]

because music can bring you joy your entire life

[chopchopbusybusy]

I think if the child wants to do it then they should be encouraged. I do know parents who insist on music practise when the child has no interest (or talent) and I do believe that's wrong.

DD1 has recently taken up classical guitar (at 14) and enjoys it.

It's not a useless skill because we need musicians so that we can have new music. I for one would hate to be stuck in some sort of Beatles timewarp for example.

[WowOoo]

Not useless.

There is something very therapeutic in doing something again and again and again until it's just right and sounds perfect.

It's good for the brain and the soul.

[pigleto]

It is something most adults wish they could do. I can play the bassoon to grade 6 . It may be a largely pointless skill but I can read music a bit, and I apprieciate how music is put together which aids my enjoyment. I don't regret learning, and I used to enjoy practising but hated performing with every bone in my body.

[brimfull]

my dd loves playing instrument

not syre how useful it'll be though

[DustyTv]

MP, I can see where you are coming from when parents seem to be making their DC learn an instrument.....but essentialy (sp?) no I don't think that learning an instrument is a useless skill.
DH plays, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and is currently learning how to play the sax. He brings in an extra wage for us by giving lessons.

So I think YANBU if it is foisted on a child who does not want to do it.

But

YABU to say that learing how to play an instrument is a useless skill.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

I stopped playing because I didn't think I was good enough,actually...

[WowOoo]

My husband snared me as I was very attracted to his trumpeting skills. Ooh err.

[motherinferior]

I happen to have brought forth female children only, but yes am encouraging them to have a bash on the piano. Why? Well, I think it's a good thing to explore Useless Arty Things, actually. I like the fact DD1 does pottery.

I won't nag them to practise when they're older, the way my parents did to me. But I like uselessness. My own specialist skills are Reading Novels and Eating Cake.

[AlistairSim]

Throws new birthday ukalele in bin at horror of being thought middle class