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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Giving up a musical instrument

55 replies

petitdonkey · 04/02/2014 18:25

DS is in his third year of learning the cello - he wanted to do it initially but it has always been some what of a battle to get him to practice and, with all his other activities, nightly practice is never going to happen.

I have just sat with him while he tries a new piece and it ended in tears, he says he is finding it really hard. He would like to try guitar.

At the moment I am saying that we don't give up on things as soon as they become hard/ guitar will be hard too etc. but how far do I run with this?? He's never going to be YoYo Ma so do I just cut him loose now and let him settle on the sofa with Minecraft and telly???

It's so hard finding the balance, I want him to try things and stick at them but I am no Tiger Mother!

Any shared experiences would be gratefully heard.

OP posts:
ExitPursuedTheRoyalPrude · 04/02/2014 19:33

Let him jack it in. Of course his teacher wants him to continue. As they get older their extra curricular activities shrink to what they enjoy and/or are good at.

Original poster
petitdonkey · 04/02/2014 19:31

*another instrument

OP posts:
Original poster
petitdonkey · 04/02/2014 19:30

He seems to like his teacher and I have spoken to her about him giving up but she is keen for him to continue. He hasn't yet done an exam which the school music teacher (as opposed to the cello teacher) said he would expect him to do. He takes part in a string group and has performed to assemblies, evening concerts etc.

Is he talented at it?? Honestly, I don't think so…. it doesn't seem to come easily to him and he doesn't seem to get any joy from it. I guess my instinct is to let him stop but I am worried about teaching him you can just jack things in if you don't like it….. Do I think he has a future as a cellist??? NO! But I guess that is the advice I am asking, do I accept that he had a good go at it and let it go, do I suggest he tries another interest or do I ask him to stick at it??

OP posts:
Timetoask · 04/02/2014 18:36

You say he is in his third year but you don't say if he is talented at it. Which grade is he on? If he is very good at it then I would try to get him to continue.

GoatBongoAnonymous · 04/02/2014 18:29

Does he like his teacher? I find that this is the most important part of keeping someone playing - lots of the kids I taught music to in primary school would go on with both flute and clarinet in high school but would drop the one with the teacher they didn't like as much. Also, would group music making help? A beginners' orchestra maybe?

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