Do children, later on in life, regret dropping learning a musical instrument?
DS, (one of twins) 12, is the most musical one of my DCs. At age 7, he was targeted by the school to learn viola, after the whole class were given violin lessons all year. He had been playing trumpet and piano but had dropped piano and was progressing well with trumpet. At the school's recommendation, he swopped to viola and got Distinction at Grade 1. He was also, at that time, a leading light in school musical productions, getting solo singing leads etc.
That's the relevant background. He now wants to drop viola - which would mean he doesn't learn an instrument at all. He'd got to grade 3 only. He doesn't sing anymore. His twin - who is less musical - has forged ahead in Trumpet (now grade 6) and belongs to several school brass ensembles. In the wider family, all the cousins uncles and aunts and myself sing and play at least one and often 2 or 3 instruments. So we're a musical family at the 'enjoyment' level - not professional.
I'm now torn between letting DS drop viola, as he keeps asking to, won't practice and hates having to go to the school strings ensemble once a week - and wondering if he'll regret it later on? Should he swop to another instrument or is that now too late, given he rarely gets time to practice even if he wanted to - because of homework commitments?
At age 5, he was composing music on piano and will sometimes still mess around on piano and keyboard for fun, picking out pop music. However, he's at a school where the level of musical ability is v high (some children got their diploma at age 10, others are now at grade 8 in their instrument) and he's never going to be that good or that committed and would already be way behind his peers who've bene playing an instrument - or two - since age 2 or 3.
I don't know if this is part of adolescence really and should support him to carry on - or a genuine dislike of the instrument or a hatred of giving up more of the little time he has, to practice or attend a music group at school. He's never felt physically comfortable with the viola. He has a good ear for music but certainly not the attitude of having fun whilst learning.
I'd love to hear what others think and other's experiences of whether they let their DCs drop their instrument or supported them to carry on - or change instruments or what? I'd personally feel upset if he stopped as he's so musical compared with me and DT2. However, I've already given up completely on trying to get him to practice as the battles were awful. He can get by with no practice, actually, but what a waste of my money, apart from anything else.
What do you think?