To ask if you would pay for your sixth former to start guitar lessons?

[haillie]

DD is going into Year 13 in September and would like to learn the guitar. I'm just wondering if this is something you would still pay for? Thanks

I would. At that age they are more likely to invest their time and effort and commit fully. Unlike when they start as young children when we (I) have spent years paying for lessons and nagging about practice.

I would. Dd does singing and piano and I pay. Still get child benefit so why should she pay when she's still at school?

Guitar chords are easy to learn from a book. I taught myself as a teen. My concern would be that lessons would be too formal and technical (like piano, because it has to be, totally different instrument). You can learn a song on a guitar in 10 mins but if she wants to learn notation etc then lessons it is. Regarding paying, how long are you prepared to pay for?

Actually, whist I paid for DS's piano lessons in the sixth form, he also taught himself to play guitar - quite quickly and to a good standard. Not sure how much his piano background helped but maybe guitar lessons aren't really necessary?

Unhesitatingly if I could afford it.

'Hysterical' Pengywn.... hardly....odd response

Yes but I would expect proper commitment to the lessons and practice. So many posts about people paying for their DC as young adults. We've been lucky enough to be in a position to help our DC through education and beyond. It doesn't last forever.

If you can afford it why not?

Oh I thought the 'child' was 13!!

No I fucking wouldn't shell out for an adult's hobby.

It's the kind of thing I'd enjoy paying for. Just because it's a pleasure to give something nice to somebody you love. I had some lovely gifts from my MIL over the years. I am sure she thought I was quite capable of managing on my own: she was just a cheerful giver.

That's a lovely description of your mil, cory.

That is definitely something I'd pay for, yes. Still in education. And I think learning an instrument is great. Until a child is financially independent, I would always be happy to step in and pay, particularly for something like this)

If I could afford it, definitely. My DD is also about to start Y13. A levels are stressful and a hobby that will help her relax is certainly to be encouraged. I do see her still as my financial responsibility as she has limited earning capacity right now.

How peculiar Pengwyn, do you not realise the purpose of threads and opinions being offered up to the OP? a newcomer to MN I assume, don't worry you'll get the hang of it!

I pay for my 15yo piano lessons, no hesitation.

She received a guitar for her bday and is teaching herself via tutorials on YouTube. I drew a line at more lessons as they're a commitment and would (I felt) cause a distraction from her piano.

Yes!

Definitely yes.
If I could afford it.

As an aside, if the dc is musical, then they can actually pick up guitar quite easily with a few internet tutorials and some committed practice, but, as the qustion is presumably about paying for something they are learning, rather than the specific instrument, then yes, we have, and will continue to pay for all things such as lessons, hobbies, subs, etc for our dc until they reach 31st August at the end of Yr 13.
You get Child benefit for them up until that time, so - obviously if you can afford it after the 'needs' of heating, food and clothes, etc. - then continue to support them until at least they are of school leaving age.

That said, I've never paid for my dcs' phones - so we're all different, aren't we

I would...

But...

I have been paying £175 a term for the last 4 years for my son to learn guitar. He is terrible. He has yet to be able to play a chord.

My daughter, on the other hand, has never had a formal guitar lesson in her life. My dad (who plays by ear and has been in bands since he was 16) has given her tips. She has learned through sheer force of will via youtube and a couple of apps. She is genuinely fantastic. I happily buy her expensive music equipment every christmas and birthday because she is so committed.

I will happily concede that it may be the teaching. But I daren't add up how much I've spent on my son over the years.