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?

Being able to play an instrument gives you a passport to make friends all through your life wherever you live. The UK especially is a fantastic place to be a non-pofessional musician, if you choose not to make a living at it, and there are groups all over at all levels and people forming lifelong friendships playing chamber music.

If it's a pushy mummy thing and the child is obviously rubbish at it and not enjoying it then why do some people bother? I'd rather teach my children how to wire a plug / plumb a washing machine / cook a souffle. Things that my guitar playing, shoegazer friends ring their dad's for.

Buuuuuut, if DC's want to become the next arctic monkeys and treat me to a life of general rock and roll debauchery then I'm in Pass me the yellow pages.

BTW, that was a joke back there.

'snare' a husband? Drums?

Oh please yourselves....

absolute must, just need to find the right instrument for them which can be trial and error. they do need pushing to practice, but that is no different to overseeing home work revision etc.It's a skill they will have for life and will be something they can come back to as adults or turn to as a career choice.It isn't just for the middle classes, but dare I say with out offending anyone, that generally children who have music lessons and other activities where the parents have to actually make an effort and be a little more involved themselves, seem to be more well rounded individuals than children whose parents can't be bothered to put any effort into upbringing.

kerrymum, i think my dad started by playing along to records and picking out favourite tunes by ear. my brother taught himself the same way actually

I am learning keboard, DH is learnng guitar. DS is showing a genuine interest in both but unless he really asks for lessons or is very enthusiatic we'll just let him tinker by himself.
We do it for enjoyment. After a crappy day at work there's something really nice about playing an instrument and seeing yourself improve.

Cheeky cheeky mp - do people not recall mp's joy over her infant daughter's prodigious abstract painting?!

Though I think I may agree with the sub-text, if I understand it correctly - music as a "middle-class pursuit" to be done, as the done thing, along with ballet and other improving things is a bit blerg - but children should have a chance to try, and some encouragement if they get a bit bored - stopping way short of forcing, mind.

justa, as an aside - are you aiming for another title? DrRevJustAbout? Goodness me. They'll have to extend the limit on name length soon...

lol at your OP, mp! What could possibly be the point of engaging in musical activity if it is not to snare a husband?

Really, it is worth the time and money, for all the reasons mentioned already. Music is a language in which every complexity of human thought and feeling is expressed, and to have access to this language is a wonderful thing.

Regarding the piano question, I am inclined to think this is the most useful instrument to learn, mainly in terms of what it does for musicianship, despite the lack of orchestral opportunities. It is the best instrument for learning about harmony, and is self-contained in a way that most other instruments are not. I would always encourage a child to learn the piano (but would not push it if they were disinclined). Agree that a clavinova is a very good alternative to have at home because of the headphone option.

[ahem]

Learning an instrument is Very Important For Development, I'll have you know.

Plus, my ability to play the cello got me loads of shags when I was younger.

@ cello = shags.

It's not even a wind instrument.

I knew a guy whose PhD was on the evolutionary origins and archaeology of music - studying the Palaeolithic era - seems like it's been hardwired in humans for a very long time.

yabu....dd plays the guitar, ds piano...it's as important as being able to speak another language imo.

lol at Sheik. See, mp, trilling something tuneful still works for man snaring after all.

Enjoyment. I've played piano since age 5 and love it. I find it a great way to relax. Besides - where would we be if no one learned to play. Who would make the music. We could all learn to do useful things like cleaning houses, being accountants or mechanics etc but where would the enjoyment in life come from? I will give DS some music lessons when he is older, and then he can decides if he wants to continue.

I was always told that a woman playing the cello is v sexy.

Which of course it is.

In fact, there was once a thing in the times saying the cellists are the best in bed.

Which of course I am

is it because you have something big between your legs?

This is a joke right?
Music is GREAT. Not as an Austenian accomplishment but as a thing in itself. It's fun, it's creative, and it can be therapeutic, sociable, expressive, entertaining, icebreaking, socially cohesive, and beautiful. What's not to like?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Yeah right. It's that whole Jacqueline du Pre thing, and the fact that you have to sit with your legs apart like a strumpet

DD is learning violin because she enjoys the lessons. She doesn't even practice , but the lessons are pretty cheap and I don't mind paying for her to go otherwise.

I am learning piano because I just crave it and love it. I am too shy to play for anyone but family.

This thread Reminds me, Anyone want to tell me Why is learning scales on piano a good thing? They are just so dull to practice!

I played instruments as a child and it was all a bit pointless. I wish I had been pushed to do dance or gymnastics or something.

I married a cellist, Sheik. Have no complaints, oooohh no. Playing a woman like a cello much much better than playing her like a violin, surely?

lljkk scales give you the technical foundation for all the pieces you will ever play. They can be quite meditative too. I think you can learn to love them. Think of a scale as a musical phrase not as a chore. What could be nicer than melodic minors?

Yes, Habbibu. Or like a timpani.

[bad experiences with percussionists emoticon]

Timpani?!