my teenage son seems to have lost interest in piano lessons.
2006-07-07 17:01:43 · 24 answers · asked by Concert A 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
He either likes it or he doesn't. How does someone get you to like something that you have no interest in?
2006-07-07 17:03:53 · answer #1 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make a deal with him to stick with it for a certain period of time. In return, he can get more privelages, the chance to try something new, or a trip to summer camp that is normally a little too expensive (etc). First off, it's really hard to enjoy piano (or any instrument) if you're struggling and you can't play anything fun. If you and your son can make a deal to give it a legitimately fair chance (I'd say three years if he was 6 or 7, but maybe just a year or two since he's older), allow him a chance to bow out without a fight if he completes his end of the deal. As a teenager, the opportunity to learn long-term planning and responsibility is a good one.
My parents made my sister and I play piano for the entirety of elementary school. We both hated it for 3-4 years. She quit after elemenary school, and switched to the flute and horseback riding. I fell in love with it once it came more easily. My parents still like to tell the story of how the now-music major banged her head agaisnt the keyboard at age five as she yelled "I don't want to!" Regardless, my sister has better attention skills and a better appreciation for music because of the time she spent with the instrument. I think every parent should give their child some sort of skill like this at a young age, and then give them the choice to maintain it as they mature; it's amazing how translatable these kinds of skills are.
2006-07-07 17:20:21 · answer #2 · answered by Elizabeth H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you find a way. I do not believe it is possible.
My mother made me take lessons, she made me practice each day with a timer to make sure I put in my time.
I told her she could make me practice but she could not make me learn. Sadly, I was right. I did all that work and I can't play the piano. My little brother took fewer years of lessons but went after it with a will and he plays quite well even today.
The only thing I can think of is find him music that he likes. Sheet music from whatever pop or other music he listens to on his own. That might re-engage him.
I truly wish you luck.
2006-07-07 17:07:46 · answer #3 · answered by enginerd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a teenager that is trying to fit in, which is basically the goal of a teenager's life (that's why they form cliques and stuff) point out how almost eveybody plays the piano and that you can meet people through concerts or understand people who play the piano. The "don't force ur kid to play if s/he doesn't want to" is really bogus. I played the piano and I did that because my parents were really convincing.
2006-07-07 17:14:15 · answer #4 · answered by h_oboe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a hot young piano teacher in a bikini......
Seriously, have you talked to him about his lessons? Like, what he likes or dislikes about them? Maybe the teacher reaks of cigarette smoke or makes him feel stupid or has bad breath. If so, he might just need a new teacher.
2006-07-07 17:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by Boo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should definitely not force it upon him.
if you prefer to do this however, find him some music that he likes and will be motivated to learn how to play. If he finds a song he wants to learn, he will practice himself.
oh and piano lessons are very boring if they are all technique; maybe you need a new teacher.
2006-07-07 17:06:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easiest way:
Find a piece of music that the teenager likes .. pop music.. rap.. etc; at the music store and get the sheet music. Have the instructor play the song and tell them that they can reproduce it with lessons.
2006-07-07 17:06:05 · answer #7 · answered by Dr Drew 10 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cant force him he'll hate it forever just see it as a break give him a few months respite he'll come round the piano is the most beautiful instrument of all time and you cant help but love it just give him some time and space he'll come back to it
2006-07-07 17:06:04 · answer #8 · answered by michelleramtulla 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i say don't make him take lessons if he doesn't want, maybe he doesn't even like piano, maybe he wants to play guitar in a rock band, you got something against rock bands!?
2006-07-07 17:07:25 · answer #9 · answered by H. Moonshine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him CD of Mozart, beethoven. He will enjoy it. Rather it is better to give him lessons from a private tutor.
2006-07-07 17:13:04 · answer #10 · answered by picasso 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋