What would posess a parent to force their child to learn a musical instrument?

Question

Rather than let them select an instrument that they actually want to leran?

Answer 1

Unfulfilled dreams from parents regarding that activity.

Answer 2

Yes. Music is an artistic form of math (we had a whole chapter on it in Calculus class), plus, it helps with a number of other subjects. It also acts as an emotional outlet so if the child is having problems with one area of their lives, it helps them to handle it. Music as an activity in which you use a higher percentage of your brain than any other one, but I can't remember the exact percentage. I think that an instrument has more benefits than singing because you're forced to read the music and learn music theory. In my college music theory classes, the instrumentalists had a much easier time than the voice majors because they have to use theory every day. Don't start them too early, they should be able to read first, or they won't have the concentration level needed to learn an instrument. If you're thinking about a wind instrument, kids don't have the lung capacity to play one of those until about 9-11 years old (3rd or 4th grade), and that's pushing it. 5th or 6th grade is better. As for forcing the child to learn piano or other instrument, you're the adult. They do as you say. I would do a minimum of two years because that's the point where you start getting past the basics and into the fun stuff. If they still hate it once they start playing the "real" music, then let them drop it.

Answer 3

It takes a while to master any instrument. By the time the child is any good, they will have changed their minds several times about what they want to play and will not become proficient with any instrument.

Some instruments lead to a better sense of rhythm, understanding, feeling for, and appreciation of music in general. These developed skills will result in any instrument to be more easily learned and played better. An electric guitar player who used to play the violin is much better than one who who didn't.

They have probably already mentioned that most children in the world would be happy to eat every day let alone have the money for music lessons.

Answer 4

I was forced to learn the violin as a child.
My Mum did it for that good old reason of never being able to chose to learn a musical instrument herself as a child and was always resentful to her parents for that.
I guess she chose the violin because it is portable, affordable and she probably likes the sound.
I started learning when I was 4 via the Suzuki method and alot of my friends did it too so I suppose she found out about it through her friends. So probably she had social reasons too.
Although I hated having to go to lessons, and being forced to practice too, I actually really enjoyed playing the violin and by the time i was in my teens, I really appreciated that my mum had "made" me do it.
I now have an appreciation for music that I think I would never had , I have had the chance to join youth orchestras, meet new people, travel, and entertain myself in quiet times. Music is a joy .

Answer 5

I guess it could be that they learned and instrument and they wish for their child to learn the same instrument. If I ever have children, I'm not going to force them to learn an instrument just because I play one. It'll be their decision, like mine, to learn.

Answer 6

My Mother selected my instrument, the Piano Accordian. It was a good choice. Required good coordination between right and left hands, just like a piano. I thought it was a good choice. Kids should learn when they are young and Mama Knows Best.
No one ever regretted learning Music.

I see by the answers that we have a bunch of rebels without a cause here. Good for you lady, Mama knows best and these kids obviously do not have a good relationship with their parents.

Answer 7

A disappointing childhood manifesting itself into the need to live vicariously through ones child.

Answer 8

all 3 of my daughters play instrumentS. i forced and now they love it. i forced dance classes and now im forcing riding lessons. i do it to keep them busy and out of the streest. my oldest daughter is 13 and takes college courses, and still believes in santa clause!!!!!!!!!!!! thats why i force activities atleast she never seen the ghetto or gangbangers

Answer 9

To try tell you that they completely control every aspect of your life.

Answer 10

Because there are too many guitar players already