I always feel disappointed when a student stops taking music lessons. I always question myself - "What have I done wrong?"  For me, music is a constant source of joy and delight; I can't imagine that anybody would willingly deprive himself or herself of this pleasure. I truly believe that every well-rounded human being should know and understand music, and music should be an integral part of children's education, like geography. Besides proven benefits for the mind and body, music education opens a new dimension of the spiritual universe. And many parents think the same way. I recently had an enlightening conversation with the mother of one of our students. She told me that after four years of music lessons, her daughter's musical abilities just exploded. Her daughter has made tremendous progress; she has started to enjoy music immensely and has blossomed as a performer. And the mother was very proud of her own perseverance and her daughter's success and wanted to share her feelings with me.

But sometimes parents, especially the ones who can play an instrument themselves, have unrealistic expectations about the progress of their children. They don't remember their own progress, quickly become impatient, start to think that the child does not practice enough, and withdraw their children from music programs. They don't understand that in the beginning, the child learns even how to practice! And each lesson teaches the child something new and develops the child's memory, coordination, and motor skills. Every child is different and has their own pace of learning and abilities. Some practice a lot, learn ten pieces a year and compete in international competitions. Some don't practice much, learn only two pieces a year and perform at school recitals. Does it mean that the second child should stop his or her music education? Of course not! It is like in sports - not everyone is a champion, but everyone benefits from physical exercise.  And music is as important for a child's spiritual health as a sport for his or her physical well-being.

So, if your child likes to come to the music lessons, but in your opinion, he or she does not practice enough, and the progress is not as good as you would like it to be, ask yourself -"Will my child be better off without music education?"

This entry turned out to be a long one - it is a hot topic with me.