Stayseeliz Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Do you let them? DS (almost 12) took guitar for two years then we lost our teacher. We took a break for about a year and he started back six months ago. He told me today that he's just not enjoying it and he wants to quit. He is also taking piano which he loves. He tinkers and plays on the piano a lot. I'm leaning toward letting him quit guitar. My only hesitation is that I quit piano around the same age and I've always regreted that decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 He would still be taking piano lessons, so I'd probably let him quit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Is he not enjoying playing guitar anymore or just the lessons or the teacher? Either way I would have let my child quit as it is easy to pick the skill back up later. I haven't been playing much piano since I was a teenager but the skills is never lost. I am still able to blow the horn and flute eventhough I have not done that for a very long time. So I won't worry too much about a child dropping music lessons for an instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted July 3, 2013 Author Share Posted July 3, 2013 He says the lessons are fine but he hates practicing. I don't see the point in paying for lessons if he won't practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 If piano is going well, I'd let I'm drop guitar. It may be that in a few years he'll want to pick it up again, or maybe another instrument. Generally, in our house you need to be working on at least one instrument until you leave home. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 When my kids asked to stop we allowed it. I knew a break would allow them to figure out if they missed it. Nope, both have never gone back. Dd did teach herself a lot of piano (she did violinbefore) but her gymnastics schedule doesn't allow time/money for music lessons and its not important enough to drop gym she said. If they want to do it again we would let them if time and money permitted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my2boysteacher Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 My 12 year old has been playing guitar for going on 3 years. We noticed his interest waned after about two years as well. It is a solo instrument which usually needs a vocalist or other instruments (unlike a piano that is all melody). Would he be interested in joining a band? My son joined our praise band at church last year and has become enthusiastic again. He still doesn't like to practice, but he feels like the band needs him, so he will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Usually kids want to quit piano and learn guitar or drums (just what I see in music school), although parents don't necessarily allow dropping the former, so your son seems to be going against the tide. I like the idea of forming a band or joining a praise group as a way to use his guitar skills; otherwise, just learning one instrument is perfectly fine, especially given his love for the piano. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MolleenCarie Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 My dd has stated she wants to quit piano, but I told her she has to take music lessons through eighth grade. I think music is important and so I made it part of the grade school (1-8) curriculum in our homeschool, just like math and grammar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MolleenCarie Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I want to add: The kids are free to play other instruments, they just can't quit until high school. So, yes, I would let your DS switch if be we're mine, but still require daily guitar practice in addition to the piano lessons and practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Your son is older than my boys. But our current household rule is everyone including adults must pick to do something. That something must involve a teacher (or coach, or mentor) and that thing must take up at least an hour a week. Dh and I take social dancing. My boys take piano. I would be okay with them quitting if they pick something else. Mind you piano works perfect for us right now so I'm glad they are into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted July 3, 2013 Author Share Posted July 3, 2013 The kids are heavily involved in swim team with practices 3-4 times a week so being involved in something isn't the issue. I wanted him to start with piano initially but he asked to start with guitar. I let him but I think his love is piano more than guitar which is fine. I just wonder if he will regret it later. It might be the teacher. I have no idea. We don't really have a praise band option. There is a homeschool band but it is woodwinds and brass. I would rather them stick with piano for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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