You are absolutely right – not everyone’s journey looks exactly like what I’ve described here. I’m glad you’ve found your way in music and are still enjoying it all these years later! You’re why we do what we do – thanks for sharing!

That is such an important lesson for parents to learn. I can’t tell you how often we talk to parents about getting their child started on the instrument they like the sound of best (because they’re going to have to make it make sounds in order to get better!), not the one they already have in their closet (because that would be cheaper than renting one), or the one they played when they were younger. It will be a total waste of the child’s time and the parents’ money for them to be forced to play an instrument they don’t really want to play.

I was an oboist. I studied at Tanglewood, and never imagined for a minute that my daughter would be a singer. However, she has finished her high school career as an Alto, and sang in many All-State ensembles as well as the ACDA Children’s National Honor Choir and also the National Children’s Chorus. It needs to be what your child wants, not what you want…first lesson I learned.

What a great question, Jeanette! Unfortunately, piano is not a regular part of most school band or orchestra instruction. To be clear, there are exceptions to that, but those typically come at the high school level.

The piano is regularly included in the jazz band, if your school has one. In rare instances a school district may even have a middle school jazz band where playing piano would be possible. If your school has a string program, the orchestra may play pieces that include a part for piano, on occasion, as well.

Frequently, students with a piano background are the leaders in their school’s music program, as they have a head start on reading music, understanding rhythm, performing, and so much more. This allows them to not have to learn those things along with the nuts and bolts of playing a new instrument, meaning they tend to progress rapidly.

They also learn incredible skills that they don’t get as readily from playing piano, like making music as a team, learning to lead others etc. if you can find the time, I think it would be well worth it for your children.

Regardless, we’re just happy your kids are involved in music! Talk with your school’s band or orchestra director and see what happens. You never know what will come of it!

If we can ever be of help as you walk this journey with them, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thanks for the kind words – I’m glad it was helpful!