Now my daughter, (the original subject of this thread), loves playing the piano, but I admit it does get to be a bit of a chore at times. But we're lucky in that her piano teacher tries to incorporate ear training, so that she doesn't, in Grab's eloquent terms, turn into a "human player piano". I have known folks from both extremes: some express themselves magnificently from the sheet music, but are lost as far as improv. And others who don't know a sharp from an eighth note, who can play along with just about anything. Most folks land somewhere in the middle
I've noticed it helps when Ican find time to have fun with her, either playing duets, (though I can't really play the piano), or teaching her songs to sing. She's also trying to play the harmonica, and wants to play guitar. I think a lot of it is seeing family members and friends having a blast jamming. She's not a prodigy or anything. I sincerely doubt she'll turn into a concert pianist. But she's having fun with music at an early age, and wants to try everything out. But I really do think the theory she's learning will help her in the long run, as long as she remains diversified. BTW, she likes soccer and baseball as much as she likes music.