I loved music, and it was first nature to me - until my father got a new piano teacher for me, and insisted that I be "serious" about becoming a "world-famous piano player". The teacher insisted that I practice a certain number of times a day, and if I didn't do the exercises, would merely double them the next week. I ended up with being told to do 40 repetitions of one stupid piece per day, and quit.

My father then moved the piano to the only room in the house with a lock on the door. If I wasn't going to be a "world-famous piano player" I wasn't going to be allowed to do it at all.

I was less than four years old.

It took me years to begin to play again, and I have never been able to hold to a practice schedule, even now, in adulthood. It is just too painful.

Many parents think that something has to be regimented and painful in order to "mean anything". They also resent the child's freedom to create and play. I really wish people would just lighten up about creativity!

So, if you are teaching, be very careful to emphasize that unrestricted creativity is healthier for the child's musical and intellectual development. Make sure the parents have some sense! (Knock it into them if you have to.)

And if you are looking for a music teacher for your child... make sure the teacher understands the value of fun!