catsPhiddle, I agree if a child shows an interest, and picks up an instrument on their own (and I really mean on their own) and begins playing/practicing it with a sincere interest, they be allowed to follow it. But that is pretty rare, even in cultures where children begin playing instruments at a tender age, like in Irish trad music families. However, there is never any justification for pushing them into playing an instrument under age 7 or 8 (depending on the child).

Some of the most gifted instrumentalists I have ever known didn't pick up an instrument until their teens, and of the trad players I know, never had any lessons whatsoever. Now, does that mean I don't favor lessons? No. I think lessons are fine. But parents need to accept the fact that most kids who receive instrument lessons aren't ever going to be great players. Most people who learn music aren't gifted at it, they just enjoy it. THAT is what we need to encourage, or we are guilty ourselves of robbing people of the joy of the music.