When she was a baby, she would willingly give up her toys to other kids.  She was never fazed when another child grabbed something from her.  The only exception was if it was a musical instrument.  She would go ballistic if someone took her harmonica, her drum or her fake saxophone.  For her second birthday we got her a small acoustic guitar.  Subsequent birthdays and holidays have added to her collection: a ukelele, a banjo, a violin and several small pianos.  She is going to turn 4 next week and we decided instead of buying her more instruments, it was time to explore legit lessons.

I don’t want her to feel pressure to play, but I also see that those who are truly great at something have usually started at a young age.  Yo Yo Ma started playing the cello at age 4.  Tiger Woods was putting on TV with Bob Hope at 2 years old.  It is said that Mozart began composing when he was 5.  Clearly, she’s behind the ball here and we better get started (kidding, sort of).  

On Saturday morning, I took her to a music school that teaches the Suzuki method.  We observed two young violinists during their group lesson (they couldn’t have been more than 5 and 7 years old, respectively).  They were amazing and my big girl loved watching them.  I thought the lesson seemed boring, but she said she liked it.  

I’m torn, because I don’t think this method of teaching will intrigue my little creative soul.  It seems too rigid for her, but is this just conjecture on my part?  Am I letting my own feelings about the lesson we saw overshadow what might actually be interesting for her?  The lessons are a big commitment: monetarily, yes, but time and effort, as well.  The parents have to sit in on the twice weekly lessons and practice with the children at home.  This would mean I would have to find a babysitter for the little one during the lessons (that are at least a 20 minute drive from our house).  I want to encourage her as much as possible and give her the opportunity to explore this passion.  Yet, I feel a little guilty that perhaps I’m letting my future inconvenience (and my guilt over leaving the little one) play a part in this decision.  But then again, aren’t a lot of worthwhile activities in life a bit of an inconvenience?  That’s a lesson I have definitely learned in the past year. Her life may be fuller if we go out of our way now, and I just have to take that chance.