Managing Musical Expectations

We've been having a few dramas with Beth over her music lessons.

First it was Yamaha vs. private tuition.

As her teacher is not ready to take on students of Beth's age, and Beth is feeling pressured by her Yamaha curriculum, we told her teacher she would take a break next year.

Beth now says she wants to learn the violin.

I don't know if that's just an emotional reaction (keyboard = hard work). I'm trying to impress on Beth that learning the violin isn't easier than learning the keyboard.

Some days are better than others.

This evening, she sat on my lap to practise, and I thought she did quite well at playing with both hands. So I told her so.

She seems to do better when she's got my full attention (like today, when J is at daycare).

I would love to see Beth continue her Yamaha classes, or at least go to a private teacher. Otherwise she might lose all the momentum and learning she's gained. But I'm conscious - because of my personal experience - of the danger of being a pushy parent. 'Softly softly' is the best approach I think.