Beth made a startlingly self-aware statement tonight.

"I admit (pause) my music needs work."

She proceeded to the keyboard to warm up, playing some random tunes.

Then she quickly went through her Solfege and Repertoire pieces, spending the most time polishing Comical Train, the ensemble piece the class is performing for the annual concert.

And that was it.

She was off to watch bits of Sinbad with Daddy and to do a bit more of her school assignment: writing about the national anthems of different countries.

I have consciously decided to hold back on the nagging and guilt trips and threats. While I cannot understand how my child can be so laid back and not want to excel at her music, I realize also that she is different from me and what worked on me (nagging, guilt trips, threats) won't work on her.

As they say, insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Perhaps as she matures, she will come to realize that excellence requires doing the hours and applying oneself consistently.

For now, I choose to close one eye and be contented with the fact that she is doing well at school and in her Chinese lessons.