Imami:

Woah... Thanks folk. Didn't expect my post to generate so many response. I was still thinking that I was so silly to post that, sure Kenna some snide remarks.


I seriously hope my child would pick up music, doesn't matter which instrument so long as he enjoy and it suits him. I read up the whole 90+ pages in this thread and a few others and decided I would buy a brand new yamaha for him to start off. Yes, a bit insane but it shows how serious I am about it.

Then one day, We passed by millennia and we stopped to admire a kawai piano in the piano shop. Haiyo.... Thunder strike wor... Son said didn't like piano! I guessed he said it in jest but it dawned on me that he could have other interest. If I could match personality to musical instrument, I would think he's a drum person.

So well, my purse remained zipped since then. I approached one piano teacher here to coach my child. I told him my situation - no piano. The first thing he said was must hv piano. So no goal lor...

thumbs up for u. I think it is a good investment as yamaha sounds great even it is old. speaking from experience.

Kagillus:

Hi, Jus to share. My boy started his gp piano at Yamaha at 5yr. Due to 'peer pressure' (i think) cos girls sing better, he refused to return to the class on 2nd lesson. Wasted my 300 bucks though I can get refund, too lazy to do so. I never want to pressurize him so let him go indv lesson as he still learnt fr his music book but refused to attend class. I couldnt teach. Yamaha only took in6 yr old kids. I enrolled him to a private moe registered music sch at clementi n he really enjoyed indv lessons with this teacher. Now with 1.5 yrs lessons, he performed recently solo at mini performance organized by music school. I think interest n teacher are v impt. Also u hv to assess if kids like to be in a gp. If all not in place, forcing them to pick up our interest is pointless. I want him to enjoy music. Not much focus on fingering etc cos tt will bore him. I am still hesitating if he should take exam next yr. I hv a colleague who took exams during her young days n hate music later due to exam stress. Thot will wait for teacher to advise.

Its good to enjoy music. But I think you should also balance it with taking exams early. In sg, especially with psle, tuition, remedial classes etc... you wont have too much of a luxury. The later you take exams the more you find you dont have time to devote effort to it. I hated music because it was extra work when i was young but looking back now, i achieved a fair fit. Finished my grade 8. And its good to realise your son's discomfort with group classes. I think its important to feel comfortable when learning so he is not distracted and can focus. Kinda of like your way u handle your kid but I would still suggest taking exams asap at a comfortable pace maybe?