Should I Force my Kids to take Piano Lessons?

Wow - that word - "force".

It doesn't sound like fun to think about forcing a child to take piano lessons, or to do anything.  As a parent, you have to teach your child about personal hygiene and health habits, cleaning their room, taking responsibility for homework and chores, and so much more.  Children have to learn to read, write, and do math; as well as get along with others and be kind.  But, do they have to take piano lessons?

The short answer is no.  As a piano teacher for over thirty-seven years, I can tell you that if a child is super oppositional to piano, it will be difficult or impossible to get very much accomplished with piano lessons.

On the other hand, if your child is open to lessons, even if they don't always want to practice - you might want to consider guiding them in this area.  The benefits to music lessons for the child are many, and the lessons they learn in piano will help them in other areas of life.  Consider what this Nashville mom is doing for her children:

http://nashville.citymomsblog.com/force-kids-take-piano-lessons/

Feel free to start a discussion with me on the merits of your child taking lessons.  What are your views on what children should learn when it comes to music?  I would love to know your thoughts.