Music school recommendations?
in Students & Teens ·
My husband and I are both musicians, and our son—who just turned 14—was asked if he wanted to enroll in music school. He didn't hesitate for a second; at the time, it felt like the most natural path in the world since he’s been surrounded by instruments and rehearsals his entire life. While I was thrilled that he showed such interest, I also had this nagging feeling that he might be a little too young to truly grasp what he was committing to. My husband and I reached a quiet agreement: let him dive in for a few years, but if we ever felt like he was being forced into it against his will, we would give him the option to walk away. Well, he’s just finishing up his middle school music program now, playing guitar, and in all six years, there hasn't been a single moment where he wanted to quit. Honestly, I feel so grateful he went through this. Between the concerts and the live performances, I truly believe that growing up with musical training fosters a certain mental resilience. Plus, juggling the demands of regular school alongside music helps kids build a work ethic and a drive for excellence that serves them well in everything they do later in life.
Anyone considering enrolling their child in music school needs to realize this isn't a hobby; it’s a serious academic commitment. My little guy leaves the house in the morning and doesn't really return until late in the evening. He spends those narrow windows between regular school, music lessons, and his passion for singing by sitting in the local public library to hammer out his homework. On top of all that, he's currently prepping for his high school entrance exams. We barely see each other unless he manages to swing by my office during a break or we catch a quick phone call. His weekly schedule is intense: twice a week for ear training, two or three sessions for guitar or ensemble practice depending on how close a concert or competition is, plus weekly theory and piano lessons.
He did consider continuing through high school, but he’s starting to develop a different vision for his future, though he can always keep playing through gigs and local shows. Interestingly enough, neither my husband nor I actually attended formal music school; we’re both self-taught, and we’ve spent the last 16 years playing the circuit with our band.🙂
Anyone considering enrolling their child in music school needs to realize this isn't a hobby; it’s a serious academic commitment. My little guy leaves the house in the morning and doesn't really return until late in the evening. He spends those narrow windows between regular school, music lessons, and his passion for singing by sitting in the local public library to hammer out his homework. On top of all that, he's currently prepping for his high school entrance exams. We barely see each other unless he manages to swing by my office during a break or we catch a quick phone call. His weekly schedule is intense: twice a week for ear training, two or three sessions for guitar or ensemble practice depending on how close a concert or competition is, plus weekly theory and piano lessons.
He did consider continuing through high school, but he’s starting to develop a different vision for his future, though he can always keep playing through gigs and local shows. Interestingly enough, neither my husband nor I actually attended formal music school; we’re both self-taught, and we’ve spent the last 16 years playing the circuit with our band.🙂
