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I hope when Larry's daughter has children, he lets us know of her success in “making” them learn/practice an instrument. I'll be interested to see how that works for her. I'll also wonder if she will think it is her fault if they hate it and act accordingly.

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While in school, I was offered the opportunity to learn one of the "romance languages". I didn't take it. I've regretted that decision every time I visit France. Educate your children in as many areas as possible. You never know what their future holds.

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Knowing a commonly used foreign language is useful for more than face-to-face with speakers of that language. Companies deal with other companies and customers not only in the US but all around the world. Knowing Spanish as well as she might be able to would make her in demand as a bilingual speaker and writer. Also, students in these programs get the opportunity to visit Mexico or Spain while still in school.

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As a musician and music teacher myself, I think that your daughter is being unreasonable in blaming you for not making her practice. All through life, music should be done because it is ENJOYED. And, unlike language, there is no age limit to learning. There is some evidence that in students starting after the age of six, a phenomenom called "perfect pitch" cannot be developed, but given the fact mamy of our leading conductors, musicians, and even composers (such as Stravinsky) did just fine without it, (some of which had early musical training anyways), this is not a reason for abandoning musical hope. Larry, your daughter STILL can learn piano. In fact, every adult student I have had enjoys playing more and learns faster than their younger counterparts. Even if she learned as a child, she would have to relearn at this point if she did not enjoy it and continue the practicing. (And if she feels short to time and wants to accompany her students singing, there's always the guitar or autoharp.) So, from a professional music teacher, to you and all parents everywhere, you can stop feeling guilty if your offspring truly showed signs of not enjoying lessons and you stopped them- I would have supported your decision. And to your daughter, and all parents who are saying, "I wish I could have learned as a child"- it's not too late! If your daughter or son truly is not enjoying playing but you wish you had been forced to play, take the money you are speding on lessons for them and take piano or trombone or whatever instrument you wish yourself! It will be an investment you'll never regret.