Nigel H

Dan,

I don't agree with you that it is that simple. I'm happy to encourage where there's a germ of desire, but it history has taught me not to bother if he doesn't want to. It just ends up in a sulk and no-one is better off. I feel that we'll end up here, given that there's been no desire to do this before.

Thanks for the netto link. I'll have to lower my standards and go there

B-B

I have no idea of your son's commitment to things like this but we had a similar thing with my daughter at 7. She wanted to play the violin. Kept pestering. I hated the thought - as has been said the castrated cat effect!! I gave in to keep the peace. She is now lining up auditions to go to uni next year to study the violin. She loves it with a passion. Tours with orchestras and commitment most Saturdays and Sundays.

Dan - I agree with you some on the practice thing. Encouragement is necessary but if they 'want' to play they will practice - simple.

Leslie

It would be a shame not to let him have a go to see if it suits him. He obviously fancies the idea and he may really take to it. No way of knowing until he tries it.

I think it would be well worth looking into hiring an instrument in the first place and see how he gets on.

Les