How do I convince my parents to let me play an instrument?
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 11:05 pm
I’m 12 years old and I want to play an instrument along with singing for a band. My mom will not let me because I quit the clarinet in fifth grade. The reason was I got bored not learning fast enough. Even after I could play things I had to wait for other kids to catch up. I want to take private lessons or teach myself to play to stop this problem. I have a lot of money that is not doing anything and I can use it to help pay for it. What should I do?
What did your mom say about that you had to wait for the other kids? Something like this really IS a good reason to stop, of course you want to go on your own pace. I don’t really know what the problem of your mum is, if you pay for the instrument and the lessons yourself. I’d guess she only doesn’t want to hear the "noise"
Learn to play the harmonica.
That thug from Oasis could do it – so could you.
Tell your mom that music and the arts has be shown to raise a students performance in school, buy a guitar or bass and practice. If you think you can drum and sing then more power to you.
You should tell them that it can get you famous. Tell them that it will keep you from doing bad things and keep you not bored. You can also learn a new skill.
Tell your mom there’s a new gang in your neighborhood called the Crips and they do cool things like sell drugs and do drive by shootings and they want you to join….. She’ll let you play any instrument you want!
Tell them that this time you’re really dedicate to learning it. Also remind them that you’re not in 5th grade anymore. You’re growing up. Then tell them that there is a huge difference in learning an instrument for school and learning it for yourself. Clarinet isn’t the most exciting instrument. Try guitar or drums. Stick with it, I did and I love playing.
It takes patience, trust me, I’ve been in violin for 2 years and I started in 5th grade.
There are lots of advantages to playing an instrument:
-It opens up a new "pathway" in your brain. After I took piano lessons, all my grades started improving
-You can get scholarships maybe someday
And lots other. Maybe clarinet just wasn’t your instrument. I think your mom should let you do it as long as your family has enough money and stuff.
start by picking up the clarinet again…self teach yourself the stuff you want to play…i do that with my piano..its much better than going up in grades… i got up to grade 6 then decided to do myown stuff
x
Your parents are not doing their job if they won’t let you play an instrument. You sound like a fast-paced, creative person, so I would just explain to them what you explained here.
Just go do it yourself. You said you have money, so go get your instrument and start learning on your own. There are plenty of free resources online to help you get started. If your mom sees how diligent you are with doing things on your own, she will support you.
Maybe discuss the benefits of playing an instrument with her? If you’re trying a different instrument just explain that you prefer this new instrument over the clarinet.
Just buy one and play it. What the hell can your mom do?
Well promise to them that you won’t quit this time and stick to your words, mate!
I think that’s wonderful that you want to pay for your own private lessons! See if she will give you a
trial period of six months or so, to see if you take it seriously. Offer to let your teacher give her a
"grade report" on your progress from time to time. I wish I’d had that coice when I wanted to take\ballet lessons!
I had the same problem with my son.
Make a deal. You pay for half. If you stick with it for an agreed-on period, say 6 mos or a year, they reimburse you. (if it costs you money, you are likelier to study harder, you tell them).
Can you use an inexpensive one at first?
First of all, use your voice and sing. Ask her to take you to lessons and say that you will pay. If not, then find a way to sing in school through music class. As for the instrument, keep your eyes out for used stuff. It depends on the instrument tho. A used guitar is cheaper and easier to find and carry around than a used piano.
Tell your mum the kids at school where bashing you for playing the clarinet and that you need a hardcore instrument like the guitar to redeem your face.
Be persistent, show them that you are responsible and will stick it out and keep at it until you wear them down.
Every breath is a second chance