Model Music-Making for Your Kids!

When I grew up, my dad had a dream for me—that I would become the next piano prodigy. Problem was, he never played an instrument. In fact, he listened to very little music, himself. 

Naturally, he never got his dream. I never glommed onto the whole piano-playing thing. Instead, I grew up to be a harmonica player. 

Flash ahead a million years... Now, I've got kids of my own, both of whom are fine musicians. But I never said a word to them about playing an instrument. What did I do, instead?

I modeled music-making. The whole time they were growing up I was walking around harpdoodling all the live long day (and night) on my harmonica. Result: My kids just grew up naturally believing that playing some kind of musical instrument was something one just does. 

It was a natural evolution.

So one day, one of my kids said, "I want to play violin." 

"OK, great!" I said. 

And she's playing still. 

The other child followed suit. Naturally. She actually does play the piano, and quite well, I might add.

Moral of the story: It's not important how well you play. The important thing is to play. Your kids will model their behavior after yours. Try it and let me know how it works!