Dear parents:
Your child goes to school for at least 6 hours each weekday. That's physical, mental and emotional exhaustion from absorbing information, facing teachers, playing with friends, joining activities.
After school, your child attends tuition classes for the next 4 hours. BM, English, math, and what not.
But oh, your child needs to cultivate their hidden talent and learn to appreciate the arts. Hence, dance classes, art & craft, robotics.
BUT WAIT! I need some qualifications and certificates for my child to show that he/she is actively upgrading themselves throughout the years! LET'S ENROLL HIM/HER FOR MUSIC LESSONS!
And it all goes downhill from there.
Excuse me, but the last time I checked, I was well tired out after a long day at school. Give me extra classes once a week on Saturdays or something, that's cool; maybe my math really sucks and I desperately need some help.
However when it comes to signing your child up for music lessons with the expectations of stage performances, distinctions in exams and producing prodigies, please think before hand. They ask, "how come my child isn't progressing?" Please, I'm the teacher and I want them to progress as badly as you do, dear parent.
Music, unlike any other "class" that you signed your exhausted child up for, requires tons of practice FROM THE START. I don't care if your child is Level 1, classical piano; he's gonna need all the discipline and practice that he can get. And there's nothing more saddening than hearing this after asking them if they've practiced: "Teacher, I got no time. Every day tuition until 7 o'clock. Come back home then dinner and bath. Need to do homework some more. Then need to sleep already. How to practice?"
Parents, if you're gonna sign your child up for a music class... Give them enough time to practice, and make sure you understand that kids are just like you; their energy levels can deplete, and hence, their concentration.
Help us help you help your kid.