I'm Glad My Parents Didn't Let Me Quit Piano Lessons

And why your child might thank you someday, too

When I was growing up, I couldn’t wait to quit piano lessons.

That may sound strange coming from a professional piano teacher, but believe it or not, it’s the truth. Like so many kids, I struggled with the discipline and routine that music requires. Practice wasn’t something I looked forward to. It felt tedious, overwhelming, and often discouraging, and I couldn't see the bigger picture. Why did it matter that I practiced my 30 minutes a day? I couldn’t yet understand the deep joy and personal growth that comes from committing to something hard and sticking with it over time, and can you blame me? At such a young age I don't think I had really done anything hard, let alone reap any benefits from it.

Recording a piano EP after many hours of practice.

All I knew was that piano felt like a chore—and I couldn’t wait to be done.

I used to daydream about high school graduation, not just because I was excited for college or adulthood, but because my parents had always told me I could stop lessons once I graduated and was old enough to make my own choices. I held on to that promise like a light at the end of a tunnel, and it pushed me through those "long" days of practice. I told myself that once I was free, I’d leave piano behind and do something more “practical,” like nursing or communications.

But God had other plans.

A Spark I Didn’t Expect

Everything changed when I was sixteen.

At that point, I was still a student, still trudging through scales and repertoire, and still had an axe to grind with a certain black-and-white keyboard that I thought was mercilessly stealing my time. Then one day, my piano teacher— who had taught me for almost nine years at that point—asked if I’d be willing to work for him and teach a beginner piano student. To be honest, I don't remember if I was surprised or excited. I just remember looking forward to having some cash to spend, and having the responsibility of a "big girl" job, but he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. With his support, and my brand new driver's license in hand, I officially began teaching my very first student.

That first lesson changed everything.

I found myself energized, excited, and deeply fulfilled. I remember I came home and immediately told my mom "I think I was made for this". Suddenly, the hours of practice that once felt meaningless began to take on new purpose. I wasn’t just playing—I was sharing. I was reaping dividends on the countless hours I had invested. Teaching music gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt before. I slowly began to realize that maybe I didn’t want to quit piano after all (much to my own surprise).

The Long View

Looking back now, I owe my parents so much for not letting me quit. I'd loved piano more than I even knew, but only they truly saw it.

They didn’t force me to love it in those moments of tough practice. They didn’t expect me to be perfect. But they stayed consistent, steady, and faithful. They believed that I’d thank them one day—and they were absolutely right.

As a teacher now, I try to extend that same grace and patience to my students. I don't judge students for struggling with practice because I’ve been there. I know how hard it is to sit down and focus when you'd rather do anything else. I know what it feels like to fall short of your own expectations, or to wonder if the effort is even worth it. Heck, even after I started teaching I still struggled with practice (rumor has it, it may or may not have been my lowest grade in college... ). But I've found the dedication and time I put in to yield incredible benefits. I've reaped the rewards of persistence. I’ve experienced the creativity, discipline, emotional expression, and lifelong joy that music has to offer. And I’ve watched those same benefits blossom in the lives of my students—sometimes years after the difficult season has passed.

If Your Child Wants to Quit…

If your child is going through a phase where they want to quit piano, I want to encourage you: you’re not a bad parent, and your child isn’t broken. This is a normal part of the journey. Most kids hit a wall at some point, especially when music starts to require more effort than it used to.

But that doesn’t mean you should let them walk away.

There’s a balance, of course—we never want to turn music into a punishment. But we do want to give our kids the gift of perseverance. Sometimes, it’s our job as adults to carry the long-term vision when they can’t see it themselves.

So based on my experience both as a struggling student and a thriving teacher, here are five practical ways you can support your child through a practice slump:

5 Tips for Parents When Kids Are Struggling to Practice

1. Be consistent. Establish a set time each day for practice. Even if the session is short or imperfect, the predictability builds a sense of structure. Some of the most successful student's I've worked with had practice as a regular and scheduled expectation in their home. When inspiration isn't motivating enough, sometimes responsibility is. Most children aren’t developmentally ready to create that structure on their own—it’s something we give them. Over time, consistency matters more than perfection.

2. Break practice into smaller chunks. Not every child can sit still and focus for 30 minutes straight—and that’s okay. Try dividing practice into two or three shorter sessions. For example, 15 minutes before lunch and 15 minutes after. This gives them a natural reset and prevents burnout.

3. Set goals, not timers. Instead of saying “practice for 30 minutes,” say, “play this piece correctly three times in a row.” It gives them something achievable to focus on, and they’ll often end up practicing longer without realizing it. Goals are motivating—timers can feel endless.

4. Find music they love. Ask your child what songs they’re excited about, and bring those ideas to your teacher! Incorporating music that feels fun or familiar can reignite a student’s enthusiasm and remind them why they wanted to learn in the first place. I've found in my own experience that I can practice for hours without noticing when it's a piece I truly find to be rewarding.

5. Communicate with your teacher. Many students put on their “best face” during lessons, meaning that us teachers don’t always see what’s happening at home. If your child is struggling emotionally, creatively, or motivationally, let your teacher know. We can adjust expectations, change repertoire, or provide extra support—but we can only help if we know what’s going on.

Finally, a wonderful book I often recommend to parents is The Practice Revolution by Philip Johnston. It’s full of practical, encouraging advice for creating a healthy practice culture at home.

Don’t Give Up—The Best Might Be Just Around the Corner

If I had quit when I wanted to, I would have missed out on one of the greatest joys of my life. I would have missed out on a career that brings me deep purpose, on the relationships I’ve formed with my students, on the daily wonder of watching others grow through music, and quite frankly on the beauty and reward of music itself. Even just yesterday I accidentally spent several hours just playing to play. I found myself so thankful that all those years of practice gave me the skills to be able to just enjoy something so rich for myself.

Sometimes, the gift doesn’t come quickly. But that doesn’t mean it’s not coming. I can't tell you how many adults have told me "I wish that I had never quit". If your child is in a hard season with music, I hope you’ll stay the course. Keep encouraging them. Keep showing up. Keep believing in what they can’t yet see. Because one day, they just might say, as I now do:

“Thank you for not letting me quit.”

Ready to Help Your Child Grow in Music?

At Adelaide Music LLC, we’re committed to walking with families through every season of the learning process—joys, challenges, and everything in between. If your child is ready to start lessons (or restart with fresh vision), we’d love to meet you. Here, you can:

📅 Schedule a free trial lesson

💬 Reach out with questions

📖 Browse more resources on our blog

Together, let’s nurture the next generation of music-makers—one lesson at a time.

This post was written with the help of chat gpt.