One of the things we know now about a young person's brain development is that training the brain's pathways when learning to play music expands your ability to learn and comprehend other subjects, most notably math and science.
I would have given ANYTHING if my parents could have afforded for me to have music lessons of any kind. I wanted to play the clarinet when I was a kid. To this day, I love the sound of clarinet music, whether it is jazz, classical, whatever. I was never very good at reading music, though I think if I had had formal musical training, I would have picked it up pretty easily.
I am sorry you are hating your music lessons. It seems you are a very smart young person, as you are obviously articulate. Not everyone that takes music lessons loves the music or the process. Have you considered taking something other than what you are taking? Is there something else you would be MORE interested in, perhaps something your parents would be equally enthusiastic about? Perhaps try sitting down and speaking with them, rather than going on strike regarding chores, homework, etc. Most parents are more reasonable than their kids give them credit for. If you approach Mom & Dad maturely and clearly with a plan in mind and an alternate activity, perhaps they would be willing to listen. You're obviously intelligent, so do a little research on an extracurricular, educational activity you would enjoy in place of the music lessons. Look into what it would cost, show them how it would benefit them (perhaps you would rather take karate or gymastics, and perhaps it's $100 a year cheaper than the music lessons, or something to that effect). Parents like numbers. They like plans. They like their kids to think something through, and more often than not, they'll listen.
I wish you all the best of luck. Hang in there, and I'm sure it'll get better.
I can't even begin to say how many times I tried to quit, failed my exams on purpose, and didn't practice. It was so boring and I loathed every minute. Years on, I still hate it. So is it really true that it's best for children to learn an instrument, even though they hate every second of it? Any first hand experience?
