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Tue, 12 Jan 1999 23:40:01 -0600 |
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Douglas Purl wrote:
>The work of a child is to play. Play is a serious business by which the
>mind and character and morals are formed, as is the body as well. It is
>business best transacted with peers. Though adults and their values have
>a crucial part in the development of a successful human being, so too do
>childish juvenile peers in the crucibles of childhood and adolescence.
I must comment here. I was certainly no prodigy, but I was definitely
gifted with an exceptional talent. (I say this to illustrate my points to
follow, not to brag. I fully recognize my abilities as a gift from above
and am very grateful for them). I began practicing the piano at the age
of 5. I loved every minute of it. Never once did either of my parents
force me to practice. Not ever. This was to the great frustration of my
teachers, but my father was adamant that music would be my choice and my
love and he refused to live vicariously through me. (He is also very
musically inclined.) I never gave up the company of children, though, as
an only child, I spent a great deal of time by myeslf. I was, however,
never alone. Thanks to a wonderful public library in my little hometown,
I was able to spend countless hours with great musicians through books and
records. I have always maintained a very healthy social life and a wide
circle of friends. I also took plenty of time to play. One doesn't have
to miss out on the joys of childhood to pursue music. For me, music was
one of the joys of childhood.
>I am sensible of the argument that the results justify the means. "You
>will thank me someday for the abuses I inflict on you now." It is the
>binding of feet.
Perhaps this circumstance is true of Asian women. (Ducking now for the
arrows to fly overhead) But my parents never inflicted music upon me.
It was and is a precious gift.
Kevin Sutton
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