The things we do for our kids

[tracer03]

Jonah, not mine either, but it's worth it to have the time with my daughter while I am still cool to be around.

Indeed. I've been giving my daughter basic guitar lessons, and it's great just spending time, making music. I'm also teaching my middle son some drumming rudiments. Couple more years, and I will have a band!

Seriously, tho - there's something special about sharing music - and your passion - with your kids. My kids listen a lot of pop, but they'll always ask me to play songs for them, or if they hear something blaring on the computer, or something I'm practicing, they'll poke their heads in to listen. My daughter's iPod has the requisite Avril Lavigne/Katy Perry/etc. - but it's also got songs from Shinedown, Tool , Led Zeppelin, Chevelle, and many, many more....

And: find a way to videotape the performance. Something like that will be a memory you both will cherish and enjoy for a long time, and having a record of it will only make it more special.

 

[busmandan]

My son started playing drums at 13. He subbed on a cover band gig for me at 16. I returned the favor last year and subbed in his band for a show. We don't play together as much as I would like, but I cherish every minute we do.

Crijan, you know him - he auditioned for one of your bands once.

 

[Sathington73]

I just found this thread and I don't have any shame in saying it made me tear up.

I have two girls, three and one, and I can only hope to be able to play with them one day. I have a drumset and my bass available to them at all times and I make sure to listen to good music in the car instead of the kiddie radio. The three year old wants a guitar for her birthday, so I look forward to sharing many similar memories with them in the future.

 

[Versatek6]

My daughter (now 17) has been singing for two years in our praise band at church where her mom also sings and I play bass. She has even done a couple solos with the group.

She started on trumpet in 6th grade and tried through 9th, but she just can't master rhythms. Singing allows her to follow more, but she is doing well. She is apparently also doing something at the upcoming senior music recital, which surprised me.

My son wasn't interested in music until a couple years ago. We were registering him at school, doing paper work, and he was off looking at the activity tables. He came back and said, "I want to take piano lessons." Now this year, he decided he wanted to add guitar, and is progressing well. I hope this summer we can start doing some things together; maybe some of the easier church stuff.

Now, as an adult with my own kids, I understand why my mom was always wanting me to play something with her.

 

[TonyP-]

That .... is .... AWESOME.

+100

 

[hagbass101]

My son and I started out something like that and now that he's grown we host an open mic together every Sunday night at a local club. It's great to be able to make music with your kids.

 

[Mulebagger]

You are the man! Good for you and your daughter. She will always remember that you played with her. Props!

 

[JumboJack]

Good dad.....