Too Much Music

All the kids, except Katie, are learning to play the piano. They have all made terrific progress this year and I'm thrilled with their new level of proficiency. In addition to the piano, almost all the kids are learning other instruments as well. Steve is learning the guitar, ocarina, and tin whistle. Joe is learning to play the pan flute, recorder, and tin whistle. Madelyn is learning the guitar and tin whistle. Paige is learning the tin whistle and recorder. Alison is learning the tin whistle.

Someone is always playing an instrument in our home. Usually more than one person is playing something. We have a piano and two key boards which are almost constantly in use. If someone is not really practicing, someone is plunking out a favorite tune. The constant cacophony of various instruments is driving me crazy. I can't think straight.

Wednesday, it all came to a head. Around noon, I closed the piano and forbid its reopening for the rest of the day. The tin whistles, pan flute, ocarina, and electric guitars continued to emit sounds. The children were told to practice in their rooms for the rest of the day. At 5:00, I began confiscating instruments. Six instruments ended up in my possession before the day was over.

It's wonderful that the kids are excited about making music. I'm glad that they don't need reminding to practice. I need some quiet to maintain a normal level of harmony throughout the house. With the constant practicing, all tempers are a little shorter. After much thought, I have decided to institute some ground rules. I hope that the children's creativity doesn't suffer. All wind instruments are to be practiced in the kid's bedrooms with the door closed, unless we are playing as a group. The piano is to be used for regular piano practice, but not plunking out the same 3 tunes throughout the day. The keyboards will be used with head phones. No piano playing after 8:00pm.

If anyone has a better idea, please share! I want to encourage the kids musically, but keep the noise to a manageable level.