Chazmire

One of the dangers (for me) of this marvellous forum is the panic that sets in when I see how much everyone is doing to position themselves or their kids for the best schools. I woke up late to the serious preparation that is needed, and have been frantically playing catch-up. Maybe too frantically. I don't want to burn out my ninth grader. But dropping teachers or outside programs seems counterproductive to his competing with the best players. He is not at that place in his life where I have to pry his horn from his hands, like his teacher's top students. Quite the contrary. He is talented and accomplished (1st chair, several honors bands already), and he likes being that way. But he fights the practice and I'm afraid I could end up pushing him away from music if I load him up too much.

Are there any books or guides or suggestions about how a parent can best guide a young musician? I'm trying really hard not to be one of those dads from h-e-double-hockey-sticks. I want him enjoy just being a kid, too.