<p>Thanks, theragingsoprano for chiming in. The thing that I worry about with young musicians, like my own daughter and theragingsoprano, is a thought that rarely creeps into discussions on this thread – "My circle of friends shunk substantially, " a phrase appearing in the ragingsoprano’s post above. The problem is that everything is important – grades, SATs, exercise or sports, health, and socializing. For my daughter, an extremely social person, sacrificing time with friends came at great expense. I worry because, as I’ve said previously on this site, relationships with people are what make the world go around – a child’s ability to formulate relationships is one of the most important predictors of overall success in life. </p>
<p>Theragingsoprano said something else that troubles me about my own daughter. She mentions that she was sick a lot – something my daughter experienced because of less than optimal sleep, eating, and exercise habits, encouraged by a too rigorous schedule. For a singer, sleep and general good health is particularly important. Maybe this thread title doesn’t capture what’s really important – balance between school, music, health and human relationships. Just a thought.</p>