<p>Sixth grade is really too early for a kid to settle into one thing. The exploring he is doing is perfect. My kids didn’t focus on one or two interests until later high school. And in my opinion and experience, especially during middle school, down time is very valuable.</p>
<p>If singing continues to be a “passion” in later high school, then he should show commitment by perhaps doing a chorus at a conservatory prep, if there is one within driving distance, or, in general, he should do some singing outside of school. Taking theory is helpful too.</p>
<p>One really important thing to say, and again this is my opinion and experience, is that too much focus on college admissions can backfire. Let him explore and enjoy his teens, and most of all, do things and love doing things for their own sake, not for how they will look on an application.</p>
<p>The funny thing is, college admissions can often work out better that way. The admissions folks can often tell when motivation is authentic.</p>
<p>Try many activities at this age. My son could not decide when he was in elementary school. He took dance lessons starting at age 3 and that is the only thing that he was consistent with until 10th grade. He tried tae kwon do, gymnastics, drama, Destination Imagination, science team, zoo volunteers. He “liked” everything but didn’t “love” it - even dancing. In 10th grade, he started classical voice lessons at the urging of the school choir teacher and found that he “loves” it! So now, as 12th grader, he is planning to major in voice performance. </p>
<p>My daughter, on the other hand, discovered her “passion” at age 6 and is still doing it at age 20.</p>
<p>All kids are different and they will all find their calling eventually.</p>
<p>I know a kid who participated in a boy’s choir throughout school, as well as the HS choral group, and quite likely All-State Chorus (I don’t recall). He was accepted at Yale SCEA, and although he had other strengths (such as being the val ) , I’m sure that being an experienced a capella tenor helped. His singing in college enabled him to travel all over the world, pretty much for free.</p>
<p>I know any number of other people whose singing and musicianship has enriched their lives tremendously, even if they never made a dime doing it.</p>
<p>It does sound as if this is the one thing that your son really has the desire to excel in. Joining the school chorus is probably a good first step, especially since he’ll be dealing with voice change. He can always take voice lessons in HS, if it seems appropriate.</p>
) , I’m sure that being an experienced a capella tenor helped. His singing in college enabled him to travel all over the world, pretty much for free.</p>