How to know when not to quit music, and when to

Sooner or later, almost every parent hears the words: “I don’t want to do music anymore.”

It might come after a long day at school, during a frustrating practice session, or in the lead-up to a concert when nerves are running high. And suddenly, you’re faced with a difficult question:

Should I encourage them to push through, or is it time to stop?

The answer isn’t simple, but it’s an important one. At Music Makers Academy, we believe music is a lifelong skill, not a short-lived hobby. But we also know every child’s journey looks different. Let’s look at both sides of the equation.

When Not to Quit Music

1. When It’s Just a Motivation Dip

Every student goes through slumps. Practice feels boring, pieces feel too hard, or progress seems slow. These dips are normal — and temporary.

In fact, most students who keep going through a slump end up making a breakthrough soon after. Sticking it out here isn’t about forcing them, it’s about teaching resilience and showing that frustration is part of learning.

Parent tip: Instead of arguing about practice time, try breaking it into short, fun sessions. Even 5–10 minutes can build momentum.

2. When They’re Close to a Breakthrough

Ironically, kids often want to quit right before they succeed. A scale finally clicks, or a performance piece comes together, and suddenly the spark returns.

If your child is frustrated because “it’s too hard,” that’s often a sign they’re on the edge of growth. With support and encouragement, this struggle can turn into their proudest achievement.

3. When the Problem Is Fit, Not Music

Sometimes kids say they don’t like music, but what they really don’t like is the format. Maybe they need a different teacher, a different instrument, or a different learning style.

That’s why at Music Makers Academy, we don’t use a one-size-fits-all method. Every child has a personalised path, and that flexibility often helps them reconnect with music when they feel stuck.

4. When They Still Show a Spark Outside Lessons

If your child taps out rhythms on the table, sings in the car, or lights up when their favourite song plays, the love of music is still there.

Even if practice feels like a battle, that spark is worth protecting. It may just need to be nurtured in a new way.

When It Might Be Time to Step Away

1. When the Joy Is Truly Gone

If your child consistently dreads lessons, avoids their instrument altogether, and shows no interest in music in daily life, it may be a sign that music isn’t the right fit — at least for now.

Forcing them to continue can create resentment, and that can close the door to music more permanently.

2. When Life Balance Tips Too Far

Children today juggle school, sport, and multiple extracurriculars. If music lessons are causing more stress than joy because the schedule is overloaded, it might be time to pause.

Remember: music will always be there. Many of our adult students at MMA are people who took a break as kids and came back later. Music is forgiving that way.

3. When It’s About Your Dreams, Not Theirs

Sometimes parents hold on because they want their child to achieve something they never had themselves. It’s understandable — we want the best for our kids. But if music has become about parental expectations rather than the child’s own joy, it may be time to re-evaluate.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Decision

• Is my child’s frustration short-term or long-term?

• Do they still connect with music outside of lessons?

• Is the challenge the instrument, the teacher, or the practice routine?

• Would a short break help, or would it make restarting harder?

• Am I projecting my own expectations onto their music journey?

Sometimes, simply reframing the experience — new goals, a fresh teacher, or even trying a different instrument — can reignite a child’s interest.

What We Believe at Music Makers Academy

We don’t measure success by how many students stick it out forever. We measure it by whether students leave with a positive, lasting connection to music.

That means:

• Encouraging kids to work through normal dips in motivation.

• Supporting families in recognising when a pause or change is the healthier choice.

• Helping students see music as something they can always return to, at any age.

In other words: less pressure, more progress.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Quitting music doesn’t always mean giving up. Sometimes it’s making space for the joy to return later.

But don’t be too quick to stop at the first hurdle. Most students who make it through those rough patches develop confidence, focus, and resilience that extend far beyond music.

The key is balance: knowing when to push gently, when to adapt, and when to let go.

Because whether your child plays for one year or for life, every note they learn leaves an imprint — one that can shape who they are, and who they’ll become.