I thought I would start this poll as I have heard of lots of people's parents either pushing them into playing different instruments because 'they' want their child to be a musician or not supporting their child at all and definitely not wanting them to have a career in music. I would not want this poll to be seen as disrespectful as there are obviously lots of supportive parents out there too but I was just interested to know what the highest vote would be.

I'm going to vote for the first answer. My parents are extremely supportive of me and have told me to follow my dreams. They are very proud of me and wouldn't care what job I had as long as I was happy

I have just realised that I posted this poll in the piano forum and think it would be better in the students one. I don't know if anyone can move it but sorry for my mistake.

Well I don't think they always seem that bothered, they just kind of let me get on with it, and I do as I want.

Although my mum has never stopped me from playing music, she never praises any of my performances either. Even those I think I'm faily competent (or I hope!) on the clarient and sax, she has never said "well done" after a concert, she just picks up on the bad bits like "oh, you looked so serious!"

Also if I go to practice (especially for violin) she always comments about getting out ear plugs or leaving he house which is fine as a joke once or twice, but every time?!

My mum would not want me to do anything full time with music career wise and my Dad, well, when I recorded a CD and gave it to him to listen to, he listenend to about 10 secods, then talked over the rest of it!

Parent eh?!

Sorry I'm clearly not a "student" but thought I'd contribute too looking back on how things were and still are for me.

Thoughout the 50+ years of my life I have been extremely lucky that my parents have supported me 100% in my music. When both of them were alive they used to travel throughout Europe to come to my concerts and as I was growing up they made huge sacrifices, in terms of transport to lessons in London, expensive instruments etc when they could probably ill afford to.

I owe my professional career today to them and I'm delighted that my, now quite elderly mother, still wants to come to things I or my pupils are doing. All her grandchildren have done musical things too and she's been there for them as asked.

I don't think I ever felt "pushed" - just warmly encouraged. I've been so very lucky and I know it.

I wasn't pushed, I wanted to have lessons and play. My brother got the chance, but he said he didn't want to play after 2 lessons, and said he'd rather play tennis instead!

After the last concert I did, my dad said that I was a lot better than he thought I would be! So yeah, they let me do it, but they're pretty ignorant!

That's like what I get....they'll say well done and then it'll be like oh you did this bit wrong and messed up that bit didn't you. They only know because they hear the pieces day in day out...but it still hurts sometimes when all I get is criticised

Yeah, my mum was the pushy one at first, however now, im all in it myself

my parents are really good about my music but if i said that i wanted to do it as a career they would kill me. lol

Just to let everyone know, I have re-posted this poll in the students forum as I put it in this one by mistake. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Actually i wouldnt mind pursuing a career in it, but my parents excuse is that there is no money in it

heh heh, looks like money is everything...

my parents are a mixed bag. my mum likes to think she knows about music, but she doesnt really. i appreciate that shes there for me, but sometimes shes just in the way....like before a concert when i just want some time on my own or something, and she will pester me about my pieces, my clothes etc.

My dad cant really stand piano music...he says its "bland" he must be on a different planet. he doesnt stop me, and he likes talking to people about me on the piano, but doesnt really get involved at all.

Mine are fully supportive. They have spent so much money, time and effort to help me with my music. My Dad refuses to let me buy my own music, as he feels it is part of my education, they let me go on tours and flute courses, and they come to my concerts. They aren't critical and say they're proud of me, and I am so glad they feel this way. I won't become a professional musician, I am not good enough, but my parents would support me, whatever I did.

true. even though people say they dont do it for the money, if there was no money in it, would they do it?

I don't think that's neccessarily true. I want a career in music because I am passionate about it and wouldn't do it if I knew it wasn't going to make me happy. Although you obviously need to work for a living, if I didn't think having a career in music would make me happy then I would go down a different career route and only do music as a hobby. I can see what you're saying though, that some people only do it for money and not because they enjoy it.

yeah i love music and id love to do it as a career, but again.. without money youre pretty much screwed out there in that harsh world that is reality...