re: It doesn’t seem like kids today are very interested in learning music instruments,

Not surprised the OP she most responders would be so clueless. I mean, y'all just are completely wrong. Guitar sales are strong and growing, with other instruments also selling well. Lots of new gear or there a week. Lots of people picking up instruments and forming bands.

Guitar Sales Statistics

My grandson is going to take clarinet when he goes into Jr High next year. I told him to buy the dog ear plugs, the squeaking will drive it crazy.

seems like a boomer take.

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Being in bands, or think guitars are “cool”?

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1. Anything requiring years of effort to even get good enough to perform in front of people is considered a waste of time

2. Rock is essentially dead in the mainstream. You have to seek it out yourself because you won’t just happen upon it.

3. Anything considered aggressive or edgy is systematically attacked until it buckles under the pressure.


All that being said - my kids play on my drum kit several times per week and they know who Periphery is so I say I’m winning

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Admirable music and impressive musicianship is absolutely, unequivocally on very, very solid ground.

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That is my impression as well. I have one high school kid in School of Rock (yes, yes.. I know all the downsides), and we see tons of kids who are amazing. We've also seen a lot of those kids from School of Rock go on to create their own bands over the years outside of the "School."

My other son loves music. He's been focused on bikes his whole life, though, so he never took up an instrument. He's starting to now, though, and the majority of his friends all play some instrument.

That being said: I also see a ton of kids (I teach at a high school) who not only aren't interested in music or instruments, but aren't really interested in much of anything. And it's pretty sad, but seems to be tied more to their upbringing and socioeconomic status (lack of encouragement due to parents not really being in a position themselves to cultivate their interests). My kids and their friends, on the other hand, are all pretty danged driven in and passionate about their pursuits, but they have the advantage of parents who have encouraged them.

I do think that kids who DO have an interest are 1000x more able to pursue that interest and get really good at it in today's world because of youtube tutorials and access to seeing other peers their own age do amazing things as role models. That goes for all hobbies/pursuits not just music, though. But damn.. it's crazy to see what some teens can do and how well they can perform at really young ages in all kinds of pursuits now, though.


TL;DR= Okay boomer.

I have to disagree. My son just started a band with his high school friends and they’ve been playing gigs in Lafayette. Last week they opened for Marc Broussard. So naturally, I’m seeing lots of young people enthused with learning music and really delving into it. YouTube has made learning how to play so much more accessible. There’s a lot of young people out there who appreciate good music and are developing their own musical skills

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Primarily being there are no big rock bands

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wait what? I don't know where yall get these takes from.

Foo Fighters
Arctic Monkeys
Queens of the stone age
Greta Van Fleet
Muse
Jack White

those may not be your favorite bands but to say that there are "no big rock bands" is just blatantly false

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I have to disagree. My son just started a band with his high school friends and they’ve been playing gigs in Lafayette. Last week they opened for Marc Broussard. So naturally, I’m seeing lots of young people enthused with learning music and really delving into it. YouTube has made learning how to play so much more accessible. There’s a lot of young people out there who appreciate good music and are developing their own musical skills

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This. My 3rd grade son kept asking us for a guitar for his birthday. I said sure, but only if he agrees to lessons. He agreed and has been in lessons for months now and loves it.

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I can tell you first-hand based on the quantity and quality of young fretted instrument players who walk through my workshop doors daily ...

Admirable music and impressive musicianship is absolutely, unequivocally on very, very solid ground.

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That is my impression as well. The masses of kids may not be learning an instrument these days, but the ones that are are attending Arts Magnets, School of Rock, etc. and are very good musicians. I see young local bands quite often and am really impressed with the musicianship in these bands.