This morning, we went to see a mini-concert sponsored by the music school that Aya has been attending for the past month. We thought it would be a sort of “happyoukai” or presentation to be performed by older kids at the school. We were wrong. It turned out to be a one-woman performance by one of their staffs. But fortunately, she was very good – and for 60 minutes or so we listened to her perform on the electronic keyboard. She gave us quite a show.

At one point, she mentioned that when she was a little girl, she was made to practice at home for at least 15 minutes by her mother. Since her mother went to work every day, her practice was scheduled every 8-8:15 pm, just after dinner. She stressed the value of practice, and how it was essential to improving her skills.

This brings to mind Baggy’s post about what it takes to be great. As a prime example, Tiger Woods became one of the greatest icons of golfing because he started very early. His father trained him to play golf at 18 months of age! It is thus very important for parents to devote time and effort into developing their children’s abilities and skills while they are young. Discipline is a must. Practice is gold.

In a way, I feel kind of guilty because I haven’t really taken Aya’s lessons that seriously (not yet anyway). Do I just want her to learn how to play the piano just because it’s cool? Or do I want her to excel in piano, or music in general? Do I envision her as becoming one of the greatest musicians of all time? If so, how much of myself would I be willing to sacrifice to achieve that? Attending the school will never be enough. Practice spells the difference between mastery and mediocrity.

I look at my daughter and see so much potential in her. I feel responsible for what she will become someday. I am sure than when she is old enough, she will be able to carve out her own place in the world, in her own time, at her own will.

The path to greatness is a long, arduous journey. As parents, we are responsible for showing our children where to begin.