Just a slightly different perspective...

The first instrument I learned was recorder when I was 7. I played all through primary school.

I learned flute from grade four through to grade 12. I begged and begged to be able to start. I have no musical talent whatsoever, and am pretty much tone deaf. But i love music. For the most part, I really enjoyed playing at my amateur level, practising whenever the fancy took me (sometimes ten minutes a week, other times every day for hours). I had lessons as school, was in the school band and did private lessons once a week until about grade 10. However, I refused to do exams and made it clear to my teachers and parents that I was doing this purely for my own enjoyment and there was to be no pressure. Having said this, the day I finished high school, I sold my flute. I wish I hadn't now, but it was more of a 'only dorks play flute' kind of thing.

I am so glad I learned an instrument, though I sometimes wish it was piano or guitar. I do wish I had some musical talent though. One day I will dig out my keyboard and re-teach myself what I knew. One day I will buy a guitar and learn 'Drunken Sailor'! If my parents hadn't let me play flute when I'd begged, despite my obvious lack of talent, I'd have resented them forever. If they'd pushed me, I'd have resented them too.

Arcadia said it beautifully.