Have you ever felt like life is constantly switching up the tempo, challenging you to keep up with its rhythm, especially as you juggle the demands of work and parenting? Well, you’re not alone! I had an amazing conversation with Kat Dingcong the founder and owner of Katz Keys & Company, an online music studio whose mission is to make piano playing a deeply joyful experience for all students that really struck a chord, and I can’t wait to share what we learned together—especially when it comes to music, parenting, and the surprising power of knowing when to quit.
It’s Not Just About the Piano
In our daily hustle (and the occasional chaos), we’re teaching our kids far more than just how to do their chores or keep the house from falling apart. The real lessons come in the quiet moments between all of that. And one of the things I’ve learned talking to Kat is that music lessons are about so much more than just playing an instrument—they’re a gateway to life itself, with all its highs and lows.
Music teaches our kids that mistakes are part of the journey. Missing a beat doesn’t mean they’ve failed—it’s just part of the process. What really matters is how they get back in rhythm, keep going, and develop resilience. But here’s the kicker: sometimes, knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing when to push through. It’s a valuable life skill that music teaches us all, and I’m so glad Kat and I dug into this during our chat.
The Highs, The Lows, and the Steady Beat of Perseverance
As we’ve all seen, playing music isn’t just about getting everything perfect. There are those moments of pure joy when the notes line up just right—and then there are those tough sections that feel impossible. Sound familiar? It’s exactly the same for our kids. They experience those emotional highs and lows when they’re learning music.
But here’s the thing I really took away from my conversation with Kat: true success in music and life isn’t about avoiding challenges. It’s about navigating both the peaks and the valleys. Every win, no matter how small, deserves a celebration. But equally important is knowing when to step back, rethink, and possibly move on to something that better serves their growth.
It’s okay to make mistakes; just go ahead and try.
Quitting: A Thoughtful Choice
Quitting doesn’t have to be a negative thing—it can be empowering when done thoughtfully. One thing Kat and I talked a lot about was how important it is to teach our kids that it’s okay to walk away from something that no longer serves them. Quitting can be a smart choice that helps them grow, learn more about themselves, and move forward with confidence.
For example, if a child no longer enjoys a particular instrument or finds it’s not helping them grow, stepping away can free them to try something new. It’s about finishing on a high note—whether that’s in a musical piece or in a stage of life. And believe me, I’ve seen firsthand how the right kind of quitting can actually build confidence and joy for the next chapter.
Music as a Lifelong Companion
The goal of teaching our kids music isn’t just about creating little virtuosos. It’s about inspiring a deep love for music that can stay with them, no matter where life takes them. Through my chat with Kat, I realized that if they continue to find joy in music, we’ve succeeded. Whether it’s a favorite song or a memory made through an instrument, music can be their lifelong companion—helping them grow, persevere, and face challenges with a steady heart.
Embrace the Joy, Embrace the Journey
So as we wrap up, I want to encourage you to listen to the podcast episode where Kat and I dive into this topic even further. It’s all about how music shapes character, teaches emotional resilience, and helps our kids make smarter choices—whether they’re sticking with something or deciding when it’s time to quit.
We’re all learning, and this journey with our kids doesn’t have a clear-cut roadmap. But with the right balance of perseverance and thoughtful quitting, we can create a life full of harmony, joy, and endless possibilities for both ourselves and our children.
You can listen to the full conversation on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! We had such a fun time talking through all of this, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Let’s continue making choices that fill our lives with growth, joy, and music!
Here’s to our kids—our greatest symphony!
Want More?
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