"Part of what motivates me to write this book is a concern that we've lost touch in education with the sheer joy of what it means to learn something new." - Thomas Armstrong, Author, Awakening Genius in the Classroom

I think I was around 6 years old, when my mum decided to put me into Piano class. I am quite sure it was an afterthought because it was my younger sister who was first put into the class. Till today, I could still remember, following my mum and sister to her classes at Yamaha.

Why was I asked to learn the piano with my sister? I guess it was my demonstration of my musical ability on the piano (which was bought for my sister to practice). Without any formal music lessons, I stunned my family by playing tunes from the TV shows on the piano. And, of course, I disrupted my sister practice sessions (and maybe, self-confidence, in the process).

My mum, a "talent scout" of sorts insisted that I should have formal training to bring out the best in me. Like all parents would do. So, I began to attend piano lessons each week in a small cramped room that was only big enough for my piano teacher, the piano and me. Frankly, I cannot really remember much of the lessons. But, without a doubt, I could definitely recall the constant nagging of my mum to practice everyday pounding in my head. This went on for about 2 years. During those two years, I did not take any practical exam, as I was averse to the idea of being graded. Fear of failure, maybe. Soon after, my dear mum withdrew me from the piano lessons. I guessed she must have realized that I was not going to amount much since I had adamantly refused to go for any practical exams.

Was I being a difficult child to my mum who probably had so much hope in me to be the next Richard Clayderman or even, a Mozart in the making? How could it be when I had actually passed my theory exam with flying color (shocking everyone in the process!)? To top it all, my piano teacher was very pleased with me and raved to my mum about my prodigious musical talent during the initial few

Copyright © 2005 Mike Lim

About Mile: Mike Lim is the Managing Director (and Chief Learning Officer) for Tumble Tots (Singapore and Asia-Pacific), http://www.tumbletots.com.sg. A believer of A Balanced Child philosophy, he hopes to inject balance and wisdom in Tumble Tots' variety of preschool educational programmes.