When he came here he sat at our ancient upright, which at the time had several keys that didn't work, and belted out a brilliant ragtime version of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" much to the dismay of the THW who was mortified that a ten year old could play the piano that she was still picking at scales on with two fingers. I don't think she has touched the thing twice since his visit despite my having paid to have it restored and tuned because she was blaming the condition of the piano for her lack of ability. I blame lack of application to practice ~ so that's more £s wasted on piano tuners and lessons then.
To any parent I recommend that you get your child to learn to play the Church Organ. Not only will they be welcomed with open arms into any community they choose to live in but it has the added benefit that practice cannot be done at home
