Music is always a good gift, in one form or another.

I come from a musical family. I was taught how to properly use the phonograph when I was small. Mom and Dad bought us records. Not just the children's-oriented records, but symphonic works. I could pronounce Shostakovich by the time I was four. I know the difference between Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Berlioz. I knew all of the orchestral instruments by both sound and appearance. At age 10, I got my first clarinet, and my sister got her first flute. Today, in my 50's, music is just as important to me as it ever was.

My wife and I both considered it important to make music an important part of my daughter's life also. She was an excellent musician.

The toughest thing for young parents is to put up with the sour notes. With proper practice, the kids get better.

My parents were probably smart not to buy me bongos at age 6.