I acknowledge a deep debt of gratitude to my coeditors: my wife Irene, and my friend and colleague Tom Draper. They have worked with diligence and insight to bring this work to completion. They have delegated the task of writing the Preface to me. As the scientific study of human development matures it is not only natural, but it is necessary to reach beyond understanding the ways humans develop capacities, to study the ways emerging capacities fit into the larger sphere of human undertakings. Music is one of the most significant of those endeavors. As I attend the several piano competitions that are on my agenda each year, and see children seated at the keyboard drawing forth the magnificent sounds of Bach, Chopin, and Ravel, I am always a little awed. Surely, it seems to me, the piano* is among the best of man's creations; the creative energies of great composers are among mankind's greatest expressions; and encouraging children to associate themselves seriously with both instrument and composer can be one of the great blessings to their young lives and, by association, to the larger society. Music touches the entire range of our lifespan on a daily basis. Involving chil dren with music and music training has high market, and common sense, validity. Parents understand intuitively that children will benefit, and their lives will be enriched, if they are influenced by music and music training.

(String Letter Publishing). What makes a child fall in love with learning to play music? How does talent develop? When is the right time to start lessons? Which instrument is the best fit? Why is practice so challenging and what can parents do to keep kids musically motivated? Where can a parent learn about music programs, camps, books, recordings, and other important resources? This groundbreaking book answers these questions and many others, serving up healthy portions of insight, humor, research, practical advice, fresh ideas and heartfelt encouragement for making the most of musical development from pregnancy through the elementary years. It provides everything parents need to nurture children so they may begin to discover their own unique voices. If one book can keep kids from quitting, this is it! "This book will help you find a new relationship with your child, and perhaps, yourself ... It's never too late." Graham Nash