Chapter 1: Parent-to-Parent-The Conversation Begins Team of Advisors Profile of the Advice Panel A Different Kind of Advice Book Chapter 2: Music Parenting-the Why''s and Worth of It "Opened Up a Vast New World" Strengthening Ties to Family and Friends Building Life Skills Music''s Impact on the Brain and Learning Good for All? Shifting Goals Chapter 3: Starting a Child''s Musical Journey Picking Up on the Clues Kids Make the Call The "Just Because" Approach The Age Story Age Guidelines for Starting Instruments Music-and-Movement Classes Suzuki Instruction El Sistema Programs Music-Friendly Households More Than Music Chapter 4: Helping Kids Choose an Instrument Picking and Switching The "Petting Zoo" Approach Piano Power The Singing Advantage Sibling Issues Multi-Taskers Other Issues to Keep in Mind Instrument Shopping Finding Financial Help High-End Loaners Shopping Tips Bold Choices Chapter 5: Finding Teachers The All-Important First Teacher Having a Private Teacher-or Not The Independent Teacher Option The Music School Route Meet and Greet Teacher Switching Listen Up Switching Etiquette Sitting In On Lessons-or Not Injury Watch Special Needs-Special Planning Cost Concerns More Teacher-Search Strategies Chapter 6: On Singing The Anatomy of the Voice Lesson Debate Late-Start Advocates Early-Start Advocates The Middle View Common Ground The Choral Advantage The Instrument Advantage Finding Voice Teachers Warning Signs of Vocal Stress Switching Up Cross-Genre Singing Delivering a Song Different Timelines Chapter 7: Dealing with Time Issues in Practicing Many Routes to Regular Practice First Step: Understanding Why Getting to Regular Let Kids Take Responsibility How Long to Practice Using Rewards-or Not The Ten-Minute Plan Finessing the Schedule Positive Peer Pressure Ensemble Volunteering Summer Programs as Practice Boosters Growing Into It A Gift Chapter 8: Fine-Tuning the Parent''s Practice Role It''s Not Easy Being a Highwire Artist "An Outside Pair of Eyes" A Fun Start More Ways to Liven It Up Play Around The No-Nonsense Approach What to Say-or Not-as a Practice Coach Targeted Comments Different Kids-Different Strategies Practice-Not Just a Run-Through An Assist from Technology Going Solo Listening Counts Role Models Being There Chapter 9: Managing the Ups and Downs "They''ll Thank You" Strike a Deal Give Them a Break Change the Music Quadruple Play Help with Plateau-ing Make It Social Go to Concerts Sports Issues Lessen Perfectionism Performance Jitters Curve Balls Letting Go Chapter 10: Getting Serious A Different Stage of Learning The Pre-college Option Performing Arts Schools Summer Networking Stepping Up the Effort Academic Choices Home- and Cyber-Schooling Keeping Future Options Open To Lighten Up on Academics-or Not Cutting Back on Extras-or Not About Competitions The Upsides of Competitions The Downsides Competition Coping Wide-Ranging Exploration Composition Experience Going Pro-or Not Tips for Going Pro Sibling Strain Chapter 11: College and Career Concerns First, the Worries The Teaching Anchor Planning for "Plan B" A Rundown of the Choices Researching the Options Choosing a Conservatory Choosing a University-based Conservatory Choosing the College Route The Dual Degree Option Hit the Road-or Not Financial Aid Audition Advice Creating Opportunities Beyond Performing Spare-Timers College Wrap-up Chapter 12: Moving On Seeds Sown New Roles End Notes Bibliography Resources About the Advice Panel Author''s Note Acknowledgments and Credits.