I’ve always found it fascinating—parents never think twice about enrolling their kids in math tuition, coding camps, or cricket coaching. But the moment the conversation drifts toward music lessons, the room suddenly fills with hesitation. It’s almost like music is considered a luxury, not a life skill. And yet, you can’t deny how universal it is—every home has at least one story of someone who wished they’d picked up the guitar, learned the violin, or even just stuck with that childhood keyboard class.

So why do parents still hesitate to invest in music education for their kids? Let’s get real about it.

The “Safe Career” Argument That Never Ends

We’ve all heard it: “Beta, music is good as a hobby. But focus on studies.” It’s the classic Indian household mantra. And honestly, I get it. Parents only want stability for their children. They look at engineering, medicine, or corporate jobs and see security. But when they look at music, they see uncertainty, risk, and “what if my child doesn’t make it big?”

Here’s the thing though—music doesn’t always have to mean chasing a career on stage. A child learning music is also learning discipline, patience, and creativity. Playing an instrument is like exercise for the brain; studies have shown that kids who learn music perform better academically, too. Yet the “safe career” mindset is so strong, parents hesitate before even letting their kids experiment.

The Cost Factor: Investment or Gamble?

Another big reason? Money. Instruments aren’t cheap. A decent guitar, violin, or keyboard feels like a major expense if parents aren’t sure their kid will stick with it. They fear the instrument will gather dust after two months, and they’ll feel guilty for “wasting money.”

But here’s where modern solutions have changed the game. You can easily find music instruments online at prices that don’t break the bank. Sites like Iktaraa make it possible to buy quality instruments without getting scammed or overcharged at a random shop. And if you’re still worried, you can start small—get a beginner’s instrument, test the waters, and then upgrade later. It’s no different than buying cricket gear for a kid who might quit after one season. Parents don’t hesitate there, so why hold back here?

The Unspoken Emotional Fear

Now let’s talk about the stuff parents don’t always admit out loud. A lot of hesitation comes from a deeper fear: “What if my child dreams too big and gets hurt?”

Music is emotional. It opens up possibilities, passions, and ambitions. Parents worry that encouraging it might set their kids on a path of heartbreak if they fail to “make it.” And yet, isn’t protecting a child from passion almost worse? Denying them the chance to learn music is like clipping their wings before they even try flying.

I’ve met people in their 30s and 40s who carry this quiet regret: “I wish I had learned guitar when I was younger. My parents didn’t think it was important.” That sting never goes away.

But Here’s the Flip Side…

Every parent beams with pride when their kid performs on stage—even if it’s just “Twinkle Twinkle” on a keyboard at the school annual day. Music brings families closer. It builds confidence in children who might otherwise struggle to express themselves. It teaches patience in a world that runs too fast.

And you know what’s amazing? Music doesn’t have to clash with academics. In fact, learning an instrument actually sharpens focus, improves memory, and even helps with math skills (thank you, rhythm and patterns). So while parents think they’re “sacrificing academics” for music, they’re often doing the opposite—strengthening it.

Buying vs. Learning—The Modern Shortcut

Back then, access was a problem. Finding a good teacher, a reliable store for instruments, or even a community of learners was tough. Today, that excuse is gone. With platforms like Iktaraa, you can not only buy music instruments online but also connect with trusted avenues to learn music properly.

Whether your child wants to strum their first guitar chord or figure out the magic of a tabla rhythm, resources are right there—affordable, accessible, and safe. Parents no longer need to think of music education as an impossible luxury. It’s as easy as signing them up for online lessons or ordering a beginner-friendly instrument with a click.

A Personal Digression: Regret vs. Opportunity

If I’m being brutally honest, I think a lot of hesitation comes from parents projecting their own regrets. Maybe they wanted to learn music once but couldn’t. Or maybe they were told the same thing: “Focus on studies, hobbies won’t feed you.” That mindset gets recycled without much questioning.

But here’s the catch—do parents really want their kids to carry the same regret? Imagine being 40 and telling your kid, “I wish I had learned the violin when I was your age.” Wouldn’t it be better to say, “I’m so glad you got the chance I didn’t”?

The Freedom to Explore

Learning music doesn’t lock a child into one destiny. It gives them freedom. It’s like handing them another language—one that speaks directly to their emotions. Even if they never become a professional musician, they’ll have a skill that stays with them forever. Something to pick up after work, something to heal with when life gets heavy, something that’s theirs no matter what.

And isn’t that worth investing in?

Closing Note: A Gentle Nudge

So the hesitation is real—but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Parents can take small steps, buy that first guitar from Iktaraa, or sign their child up to learn music online. It’s not about betting on a career; it’s about giving them a gift they’ll carry for life.

Because honestly—who wouldn’t want their child to grow up with a song in their soul?