I don't think it's uncommon to have this experience around forced classical music lessons. I did a really serious conservatory prep program as a child, "strong

I don't think it's uncommon to have this experience around forced classical music lessons. I did a really serious conservatory prep program as a child, "strongly encouraged" by my parents. This included formal theory classes, lessons, seminars, competitions, and a lot of recitals. That environment was horribly discouraging and, in retrospect, weirdly competitive. I dropped the piano for 5 years almost completely. Still, like a lot of my friends from that program, I came back to piano as a hobby, and I really appreciate the education I got. I also think it made me a better person in a lot of ways.