Regarding your original question, I just provide the musical instrument as a tool. I expect them to be good stewards. It is never part of a birthday or holiday gift for two reasons. I have three children so I try to be fair in what I spend on each and I wouldn't normally spend a thousand (or thousands) on a birthday/holiday gift for a single child. The other reason is that I insist they take good care of their musical instruments whereas their toys are theirs to abuse or not.