We have done Suzuki violin since DS was 5. It is not an area of natural talent and there has been a lot of bribing, cajoling, and, quite honestly, screaming over the past 7 years. We chose this because DS's fine motor skills were a little behind and his musical skills pretty average. We wanted to give him both the gifts of music and of really struggling at something (before college) and I think it has really worked. Since DS turned 11, we have had much nicer practice sessions and he wants to keep going (we finally gave him the option to stop when he started middle school and finished book 3). A few weeks ago he was asked to play a the funeral of a family friend. He did a beautiful job and was so glad that he had something to offer to this family. WOW. I know, now, that he *gets* that hard work can pay off in big ways.