u/Kaykay_Piano

right now i practice anywhere between 4-5 hours a day while preparing for college auditions. but after reading biographies i notice that some pianists would do up to 10-14 hours a day, and one of my friends told me that his minimum was 4-5 hours 😭 and he usually can go to 8. but also according to lots of research it says that anything after 6 is potentially harmful and counterproductive. what are your guys’ thoughts on practice hours?

I (40s F) have a 17-year-old son who struggles with disordered eating. He sometimes restricts for days to the point where he can barely get out of bed. He’s been starting to improve, but we don’t have a great relationship and things escalate quickly.

The other day he came home while we were eating dinner and took only a very small portion. I told him if he wasn’t going to eat a proper portion, then he couldn’t eat the food in my house. He said “okay fine,” grabbed some ice for his drink, and I told him he couldn’t use my ice either. He then said “okay fine,” threw the ice on the ground, and walked away.

I told him that behavior was unacceptable and grounded him. I also took his keys and phone service and told him I wouldn’t drive him to his piano lessons out of town. I sent him an article about teens and conflict with parents and how kids like him end up in juvi and told him it feels like he doesn’t care about anyone, including his mom, his cousin he didn’t wish a happy birthday, or even his old piano teacher. (His father is in prison and there has been substance abuse in the family.)

For context, he practices piano 4–6 hours a day and is trying to make a good impression on a teacher he really respects. He’s even applying for a job to pay for lessons and gas since it’s out of town. I understand it’s important to him, but I don’t feel I should tolerate being disrespected in my home.

Afterward I texted him that he doesn’t have to care about me, but he does need to respect me and our home.

He responded with this:

“…With the intent to cause harm? I threw two ice cubes on the ground, not at you or to threaten you. If you want clarification, go talk to the police. I don’t have to care about my mom who abandoned me as a child for drugs and doesn’t accept me, and I definitely don’t need to care about you. Ground me, take my keys, take my phone service, find someone else for me to live with, I don’t even care dont talk to me about it just do it. I did actually wish Jesse happy birthday yesterday, but didn’t feel the need to tell you because I don’t need your approval. Nobody said I didn’t care about my teacher either, he’s probably the only adult in my life I can trust. You know as well as I do I’ve tried to ignore you practically my whole life. I’m doing what’s necessary for my future and if you can’t drive me then oh well I’ll find another way. I prefer not to rely on you for things anyway. I don’t value our relationship enough to resolve it and I’m just waiting until I turn 18 to leave. Sorry to waste 17 years of your life, but I won’t be around once I can leave.”

I feel like his reaction was extreme, but I also know this escalated quickly.

AITA?

I am entering a remix competition, and am trying to get that pulsating deep techno baseline. I have tried side chain compression but it isn’t really the effect im going for. I want some parts to pulsate more than others.

I know I sound confusing but here is my reference track Spotify link (show me baby by leisan)

I am 17 and am a beginner singer, but have been producing for a while. I want to get into producing pop for other people but obviously I need a vocalist to practice with so I decided to use my own. I absolutely suck at singing but will this help me become better producer (and singer) over time?

Hey Reddit, I have been a classical pianist my whole life and need to make some extra money to pay for lessons while I approach college auditions. I was thinking of putting together a setlist for a local restaurant called Bridgewater Bistro. They usually have jazz musicians play, but even though I can obviously sight read jazz I definitely cannot improv on it. Whats are some good pieces to add to a set and tips for gigging? Thanks