I got into as much trouble as anyone else did growing up but I can honestly say that learning to play an instrument I truly loved kept me from getting into much more. Studies have shown that learning an instrument can improve their functioning in several areas, including math and science, as well as build self esteem and confidence. Granted, your child may never make any money from his musical skill but that is far from the point; simply learning to play is its own reward. Of course, musical instruments are rarely cheap unless you know where to shop. Check out this exceptional etude etr-100 trumpet at wwbw for example.
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
