MOM SAYS PIANO, SHE WANTS DRUMS

Dear Jellybean,

More than anything, since I was about 11 years old (i'm now almost 17) I've wanted to learn how to play with drums. Now my mom knows this, I tell her all the time. She doesn't understand how much i want to learn how to play the drums. She yells at me every time I even mention it. She tells me that I need to learn to play the piano and that learning to play the piano is more important (she plays the piano and so does my dad). I said I am going to save my money, buy a cheap drum set, and teach myself or learn from a book or teacher how to play. She just rolls her eyes at me. How can I get her to understand that I want to play the drums NOT the piano? How can I get her to support my decision in this? Thanks so much for all the advice you have given me throughout the years! I keep coming back cuz you give the best advice!
Thanx again!
Jam

Dear Jam,

I've got the solution for you - stick with the piano to make your mom happy, and go ahead with your drumming to make yourself happy. To keep peace in your house, I think it's important for you to continue playing the piano, since it seems like such a big deal to your mom. And she does a lot for you - at the very least, she gives you a place to live and puts food on the table - so I think you owe it to her to do this one thing. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your ambition to play the drums. Save up your money, like you said, and teach yourself how to play drums from a book. There are lots of great instructional guides out there - check your local library or music store. When you get good, you can impress your mom with your excellent drumming - and maybe at that point, she'll realize you are really dedicated to drums and back off the piano thing. But until then, do what she wants AND what you want... you'll prevent fights, and you'll both end up with what you want!