<p>We parents who are academics think that we can research our way to success, for ourselves and for our children. I KNOW this is true because, heaven only knows, I have tried. I have consulted journals, professionals, catalogues, teachers, etc. ad naseum, trying to give my offspring every bit of information which can give them a helpful perspective and encourage wise decision making. In the end, as I am again and again reminded, nothing matters but their personal effort and their talent. None of us can do it for them, nor can we be sure they will act wisely upon the clues and information we so eagerly present to them. I do apologize if I was harsh. I have frequently been the silliest one of all. Each of our youngsters is very fortunate to have such caring, helpful parents. In the end, we may save them from some unwise decisions, but we cannot make it happen, but we have loved them and tried to help. </p>
<p>In a similar vein, i.e. the issue of prestige rankings, I have often thought about what would happen if there were an Olympics for musicians. Who can sing/play highest, lowest, fastest, slowest, loudest, softest, most fluidly, etc? Would any of these things be predictive of artistic success? But, the best of it would be that our musician children would finally have an internationally bestowed "hook".</p>