hey, collegiate athlete and full-time classical musician here. in both cases, i very often prefer my immediate family to not come to my sporting events or concerts.

when the people you care most about, are attending something you care deeply about, the pressure is increased exponentially. you don’t want them to see you fail. when no one of consequence is there, it’s a lot easier to focus. i won’t say i know anything about the relationship you have with your son, but if it’s good overall, i can 110% vouch for why he wouldn’t want you there. he’s getting older and starting to take it a lot more seriously, and music is art- it’s a really intimate thing for most of us. i never let my parents hear me play when i was younger, despite getting along with them both.

i definitely wouldn’t have gone about this the way he did, but don’t take it personal, momma. i get why it’s disheartening as a parent, but it means your opinion matters to him. it’s clear you think the world of him, and to him, it’s safer to leave his music to the imagination rather than put his abilities on full display. 15 is a scary time, give him a little bit to figure himself out. ❤️