I have a theater degree, and I love any type of music, drama or performance art. When I had a daughter, I was full of hope that she would follow in my footsteps.

Well, it didn't happen that way. My daughter is into math and science. She wants to be a nurse. She has no interest in anything artsy. She believes only in what she can see and what can be proven through scientific fact.

She tried dancing and singing, but just couldn't get passionate about either one.

Imagine my surprise when my son ... who is all of 6 ... started talking about Beethoven last year.

"The dog in the movie?" I asked.

He rolled his big eyes.

"No, Mommy," he said. "The deaf guy who played the piano."

No way.

Then he started talking about Mozart. Apparently, they were learning about classical music in school. I was so excited.

A couple of weeks back, Will had been good for an extended period of time, and as such was able to pick out a treat at the store, with his usual $10 limit.

He selected a 4-CD collection of piano music that came in a tin case. He really wanted to find something "Symphony No. 5" on it, but he couldn't find anything. So he settled for one with "Fur Elise" ("He liked a girl named Elise and wrote a song for her"), his second favorite.

We listen to them in the car.

The last couple of times we've gone to the library, he has checked out at least two classical music CDs.

He goes to Area 30 after school, and is obsessed with the piano and drums they have there. His teacher, Miss Chris, said she can't believe how interested in music he is.

Now he wants to take piano lessons.

"I want to learn to play like Beethoven," he told me.

From your mouth to God's ears, son.

He's been having some trouble separating from me to go to school, so I told him when he makes it a week without crying we can sign him up. He didn't cry today, so we're one down.

I hope his talent will match his enthusiasm, but even if it doesn't, I am just so happy to have had a child who shares my passion for music. Being in band and having that outlet was one of the truest joys of my life. I would love for my son to know that same joy.