My opinion is that all "DS" are the curse, scourge of our modern age: when they’re old enough, a computer to learn this most necessary of all tools nowadays, would be appropriate: all the other "electronic" children’s marvels best be taken to Goodwill or dumped in the trash can.

You’re much too indulgent in my view; employ some "tough love": they and you will be grateful later in life that you did. Children whose parents attempt to "motivate" them as you refer to it, often regretfuly learn too late that their off-spring have fallen prey to illicit drugs(what a nightmare). I’m an ole "stick in the mud" you say? Maybe so; if so, I’m d*mm proud of it.

Suggestion: take away ALL their "toys", and put them in their play room with three/four different colored children’s pianos for say an hour everyday.

And let them watch maybe an hour or so of "Seseme Street": the rest of the time, sit down with them and read children’s stories/and or color with them in coloring books, etc.

Do things creative: your attention and sharing is the most important gift you can bestow upon on them.

Good luck,

Alberich
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I would have thought that a piano would be more interesting to a child as it is more creative, but evidently I am wrong. Maybe it is because a piano has only one purpose, making music, that they become bored of it quickly. (Particularly as they are not at a level where they can use the piano as a tool to create their own music.)

My suggestion would be: (Tell them)

If you practice for 10 minutes you can use your DS for 20.

Depending on how old they are this should work. (It is particularly effective is you have possesion of the DS, so you can monitor how long they have it, and they can only get it from you.)
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Obviously a video game is going to be more appealing to your child. Just hide the recharging adaptor… that will keep them from playing lmao.

Tell them for the amount of time they play piano that = the amount of time they get to play their ds.

More practice = more play… no practice = dead ds.
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It’s in all the "Fine" music.

… "Play it, Sam. Play "’As Time Goes By.’" — Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund
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How about equal time? How many hours of practice time, then DS.

But you can’t force a kid to play. If they prefer the DS, then that’s what they prefer. I like both, though. I’m a total video game nerd, trust me.
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maybe have them learn some video game music (that was motivated by another post, lol)
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Have you tried playing them some piano first? Maybe just a recording of one of the most exciting pieces of all time? If not, it’s like you’re trying to teach them to cook without feeding them first XD Let them find some music they really like, and help them play it (you may have to simplify it, they sound pretty little)

If you play piano, play some horribly difficult piece for them. Often it’s a real motivator, it is for me anyway. To see how impressive they could sound one day if they kept practicing.

Don’t force minutes. Let them practice when they feel like it, and the amount of time they feel like it. Otherwise it feels like work. You want them to enjoy it, after all. Now, if this is going to result in them not practicing at all, maybe you could give a gentle structure, such as practicing after dinner. You could also help them and guide them in their practice.

EDIT: Just thought of something else…do you maybe think they just don’t like the piano specifically? Why not get them started on an instrument that intrigues them, such as piccolo or cello? Or something crazy and fun like a melodica? Or even just a harmonica. Something tells me your goal here is to show them the joy of music (hopefully that’s your goal, anyway). You have to be careful not to ruin it for them, or they’ll stay as far away as possible.

Though, I don’t know. I’m reminded of Beethoven. He was introduced to music through his alcoholic father teaching him piano. His father (and later on his father’s friend) were often drunk and beat him during lessons. But Beethoven loved the music, obviously…

I’m actually not sure what that has to do with anything, but I’ve always found it interesting.
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I’ve always found stories like these weird. XD When I was little, I really wanted piano lessons. My mom finally let me go when I learned to read (I was about five). But then again, at the time my older sister was taking lessons, and I wanted to do everything she did. (Ironically, my sister quit piano awhile later and moved onto singing, her true passion and talent. I’ve stuck with piano ever since, though )