Completely agree. Your post is very timely. I'm not a teacher but I have played in many bands. Now my only gig is every Sunday in our church's praise and worship band. Rehearsals on Thursday nights; worship service on Sunday mornings. I volunteer my talents.
Where this is going is we have a need to fill up our roster with younger talent and depth so that when a major player wants to take a break or goes on vacation, the next person in the rotation can fill in with no problem. Good in theory, but hard to put into practice. Eventually we want a weekly rotation.
The bass player's son, in 6th or 7th grade, has been playing drums in school for a year or so and we are moving him into the drumming rotation. It was just me for about 6 months, so when this idea was discussed I readily agreed to mentor and coach him along.
It's nice for him because he is eager and wants to learn and he's like any beginner behind the kit - sticks to the pocket, doesn't fill a whole lot, straight careful drumming. Making some mistakes but (hopefully) learning from them. (Who here hasn't screwed up while playing live?)
So what better way for him to start learning the kit and playing live than in a very forgiving church environment where there are expeienced gigging musicians there to mentor and coach him along? I'm sure his parents would probably object to open mics or open jam sessions in bars. Ha!
Bringing him into the rotation is a win-win for everyone.