How to become one?

[bon_bear]

  Hey peeps,
It's me again. U know, all these famous pianists in the world...how do some become so.. famous. like i mean, who promoted them or where in the world do they find places that bring piano prodigies like them to become the most well-known piano players of the world. Well, like Yundi or Maksim...or LangLang...like i don't know...basically how on earth do they become a world famous pianist?!
Elizabear

[zheer]

Good question, this is what i think. A lot of the famous pianists have either their mother or father teaching piano or playing piano, therefore, if they have a gift it is soon noticed and nurtchered every day, secondly to have music around you every day is an important factor, thirdly his or her parents will have the necessary knowledge to help that child to perform in public as soon as possible, this is the main advantage they have over most people, however their are exceptions to the rule.

[bon_bear]

o ic!~ Thx zheer. That's true about the parents... lol
U mention exceptions...hmm they are? O! Practising 6-7 hrs everyday? Is that it? 
Another question:
How do they keep up with school if they're practising so long! lol...Like those child prodigies lol...unless they go to music school...but
Elizabear

[lagin]

This is a bubble bursting statement, but alot of the time it really isn't what you know, but WHO you know.   But on the less negative side, it helps to get lot's of exposure, and study with reputable teacher's whose name looks good on a resume.  Meh, my 2 cents.  Personally a teaching career wins over performing as a career hands down, IMO.  I'm sure people would argue that.  I guess it depends on who you are.

[casparma]

Actually, some of those terrific pianists today did not attend normal schools, but proffessional music schools.