Playing Piano. Will my future depend on it?

[jeffmm2]

Hi.  Just wanted to say this site is great! 

I'll keep this short and sweet, if I can.

I'm 18 and in my first fall semester of college.  Currently, I'm majoring in computer science.  However, I'm quickly realizing that computers do not interest me, and MUSIC and piano, especially, is my area of great and never-ending interest. 

Something happened.

Last year, during the winter holidays, I asked my brother if I could play his electronic keyboard.  I knew absolutely nothing about playing a keyboard.  However, day by day, I became better at it. 

Basically, a year later, with my own electronic keyboard, I believe I have a natural talent for playing piano.  Just as a sidenote, no pun intended, my relatives for the most part are into music and are musically inclined. 

Secondly, I'm taking a piano course (non-major) and my teacher wants me to take level two instead of level one for next semester. 

I'm changing my major to music.  I've convinced myself that music is my forte.  However, can I excel in this field, as a pianist?  What if I'm just naturally gifted?  A chopinist?  I'm sorry--don't mean to brag like that.  Piano is something that is very interesting and a blast to play.  I'm getting better at it everyday.  I've taken 5 private piano lessons and my piano teacher told me that I learned a rather difficult piece for my level in a relatively short amount of time

Can you guys tell if my future is a success, if I get my Master's in Music and become a master at playing piano?  I'm really determined to get as good as I can get in the shortest amount of time.  I feel bad about not starting when I was 10 years old, which is when I really wanted a keyboard.  However, this is where I am now.

What can I become in the workforce with the natural gift of playing piano?

Soloist?  Band member?  Teacher?  All three?

Any advice?  I'd appreciate it a lot.  Thanks!

Jeff

[rc]

I think if you're determined enough you could get to whatever outcome you want one way or another.

I don't know firsthand, but the impression I get is that it's no small thing to become a concert pianist. I guess the typical way to gain success is to win competitions (which seem like ridiculous things to me), with age limits, huge competition and some kind of extra-musical politics. The public being interested in either child prodigies or old masters. Personally, it doesn't seem worth the hassle.

Like I said, I don't actually know what it's like on the inside, perhaps someone more knowledgeable could help. There's probably a lot that goes on beneath the surface.

I say the only important thing is that music is what you like and want to do. The only way to find out what you're capable of is to go into it with a passion, you'll better know what you want and can make of it as you progress.