Should I pursuit studying music or stop. If do, what for me in the future ?

[dora96]

Hi,

I am very struggling at the movement. I am mother of 4 kids range from age of 9, 8, 3 and 6 months old. I finished my grade 8 when I was 19 years old. I am 38 years old now. I stopped studying piano once I got my grade 8. I was teaching when I was in grade 6 to support my piano lesson. It was easy in Hong Kong where I came from. You can teach in paino company. The company was well set up music business. there was 15 small rooms with upright piano in each room and I had 23 students from beginner to grade 4. I taught about 2 years, and it was ok at first.  I realised that  it became very liveless and boring job. I didn't earn a lot but better than work in McDonld you what I mean. I decided to go to Australia, and wanted to study something else to get more education and different adventure. Since I spent a lot of time to practising the piano in order to  pass my grade 8, I didn't do well in my high school.

Now I am settled down and married with children, I start learning the piano again.  I am doing my dipolma. My question is what for me in the future if I get my dipolma and continue to study. I know I can teach and earn money when I become credited. To set up studio is not easy, it is almost impossible to do at home with all the kids plus husband like to relax and watching TV. Teaching hour for me is also restricted. My kids come home from school. Most students want to start their lesson after school and weekend. Who is going to take care of them if I am teching. It is not like in Hong Kong that I can go to a shop to teach. I don't find any music shop in my area nearby I can teach. Besides, teaching and finding students are very competitive and cut throat business. Sometimes, it is very unreliable income when students are sick and taking holiday.  I am posting this I hope if anyone has similar situation like me. I love playing and studying piano, but it all costs money and time. I invest all these effort, would it be useful in the future. I don't think I will become a concert pianist or performing of any sort, but at least I can teach my own kids. Do they even want me ?

I enjoy playing the piano and understand music and able to express my emtion, thought through music. It is something out of this world.  My fincianl situation is really stretched. I have cut down a lot no holidays, no expense gift. I virtually live in smell of oil rag no joke  :'(to pay for piano lesson. You know piano lesson in dipolma level doesn't come cheap.  I don't want to think about the dollar sign all the time, but it is the reality in this world. In my situation, would it be able to make enough to pay the mortage, self support, bring home the bacon to the family. "I know I have a husband, he desn't make much either, he is an artist" .  Can any member of this forum to talk about what is for you in the futue learning the piano.

[dan101]

You seem to have two main issues. The first is that you need a diploma and the second is that you need a place to teach.

I wouldn't stress over the diploma if you are teaching privately. I can't tell you how many teachers I know of that have not completed all of the grade levels. However, most of them still play well enough to teach young kids and beginners.

As for the place that you teach, you'll probably have to do that at home. Renting is expensive, especially given your financial situation. The other alternative is to work for a music school that is not rigid with respect to your diploma level. However, if you go that route, have an audition CD ready for them in case they want a demo of your playing. Good luck.

[dana_minmin]

You seemed to enjoy performing than teaching. Playing piano and teaching piano could be two different things. I think it's easier to find restaurants elsewhere that you can perform and earn at the same time than in Hong Kong. I'm from HK too. It'd be more stable in terms of $. Then you can persue your piano study.

If you really love music, you can play until you die.

Happy New Year!