Performance?

[rph108]

I'm a piano performance major in college. Im working on Liszt concerto 1, chopin scherzo 1, Prokofiev Diabolic suggestions, chopin etude op. 10 #4, and Bach wtc 1 prelude and fugue in c# major. I started about 4 years ago and I have a passion to be a performing pianist, but many people think that my chances are slim. My teacher says I might have a small chance. Do you think that I would have any sort of chance of success?

[rph108]

and Im also a complete loser that practices about 9 to 12 hours a day if I have the chance.

[DarkWind]

The only person who can answer that question is you. Do you think that you can become famous? Do you believe you have talent, you have skills? Besides, those pieces seem of a very good repertoire. I think your chances are pretty good.

[m1469]

I have heard that at Julliard, they tell you that you suck for the first 2 years just to see if you will keep coming back.  You know in your heart what you are meant to be doing and why.  Follow that voice.  

Afterall, who can really say enough to make you actually quit, if it is something you know in your heart you are supposed to be doing?  Furthermore, nobody can actually open some magical gate which guarantees for you a performing career, let alone a successful one.  That has to come from you.  Keep walking to the next horizon, and then you will see another.

m1469

[Snappy Joe]

Taken granted from your 9-12 hour practise schedule I'd say you're really burning for it right?  
..You don't play/practise that much hours a day just because you have too..right?  

I can't tell you if you will succeed or not, there are many, many pianists today that has all the potential, skill and love for it, but only 1 % ever hits the "jackpot"

I guess what Im trying to say is, do you love the music,
or the applause after the music?

[rph108]

I've  read what someone wrote in another section about a famous pianist who was sad and lonley in the end and I don't want to turn out like that. I guess the only way is to take a risk and find out. I love the music and practicing and thats all that counts I guess.

[m1469]

Yes, rph108, the music is what really matters most.  But, with that, remember that this should be your carrot which leads your horse (I know, it's horrible) to many things you may never have imagined.

Whatever your most beautiful and precious goal could be, in terms of a specific place to play, a specific prize to win etc... you are only viewing it through the eyes of wanting to be there.  Once you are there, things may look much different to you.  So why limit yourself to what you can only conjecture before it actually comes to be?  I am not suggesting to not have goals, but make sure these goals are simply servants to the greater purpose, that of Music, rather than masters of your destiny.

m1469

[rph108]

Thanks everyone for there helpful replies. I may just use some of the advice you gave me in the future.