Piano player struggling to find musical path

[munich]

I have started  playing the piano with 7 and loved playing it for years. The more I developped into my teenage years i played every day for hours after school. As I wanted so much become a classical pianist I felt influenced by many circumstances during those years which contributed to a radical break up with the piano even i had gotten a place at university at that time. I did not take it, shut my eyes and never looked at the piano again until 3 years ago when I turned 47, taking piano lessons again and soon getting back to the level where I had been many years ago. I had and have which are still growing up. a life in between, left my country(Germany), married in Canada, had 3 children. I am 50 now, and my piano teacher is a concert pianist and teaches me music in a way that is what I desire. The question is if i should take the path and go back to university and follow that dream which a ad and never lived. Is it too late. I played twice at the Kivanis Festival here in halifax at a soloist on the piano and got great feedback and made first place in the classes I played. I feel very insecure where I shall go with this now. Any advice?

[saysesame]

Follow your dreams and never give up. Remember that it's never too late! Good luck

[keyboardclass]

Hey, what's the scene like there?  I spend 6 weeks of the summer in the Annapolis Valley - pretty much a cultural desert.

On the musical front - yes, it's the hardest element and makes technique appear child's play.

[chechig]

hello. never, never give up. if you can do it, go for it. I'm almost your age and  also returned to piano after years, I'm so happy now. today I've started to practice prelude 1 by Bach, it's so beautiful! good luck!! regards from rainny San Sebastian

[roseamelia]

Never give up what you've really wanted to do. Their were some struggles with my piano pieces. (I know this isn't what your doing but I almost gave up) yes I almost wanted to quit piano because I couldn't do this one song got so frustrated I didn't want to play anymore and then I got encouraged to keep going on doing what I love to do and to never give up and I started to play again I got through the song after a day or two. just wanted to say again never give up!


-Rose

[iansinclair]

I'm 70, me lad, and am doing more or less what your are thinking of doing.  As the others have said, never ever give up on your dreams.

[munich]

 ::)Thank you for your reply. There are more questions I have. Going back to university and get  Bachelor of music is financially draining considering  all the expenses we have for our kids' activities and education. how do people do it. i could only try doing it part - time. Another question is the difference between University and Getting certified by the Royal Conservatory of  Music. What is better? to accomplish? I tend more to go back to University as you get a real degree. What do you think?
thanks
Christine

[mhoffman89]

I always say, keep trying your best until your dead. If others have something negative to say, too bad, it's your life. I say you should keep going, and I wish you all the best.

[roseamelia]

Do what you think is right Christine.

[thetamman]

::)Thank you for your reply. There are more questions I have. Going back to university and get  Bachelor of music is financially draining considering  all the expenses we have for our kids' activities and education. how do people do it. i could only try doing it part - time. Another question is the difference between University and Getting certified by the Royal Conservatory of  Music. What is better? to accomplish? I tend more to go back to University as you get a real degree. What do you think?
thanks
Christine

All the best whatever you decide to do. Not sure what the difference is between university and conservatory where you are. Maybe the main thing is probably not where you go, but what you will appreciate the most these days. If piano is important, take lessons from someone you enjoy working with, work hard towards achieving your goals... it's true what the others say, that it's never too late to relive your childhood. But don't be fooled by the seeming utopia of childhood too. We live in a world where there seem like so many paths, so many possibilities, it's easy to regret. But it's not wise to think about such things. In the end, when you look back, you realise that there was only one path, and it was the right one. choose wisely, and treasure the moments that matter.

[ionian_tinnear]

Follow your passion like you're running after the last bus leaving for the night!

[jayeckz]

Why are you going back to university?  Are you going to learn?  Are you going for the diploma?

Since you have financial considerations, you'll have to budget.  See how much you can spend.

The cheapest option is to self study (but it still costs money!).  Most music programs make their programs of study public.  You can find out exactly what courses you need to study.  You can easily find course syllabi for those courses.  Your main expense will be books.  If you go this route, I would strongly suggest you supplement your self study with a weekly session with someone who has gone through a reputable music program and is a competent musician.

Every university course I've taken is paced slowly.  Anyone who truly dedicates themselves to studying can learn entire courses in a month.  My experience with college is that they're not good environments to really learn.  In my case, I learned what I needed to score well on an exam and forgot it soon after the exam.

Going back to university and get  Bachelor of music is financially draining considering  all the expenses we have for our kids' activities and education. how do people do it.

Two possibilities I see:
1) By not having other considerations like money or kids.
2) Through dedication.

Another question is the difference between University and Getting certified by the Royal Conservatory of  Music. What is better? to accomplish? I tend more to go back to University as you get a real degree. What do you think?
thanks
Christine

Either will increase your marketability for sure.

I think what you need to ask is: Is University right for me?  Is getting certified by the RCM right for me?

You say your goal is to become a classical pianist.  What is a classical pianist?  Does a classical pianist have degrees and certifications?  Does a classical pianist need a thorough education?

[quantum]

Another question is the difference between University and Getting certified by the Royal Conservatory of  Music. What is better? to accomplish? I tend more to go back to University as you get a real degree. What do you think?

Depends what you want to do with music.  You do not need a degree to enjoy music, or study music, or even to be considered a "classical pianist."  However, if you plan on making a career out of it, credentials provide much leverage, and in some cases are a requirement. 

RCM credentials are considered diplomas.  A Bachelors degree in music is seen to be higher than an ARCT.  If you are in competition for a job with other people, the degree holders will most likely be favored over those that only hold an ARCT.  There are exceptions: if you have a notable reputation as a performer, recording artist, pedagogue, researcher or author, institutions may place greater value on this experience than on academic credentials. 

If you just want to teach privately or in a small music school, you could get by with an ARCT in performance or teaching.  You may not be paid as much as someone with a BMus.  Graduate degrees are somewhat of a mixed bag in small music schools: some are attracted to those with additional education, some are scared off by the fact that such teachers require a higher pay. 

Again if all you want to do is enjoy learning piano and play music, you don't really need those diplomas or credentials. Think carefully if obtaining a degree is what you need to enjoy having music in your life.