Old start pros?

[toby1]

Has there ever been a pianist who started lessons in their 20s or later and became a professional concert musician?

Or is it something that is limited to the child prodigies. I'm curious if there has ever been an "Old prodigy" or whether it's possible to achieve a really high level of piano playing while starting late in life.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Cicoria

Is close perhaps but I'd like to get to a near professional level without the lightning if possible.

[Bob]

Hey, that's the guy I was thinking of.  That tv special is around somewhere online.  I bet that's all that guy will be known for.  And the documentary said his wife left him.

I would say it's very doubtful. Yes, someone can become good, a decent accompanist, but they're very, very likely not going to be an international recording artist.

[toby1]

I'm thinking the hit by lightning makes a great story and that perhaps he just practiced a lot.

Maybe if I dedicate myself with intensity for the next twenty years I will be able to become very good if not international quality? Assuming that I can manage serious practice for twenty years and have a full-time career. I would only be 48 then

Yes, I suspect that the opportunity to even make the kind of connections necessary to be able to earn money as pianist at concerts is for me unlikely to happen. Maybe I can practice a lot and then become a background musician at a hotel or restaurant like David Helfgott did in his younger days.

Anyways, I better get back to the keyboard and do some more practice, eh

[Bob]

I think it changed the wiring in his brain a bit.  It's in the documentary.  He came home from his doctor job and practiced late into the night.

We can always improve.  That's for sure.

[dantesonata]

Has there ever been a pianist who started lessons in their 20s or later and became a professional concert musician?

Or is it something that is limited to the child prodigies. I'm curious if there has ever been an "Old prodigy" or whether it's possible to achieve a really high level of piano playing while starting late in life.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Cicoria

Is close perhaps but I'd like to get to a near professional level without the lightning if possible.

James Rhodes

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Some sketchy stuff happens sometimes when you get hit on the head or struck by lightning.

Have you heard of the guy who got hit on the head with a baseball, then was able to remember the weather of every day for like 40 years?

Something like that...