Potentially Embarrassing Question/Afraid to ask

[inkspot]

Do I have a future as a pianist?
Indeed, this is the terrifying question of which I speak now, and many have spoken before.

But in all seriousness, I started the piano late.. I have been playing for roughly 2.5/3 years… I would love more than anything else to have a career in performance but do not know if this is a possibility given my circumstance. I have been terrified to ask my professor about this for fear of being ridiculed or not taken seriously— something which is most likely irrational, but a persistent fear nonetheless.

I had several years of musical experience before coming to the piano, so that has helped immensely, but to give a general idea of my level of playing (i.e pieces I am learning and can play both technically and musically) I give you the following pieces I am working on:

Debussy Arabesque 1 (my first venture into french music)
Bach English Suite 2
Schubert sonata 20 (D.959)
Mozart Concerto 22 (we have not started this one yet, but I believe we will soon enough)

I know this is an inexact science regarding opinion, but what do you think? For those of you who are performers— what has been your experience with such matters? What can be done to speak to my professor about this without seeming, as a pervious teacher once eluded, “delusional?"

[keitokyun]

first of all How old are you. how old were you when u started?

[ffchopinist]

Hello! All questions are good questions. First of all, how are you defining the goal of being a "pianist" and what types of performance?

Are you talking along the lines of famous, touring classical  soloist with top orchestras internationally? (If so, are you still under the age limit for the major international competitions? Though placing doesn't guarantee a career, that has given some their big breaks)

Or are you talking more about being a local/regional performer?

Or perhaps performing as an accompanist?

Or performing online? (Like Valentina or others who got viewership through YouTube)

Or are you open to performing all sorts of genres outside of classical?

Or all of the above...?

[inkspot]

Definitely classical 

I was thinking along the lines of touring classical musician and accompanist (think German lieder and such)... I am in the late teens so I believe I am under the age of international competitions still-- I know the Chopin competition allows applicants up to 35.

[hardy_practice]

Definitely piano/music teacher if you work hard and get qualifications.  There's worse.

[ffchopinist]

I think it's worth asking your teacher. Although you started later than some others, you are still relatively young.  There have been a few cases historically of later starters who did/do have professional careers.  It's a tough road regardless of any age even for those who started early.   I think it's definitely worth bringing up with your teacher.  Your teacher knows your potential, current skill level, level of dedication better. If he/she is a good teacher, he/she won't laugh at you for being "delusional." It's good to have dreams and goals, and the fact that you hesitated about bringing it up seems to me like you do have a somewhat realistic understanding of the challenges.  If he/she is rude in the manner of response, it could be worth looking into finding a more supportive teacher.  Even if he/she doesn't think sonething is realistic, it's his/her responsibility to convey that in a way that isn't condescending.  At the very least, talking about it will show your teacher you are serious about piano, and he/she can think about prepping you for bigger competitions when you are ready for it or for higher education etc. with appropriate exercises and repertoire. Even if you don't "succeed', you would learn and grow a lot in the process. Just my 2 cents....good luck with the conversation with your teacher if you decide to have it.

[mjames]

You'll do fine as a pianist but clearly thats not enough for you, what you want is the fame and glamor that comes with being a world class professional pianist. That's what you're currently fantasizing about, no? The answer is most likely a no. Being a late starter is extremely disadvantageous and you can honestly only surpass that hurdle if you're really exceptionally talented like AJlong. Don't get me wrong, it's very much possible for you to become an extremely gifted musician...concert pianist? You'll be competing against prodigies from all over the world so I highly doubt it.

[inkspot]

You'll do fine as a pianist but clearly thats not enough for you, what you want is the fame and glamor that comes with being a world class professional pianist. That's what you're currently fantasizing about, no? The answer is most likely a no. Being a late starter is extremely disadvantageous and you can honestly only surpass that hurdle if you're really exceptionally talented like AJlong. Don't get me wrong, it's very much possible for you to become an extremely gifted musician...concert pianist? You'll be competing against prodigies from all over the world so I highly doubt it.

No, glamor is not the word I would use nor the vision I am drawn toward. I think of the career more along the lines of dedication-- quite literally doing a life's work. For instance, Jonathan Biss is a professor in addition to being a performer and recording artist. This is more what I imagine when I say "classical musician." The ideal is being a performer, yes, but there is also a level or realism one must exercise even when theorizing about their goals.

[mjames]

No, glamor is not the word I would use nor the vision I am drawn toward. I think of the career more along the lines of dedication-- quite literally doing a life's work. For instance, Jonathan Biss is a professor in addition to being a performer and recording artist. This is more what I imagine when I say "classical musician." The ideal is being a performer, yes, but there is also a level or realism one must exercise even when theorizing about their goals.

then yes.

I'd advice you (for now) to just focus on your musical studies.

[inkspot]

Even if you don't "succeed', you would learn and grow a lot in the process. Just my 2 cents....good luck with the conversation with your teacher if you decide to have it.

This is very much my mindset to be honest-- i feel that I should make an effort regardless of the outcome. To not try is to not know, after all  

[hardy_practice]

No, glamor is not the word I would use nor the vision I am drawn toward. I think of the career more along the lines of dedication-- quite literally doing a life's work.

Romantic twaddle.  But such eloquence!

[bronnestam]

I recently heard about a man who started to play the piano when he was in his 50's, and ten years later he was a real fina musician, working professionally. No Lang Lang with a world-wide reputation, but doing well enough to make a living on it and being very well respected in the business.

I also met a very talented piano student who is going for his masters exam now and he said that he started to play seriously when he was 17. Before that he could play the piano as well, but just the very basics.

So. Don't think too much about "is it possible" or not, just DO it. Follow the road and see where it takes you. Things will evolve. You will change. The world around you will change. You play the piano and focus on developing your skills as much as you can, you study, you enjoy. You will see what happens.

Or you do what so many have done before you. You compare yourself with one progidy and superstar after the other, you ask everyone you meet "will I make it" and you hope to get some kind of approval somewhere from someone who will shout "YESSS! You're a genious!" You try to enter comptetions and take exams, you try to get into higher studies and you get devastated when you fail and think this is a confirmation that it is no use.

I think it is stupid to rely on such outer authorities. I think you should just follow your heart here and focus on the things you really like to do. It is no failure if you change your mind later and abandon this career. It is no failure if they don't let you in to this fancy conservatory because you are "too old" or "not good enough". It is no failure if you never make it to the Carneige Hall or get mentioned in one of these utterly stupid "10 best pianists in the world" polls. It is no failure if you end up as a humble piano teacher and choir leader somewhere and your fan base mainly consists of your friends and family.

The real failure, though, is when you listen more to idiots around you, who are either stupid or ignorant, than to your inner voice. If you want to become a celebrated star, you may have to pay a price that is too high for you (or not, who knows?) If you want to work with music and make a decent living on it - just do it. Let the passion guide you, not the seek for anyone else's approval! 

[adodd81802]

I recently heard about a man who started to play the piano when he was in his 50's, and ten years later he was a real fina musician, working professionally. No Lang Lang with a world-wide reputation, but doing well enough to make a living on it and being very well respected in the business.

I also met a very talented piano student who is going for his masters exam now and he said that he started to play seriously when he was 17. Before that he could play the piano as well, but just the very basics.

So. Don't think too much about "is it possible" or not, just DO it. Follow the road and see where it takes you. Things will evolve. You will change. The world around you will change. You play the piano and focus on developing your skills as much as you can, you study, you enjoy. You will see what happens.

Or you do what so many have done before you. You compare yourself with one progidy and superstar after the other, you ask everyone you meet "will I make it" and you hope to get some kind of approval somewhere from someone who will shout "YESSS! You're a genious!" You try to enter comptetions and take exams, you try to get into higher studies and you get devastated when you fail and think this is a confirmation that it is no use.

I think it is stupid to rely on such outer authorities. I think you should just follow your heart here and focus on the things you really like to do. It is no failure if you change your mind later and abandon this career. It is no failure if they don't let you in to this fancy conservatory because you are "too old" or "not good enough". It is no failure if you never make it to the Carneige Hall or get mentioned in one of these utterly stupid "10 best pianists in the world" polls. It is no failure if you end up as a humble piano teacher and choir leader somewhere and your fan base mainly consists of your friends and family.

The real failure, though, is when you listen more to idiots around you, who are either stupid or ignorant, than to your inner voice. If you want to become a celebrated star, you may have to pay a price that is too high for you (or not, who knows?) If you want to work with music and make a decent living on it - just do it. Let the passion guide you, not the seek for anyone else's approval! 

I enjoyed reading this. I think this is accurate to be honest.

[dcstudio]

Do I have a future as a pianist?
Indeed, this is the terrifying question

I have no idea.     I can tell you that although I started lessons at 4 and played all the way through hs I never thought about doing if for a living it just kind of happened... I never set out to be a music major either... I did it because my husband, then boyfriend, talked me into it.  We both dropped out after 3 years and became casino dealers in another state.   I didn't play the piano at all for three years.    Finally I went out and bought a used upright and one month later the boat we were working on sank in the harbor and we were both out of a job. The next day we found out we had won $5k in music equipment from a raffle I had entered.  After outfitting ourselves completely with pro gear a house gig at restaurant materialized out of thin air and suddenly just like that we were both full time musicians...  We went from being casino employees to working jazz musicians in about 48 hours


don't sweat it... right now concentrate on perfecting your playing    nobody can answer that question--not even you.

[ffchopinist]

I recently heard about a man who started to play the piano when he was in his 50's, and ten years later he was a real fina musician, working professionally. No Lang Lang with a world-wide reputation, but doing well enough to make a living on it and being very well respected in the business.

I also met a very talented piano student who is going for his masters exam now and he said that he started to play seriously when he was 17. Before that he could play the piano as well, but just the very basics.

So. Don't think too much about "is it possible" or not, just DO it. Follow the road and see where it takes you. Things will evolve. You will change. The world around you will change. You play the piano and focus on developing your skills as much as you can, you study, you enjoy. You will see what happens.

Or you do what so many have done before you. You compare yourself with one progidy and superstar after the other, you ask everyone you meet "will I make it" and you hope to get some kind of approval somewhere from someone who will shout "YESSS! You're a genious!" You try to enter comptetions and take exams, you try to get into higher studies and you get devastated when you fail and think this is a confirmation that it is no use.

I think it is stupid to rely on such outer authorities. I think you should just follow your heart here and focus on the things you really like to do. It is no failure if you change your mind later and abandon this career. It is no failure if they don't let you in to this fancy conservatory because you are "too old" or "not good enough". It is no failure if you never make it to the Carneige Hall or get mentioned in one of these utterly stupid "10 best pianists in the world" polls. It is no failure if you end up as a humble piano teacher and choir leader somewhere and your fan base mainly consists of your friends and family.

The real failure, though, is when you listen more to idiots around you, who are either stupid or ignorant, than to your inner voice. If you want to become a celebrated star, you may have to pay a price that is too high for you (or not, who knows?) If you want to work with music and make a decent living on it - just do it. Let the passion guide you, not the seek for anyone else's approval! 

Well said, bronnestam! 

@inkspot - No matter what you decide to do in regards to your teacher, it sounds like you have a good attitude about wanting to dedicate yourself to your passion and seeing where that takes you without necessarily seeking fame and glory (though if that should happen along the way, that's a bonus). I shall be rooting for you! 

[diomedes]

I Think it depends on a few questions and your sincere answers:

How do you feel in front of a large audience? Do you look forward to it?

Do you feel in control?

Can you achieve what you consider accomplishment with a piano?

If the answers to any of that are negative than there's doubt, but time is a factor. You can always improve.

Mind you, an audience can typically tell If you want to be there or not.

[dcstudio]

I Think it depends on a few questions and your sincere answers:

How do you feel in front of a large audience? Do you look forward to it?

Do you feel in control?

Can you achieve what you consider accomplishment with a piano?

If the answers to any of that are negative than there's doubt, but time is a factor. You can always improve.

Mind you, an audience can typically tell If you want to be there or not.

I love to perform...  and I think that is the single biggest reason I stuck with the piano and why I have been blessed to be able to do it professionally.   I love large audiences and I look forward to  those performances like a kid who is going to Disney World...lol

the audience definitely knows if you don't want to be there...