Do I take a chance at a challenge or listen to someone tell me to not play?

[figaro]

I'm in a community orchestra which takes on more ambitious music.  It's been about 3 years since they had an orchestra piano part for me.  Because it had been such a long time since I last played with them, I spoke with my piano teacher to get her opinion and she told me to not do it because it would be a lot to learn in a short amount of time.  The previous concerts I played in , I didn't refer to her for advice or help on the pieces, I took it upon myself to learn how to play in a large ensemble and take on new styles of music on my own.  It was honestly stressful as everything was new to me, I didn't know how to follow the conductor and was only given a few weeks to learn music (some pieces more advanced than others) in time for performance.  But I did manage to get my parts down and play with everyone - and was even told people thought I did a good job and sounded good.  The percussion section leader also told me they have heard me play so they’re not worried.  The piece for this upcoming concert will be The Firebird (1919 version). 

Aside from having the chance to play in a group, it’s also good to challenge myself.  I’ve been able to learn some solo pieces on my own - although it takes me longer because I need to figure out more structure with self learning.  On my own I’ve learned Chopin/Liszt Fruhling S408, a Chopin Mazurka, a Schubert Waltz, contemporary piano pieces, and currently I have Mozart’s Fantasia in D minor, which isn’t as challenging technically as I thought it would be. 

As for my piano skill level, I've been told by a music store owner I'm around an upper intermediate/early advanced player.  My piano teacher doesn't tell me what my level is, she has only alluded to how I'm "now in the next level".  I've been learning from her for about 4 years after not playing an extended time.  When I initially stopped piano at 19, one of my last pieces was Haydn's Sonata in D major.  One thing she said to me early on was that “it takes a lifetime to know how to play the piano” and letting me know that I won’t get to a professional level because of my late restart.  But there have been moments when during lessons she would leave the room for something, and that’s when I would play really well.  Chopin’s Nocturne in E minor was one such piece where I surprised her and the other teachers in the studio at how I was able to play the piece - apparently someone joked if Maurizio Pollini was playing.  (After that she gave me Mendelssohn’s Lost Illusions and it was a struggle).  That was 2 years ago - this year I learned a Rachaminoff Prelude and she acknowledged I know it and just need to spend time refining it and eventually it'll be at a good place.  At this point, lessons no longer have her showing me how to play something but she would assign a piece, have me listen to a recording, and then learn on my own.  She said she was going to teach me the way they learn in Russia - not sure if this is how it’s done.  I only needed 3 weeks to learn Tchaikovsky's October. 

[quantum]

One thing she said to me early on was that “it takes a lifetime to know how to play the piano” [...]

It is true.  Music is a lifetime journey of learning.  However, it does not take a lifetime to prepare a performance to a reasonable standard.  You need to practice performing, observe, engage in critical  thinking and iterate, in order to improve.  If you let that "it takes a lifetime" mindset define when a piece is ready, progress will be slow, because you let the philosophy stop you before you even begin the learning process. 

[...] and letting me know that I won’t get to a professional level because of my late restart. 

IMO, a very irresponsible thing to say from a teacher.  A late start does not eliminate the possibility of reaching professional level.  It might mean you reach it at a different age compared to the typical conservatory student.  However, your work ethic will have far greater bearing on your success than your age. 

At this point, lessons no longer have her showing me how to play something but she would assign a piece, have me listen to a recording, and then learn on my own.

Does this work with your learning style?  Do you feel you are progressing?

[thorn]

It's not like the piece is a concerto or the piano part is substantial in Firebird. If you feel it's doable then go for it.

[essence]

The benefit of being an organist (I know, this is a piano forum) is that one has to play several pieces a week, and several of them may be very new. i agree, it is good practice to have to get something to a reasonable standard in a short period of time. It is something, for example, that accompanists have to do?

I also agree that the teacher is not being entirely positive.