<p>Hey guys I have been playing piano for about 11 years now and am thinking about stopping lessons. I have had a great relationship with my teacher and have won numerous awards including state and regional (about a 7 state competition) awards. However, I feel it is better to concentrate on things such as science olympiad nationals, my grades, SAT 1's, FBLA, my own club, etc. I just feel I have nothing to gain for "college" so to speak. However, I would feel nostalgic about quitting but I just feel it will be a waste of money and time to continue lessons. It would be weird not practicing at least an hour (usually two hours) a day and not going to lessons. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>You could just stop doing lessons without quitting.</p>
<p>Wow, you sound like an accomplished pianist. I would advise you to stick with it. An 11+ year commitment to an activity that you excel in will count for a LOT, much more than starting your own club.</p>
<p>I was at your level of playing in high school. For awhile, though, I practiced five hours a day. I knew I wasn’t good enough to major in piano, but I still loved playing. The thing to keep in mind is that, most probably, you won’t get to play much once you’re out of high school. You might be able to pick it up later, but it’s not the same. I started lessons again when I was 26, but by then I was married and working full-time as an engineer, and it was hard.</p>
<p>I guess the big question is do you still ENJOY playing?? If it’s a drag, you should stop. But if you still like it, don’t quit!! Really, it will look good on your application. A 7-state competition award is wonderful!</p>
<p>If you quit I recommend practicing something like 30 min a day to maintain your skills.</p>
<p>Oh yeah I mean continuing my skills but just not lessons. Thanks for the responses so far</p>
<p>And thanks MaineLonghorn! I feel like were in the same boat in both being talented at piano but not to the point where you can major and perform at Carnegie and Royal Albert Hall all the time. I guess I still enjoy playing but only pieces I know like prokofiev sonata 7 mvt 3 Stalingrad and apassionata. I just don’t feel like I have the time to continue lessons.</p>
<p>Have you played any Rachmaninoff? OMG, I loved his pieces. I have tiny hands, though, so it was challenging. He must have had monster hands!</p>
<p>You have to go with your heart. I would encourage you to keep playing for fun, because it’s surprisingly easy to get rusty. But I still remember a couple of pieces I played in junior high, lol.</p>
<p>My daughter is 14 and one of the few freshmen in the HS jazz band. I LOVE hearing her - she can improvise and play chords amazingly well. I was the type of pianist who needed every note written out, so I love it that she can play freely. I really try to make sure she’s having fun. This weekend, she is with her band up at the state jazz band contest in northern Maine. I told her to have a blast!</p>
<p>Yeah i have recently (two of his etudes one was the little red riding hood one). Wow thats awesome for your daughter! I’m more of a technical person so I don’t improvise too much. Liszt is my favorite (La Campenella and Hung Rhapsody 2) haha</p>