<p>I've been playing for about 11 years. Yeah, I know. Lately in competitions and in recitals I've been doing really bad and piano just feels like a time waster. But, I feel like after 11 years I should continue because I've put in that much commitment. I also don't do much outside of school so when applying to college I hope I don't seem like a boring lazy person. Anyways do college care about commitment in something like piano or do they just care if you are like a national winner or something (highly selective colleges). Piano is such a beautiful instrument but I am wasting my parents money and my time. Any response would help! Thanks!
P.s I'm pretty good at piano but not anything like a national winner</p>
<p>I don’t think that someone has to be the best at what they do to show dedicated commitment and talent in something that they enjoy, like piano. Honestly though, I don’t currently play any instruments, and I’m not entirely sure how colleges view it, but eleven years sounds incredibly impressive. Sorry if this isn’t helpful.</p>
<p>Thanks for responding! I enjoy it but sometimes i dont have time to practice and it feels like a waste of money 
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<p>Sweeetea, I’ve been playing piano professionally for over 30 years and in your original post I hear the answer. As frustrated as you are, you sound like you still love the sound of the piano and playing. </p>
<p>Maybe a little refocusing is in order. Instead of focusing on competition and achievement (both laudable commodities) re-focus on the beauty and expressiveness of your playing. Share your emotions and passion beyond words through your playing. Art is so much more than just winning, your love of piano tells me you have a lot more to say.</p>
<p>I hope that you will live a wonderful well rounded life, and even as important as college admissions are, you won’t give up the things that make you, you, just because they may not impress an admissions committee. However, I for one, would be very impressed to hear that you have stuck with something especially if it isn’t easy. Hopefully music has been a vehicle of expression and self discovery for you and that definitely matters to a college.</p>
<p>The bad news: doing “not much” out of school could be a much larger problem for selective college admission. Consider finding something that fits your personality, passions, and interests And get involved in the greater community. It feels good, does good, and looks good when you make the world a better place. Do that at the keyboard as well as in the wider world and I’m sure you will reap the rewards.</p>