Joel Hill writes:

>If I had stayed with the piano, I would be able to play much better
>now.  But I have always wondered how my life would be different if I
>had stayed with the piano of if I would have been turned off by having
>to do something that I didn't want to do.

My experience is quite similar.  Prior to being a teenager, I played
piano, clarinet, and studied music theory, all required by my dad.  When
a teenager, I gave it up and didn't return to classical music until my
dad died when I was in my late 30's.

Due to my rebellious mind-set, I did not pursue the musical career that
would have netted me the greatest satisfaction.  That's life, and I don't
spend much time mulling it over.  The main thing is that I greatly love my
musical pursuits NOW and expect this to continue for years to come.

For what it's worth, the quality of my piano playing now is pathetic
compared to when I was a youngster because of reduced dexterity (mostly
due to arthritis).  That's also 'water under the bridge'.

Don Satz
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