Mamianka,
I would like to thank you again for your thoughtful response to my last question. I would just like to ask you a few more questions.
Since your response, I tried to fathom *giving up* the piano, and it was something that I just could not do. After shedding many a tear, and practicing harder (it’s a stress relief), I did some serious soul searching. I thought about the thousands of graduates from music school and only about fifty (if that) seriously concertizing pianists, and how much of and absolute blood bath it would be to make it there. The only issue that I’m running into is how far music is engrained in me. I’m not trying to do it for the money (although enough to live comfortably would be very nice), I want do pursue music because I *can’t* not pursue music. Seeing the bozos on youtube and on YA talking about Juilliard and Curtis without a CLUE of how difficult the audition requirements are anger me because I know how hard that I’ve worked without even considering top music schools because I didn’t give myself enough credit. As I said before, deadlines have passed, and I’m stuck with a state school. Although it’s a one of the better state programs with professors who got their degrees from top schools and pretty good pianos, I know that it’s no Oberlin of Peabody. I just want to know is there ANYTHING that I can do in music that won’t have me begging for change in the middle of NYC? Would I have to wait until next year to apply to a top school or just go on the state school? I now know that it’s almost impossible to trade up.
I’m sorry that I probably sound so scatter brained right now. I’m just trying to figure out what to do with my life now. I *thought* I had a good plan, but now I feel like my life ist falling apart before my eyes. I just don’t want to end up being a depressed engineer with money. I just wished I would have encountered your advice last year.
Donald.
I never told you to quit. I told you that any hopes of a concert career are exceedingly slim, and if you attend the schools you chose – even slimmer. By all means, get it out of your system if you want to, and audition for BIG schools – if you make it, then you need to decide if you can afford it, WANT it, and if you want to risk having huge debts and NO job prospects. The fall-back used to be Music Ed – it worked for four of us in this family, we had the great luxury of being able to perform where and when we wished, with whatever challenging literature we chose – because we had a steady paycheck/pension, etc. every week, and great insurance and benefits. Those days are gone for today’s teachers – programs are being cut all over. My own playing opportunities have never been this bad in 40 years, and we have fewer private students than ever before. How could I encourage a student to enter this field now – when things are REALLY worse?
You will find opportunities to study and play, wherever you are. Seek our churches, people than wish to play chamber music, choral groups and various soloists ( especially singers) who need accompaniment – you can always fill the musical area of your life. You just cannot count on making a LIVING at it.
YA is full of idiot kids who think that is they learn to guitar in the bedroom, from watching YouTube videos, and sing into their mirror while holding a hairbrush as a mike, that they will "get into JOOLEEYARD – ‘cuz it is like my passion, ya know???" You are far, far better educated and prepared than they are – and more realistic, too – but you need to find a way to make a living – so that you can then enjoy your LIFE. Some of the finest players I know are amateurs in the best sense of the word – a biologist, librarian, special-ed teacher, operating room nurse, dietitian – they all CHOSE something that they are good at, so they could make a good living with no worries – and then make all the music they want. When asked – seriously – "what are you doing on your vacation? You have 3 weeks saved up!" one of of them says "I am singing in an opera company in Italy – and you?" The biology prof takes cruises where all the guests are accomplished musicians, and they play rotating chamber music ensembles – really. There is MUCH you can do, and you have much to offer – just PLEASE do not think of this now as a career choice – a lifelong passion, yes – just not a career.
Download available from iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/svadhisthana-single/id441576076?uo=4 Whether for Relaxation, Meditation, Chakra Balancing or Chill Out, Svadhisthana will captivate and uplift you. The first of 7 enigmatic and beautiful tracks which will help you to unwind like never before, Svadhisthana is based around the root tone of the Sacral Chakra and is the Sanskrit name for the emotional centre.. Whether you practice yoga, hypnosis or follow spirituality such as Abraham Hicks, Svadhisthana will take you to new levels of peace and harmony. can also be found at http://www.sounds.me.uk
The First Chakra:
Album available at http://www.MusicForDeepMeditation.com Please join our Music for Deep Meditation Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Music-for-Deep-Meditation/84315359424
In addition to listeners who use my music to unwind after a busy day, or those who just listen to it on their way to work, a growing number of listeners has begun to use my Sounds of Home album in their Reiki and Yoga meditation sessions. For healing and recharging their energy centres, or ‘chakras’. This is a new area for me, and one I’m very excited about. As such, I have re-ordered the original track listing for the Sounds of Home album to align this music with the correct key for each chakra. This one is for the second, or ‘sacral chakra’. I hope you enjoy it.
I spend about 1 and a half hours a day at the gym and it really helps get rid of my negative energy and helps me think more clearly. A little light Yoga before bed also helps. Good luck!
New Age-Merlins Magic
Thank you for watching, Please Rate, Favorite, Like and Subscribe . This is a short home-made guided meditation http://www.chakracolours.com/Chakra-royalty-free-music(2561172).htm . An exclusive collection of chakra music of unsurpassed creative depth and production quality.
http://www.learntomeditatetoday.com Listen to this relaxing third eye meditation to help you activate your third eye, 6. chakra. Get a Meditation Guide on how to open your third eye on my website: 
Seven chakras music – SOLAR PLAXUS chakra – MASALA