I really want a career in music (piano and voice) but it is hard because i have never been formally trained, b

Question

but I have had a few lessons here and there. Since I was a little girl, I have had a thirst for the piano. I am not boasting, but when I was about 6 or 7 years old I could hear songs, pick them out by ear, and play them almost perfectly. I do this with the guitar all the time. (For example, "Highway Song" by Blackfoot? I picked out the guitar arpeggiation intro entirely by ear) So, I do think I have a talent for music. But, my family has always been poor, and we couldn't afford piano lessons. We had a piano for a while, but it was just terrible. Hard to play. I used it, tho. Then we sold it. By then I could play just ok. Since we sold it, I got out of practice. I was homeschooled in the country, so a piano was out of reach. Then, I went to public school for the first time just last year, and used the school piano. I use church pianos in the summer. But I am SO FRUSTRATED, because I feel im moving too slow for a career. My question: is there still hope for a music career?

Answer 1

If you are serious about pursuing a career in music, you need to take formal lessons with an experienced and talented teacher.  They are expensive, but a good teacher will take you to new heights and teach you discipline, as well as teaching you theory for a deeper understanding of music.

As for the piano, if you carefully watch Craigslist, occasionally people are giving away free pianos which are heavy and hard to move.  If you have a pickup truck and a lot of strong people, you can usually move them yourself.  Of course, a piece of junk would be expensive to maintain, so make sure it will hold a tune first before busting your knuckles moving it.

Answer 2

I hate to discourage you. In fact, it's important that you don't let your heart's dream die. However, I am not sure about a music career at least for now.

There are things that have to be taken care of and you understand this coming from a low income household. The important this that must be done are things like paying rent and buying food, etc. I wouldn't give up, though. Not at all. If you have a real talent, then you do need to develop it. Keep the faith through the obstacles that always seem to present themselves and sometime you will be able to do what you love.

How about taking music at college? How about arranging a barter with a person that teaches piano? You could mow their lawn or walk their dog in exchange for lessons? It's a thought.