If you were some how misled here and think this is some relationship article look away now. I’m far over my breakup that happened 3 months ago.
Since I was around 5 or 6, I played the piano. I know I’m Asian but it was never something I felt like I was forced to do. I had thoroughly enjoyed it from the beginning. Me and my sister both played but she wasn’t nearly as patient enough to continue and after grade 8 we were allowed to quit if we felt like it. I continued. Hell, I had to fight my parents to let me pursue it as a degree in grade 12 when everyone else was applying to be on their way to be a businessman, doctor or scientist. I just wanted to make music. I practiced 3-4 hours a day to make the auditions. I got into Laurier and skipped my Western audition when I was accepted into my first first pick of schools, University of Toronto.
Fast forward to 4 years later. University was an interesting ride but there was something about the routine of class, study, practice that had made the piano not so enjoyable anymore. Fourth year jury was pretty disastrous and ended with my right hand needing carpel tunnel surgery, which I didn’t do because I heard it wouldn’t solve it. Once I graduated, I took a break for a while. However, the break extended far more than it should have as my life got consumed by my program at Metalworks. A year and a half later, I haven’t really touched the piano at all, except for on weekends when I teach a few students.
I started to really miss it. It was like the friend I shared unspoken thoughts with. As school is ending, I plan to reunite with the instrument, and others. I realize I also have a violin and guitar that I used to be dedicated in teaching myself. Now I am inspired to look for new repertoire to learn. What are your favourite pieces of classical piano music? Maybe I’ll add them to my list.
Tiana Feng 
Hi Tiana, I myself play piano, I’ve been doing so for over 11 years now. Next Wednesday, I’m actually taking my Grade 8 exam. I love it, whether I’m playing classical stuff for my exams, playing popular music or just making my own. Taking piano lessons for all these years has definitely made me appreciate music more, and make me get involved (I run a music blog). I’m still in highschool right now, and of course being pushed to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s tough, because I love piano so much, but I want it to stay enjoyable, I don’t want it to become a chore. Do you think studying music was worth it?
By the way, I wish you the best of luck in becoming reacquainted with your love of the piano. One of my favourite classical pieces is the Venetian Boat Song. I love anything Mendelssohn, really.
The experience of studying music was worth it. You have a lot more intimate classes than you would at any other program… and a lot of interesting ones too! I was in the Music Education program so we got to learn a lot of other instruments too and it was fun. It does take a tole on you though, you really do have to be able to manage your practice hours, homework time, and social life really well or else or suddenly you realize that too much time has passed and you still haven’t learnt your Beethoven Sonata. If you’re good at managing time, it should be fine. I think by 4th year, I realized I love the piano, but I wanted to play it for my own personal enjoyment and that working in the Entertainment side of the Music Business was really what I wanted to do.
Studying music is a great experience, but at the end of the day you want to decide on what kind of job you want to get in the future. If teaching’s not your thing, it may not be the right path. Or you can take the music performance program and hope to become a famous virtuoso or at least a session musician :)