Carl Tai, a IBM scientist who competed in both Cliburn Ameteur Competitions, is an excellent pianist. Now some of you can sample his artistry through the MP3 recordings he has made. See for yourself what an amateur pianist can strive for.
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/276/carl_tait.html

Alex, are you still around? Carl did Ballade No.4! I understand you absolutely adore this piece.

AndrewG

Andrew, that is an excellent example- I am sure it will inspire people to think more positively even if they started late! As a pianist, I believe you can only be without progress for 2 reasons, one is lack of love for music and musicianship; the other is just not attempting to reach your goal, laziness has won many a battle over pianists to be. If you start lessons at 40, you have your life experience before you, as a child does not, and you are learning for the love of music, and many children are forced to play on some occassions. The only thing you have to your disadvantage is time- but since most people are living past 80 these days, I don't think thats a problem with a little hard work!

Still around, but barely. Way way too busy. Yes Andrew, that Ballade is my own personal "holy grail". One of these days, I will have the guts to attempt it.

You're right that is really inspiring.

Encore! That was excellent.

Gorgeous! Lovely, sensitive Chopin.

Wow! I listened to some of his music and it was really nice. Question: Is he an amateur pianist because he CHOSE to be one, or could he at this level of playing, really go professional if he wanted to?