Could I be good enough?

Question:I've played the piano since I was 5- now I'm almost 15. My mom used to teach me, but when I was 8 or 9 I got annoyed with it. When I was 10 or 11 I had another really good teacher for about three months, but then she had to move away. Now I just practice by myself, and I don't have a teacher.

But since I've started high school, I've come to realize that I want to go to one of the really good music colleges (like Juilliard, Curtis or Berklee). I've been to their websites checking out what they want for auditions, etc.

I've been working on the Pathetique Sonata for at least 4 months now, and it's still not good. If I were to get a teacher (a really good one) and keep working on the piano until it was time to go to college, could I become good enough to get in.

Also, what if I didn't get a piano teacher, but kept working... could I still become good enough to get in?

Thanks to anyone who answers.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've played the piano since I was 5- now I'm almost 15. My mom used to teach me, but when I was 8 or 9 I got annoyed with it. When I was 10 or 11 I had another really good teacher for about three months, but then she had to move away. Now I just practice by myself, and I don't have a teacher.

But since I've started high school, I've come to realize that I want to go to one of the really good music colleges (like Juilliard, Curtis or Berklee). I've been to their websites checking out what they want for auditions, etc.

I've been working on the Pathetique Sonata for at least 4 months now, and it's still not good. If I were to get a teacher (a really good one) and keep working on the piano until it was time to go to college, could I become good enough to get in.

Also, what if I didn't get a piano teacher, but kept working... could I still become good enough to get in?

Thanks to anyone who answers.

Getting a good teacher is a good idea because you may develop bad habits that will lead you to roadblocks on real difficult pieces. Also, you should be practicing about 4-5 hours a day. Any great player you run into will tell you how their social life is pretty much non-existent due to so much practicing.

Well, you can only try your hardest and hope for the best.

I have a degree in Music, and it is a cutthroat industry. I would think long and hard if a career in the music industry is really what you want.

On the other hand, a degree in Music is very portable, so you can do other work if you want.

Wow you are one very motivated young lady.!! If you really want to get into one of those colleges you should definetely get a good piano teacher. Yes, you may be able to do it on your own, but if you want it that bad, then don't take a chance on not doing your best. A good teacher can bring out the best in you and teach you tricks that you may not know. Keep up the good work but definetely dont take the chance, get some more help.

Good luck with your future plans ...

don't ever doubt that you can do it. find a good teacher and stay motivated. good luck!

you may not need a teacher to get good enough, but a good teacher could help out and maybe write a letter of recommendation for you. that way you would at least have your foot in the door. just because your the best of the best may not be enough to get into the schools you want.
good luck