Ringer

Quite correct -- I expect the teacher was right in his/her assessment and was being (brutally) honest. I would give it some time, though, and make it a joint decision if at all possible. And yes, piano study is not for everyone. I admire those who play more spontaneously, play by ear, and chord with ensembles. There are lots of ways to make music. (And, back to the subject, lots of skill levels at which photography can be enjoyed!)

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

If you like the photo then it must be good,regardless of your "skill" level. I worked with a married couple who were less than normal in IQ. they worked in housekeeping at a hospital I worked in. They took a "bus trip" vacation and brought back to work a bunch of mostly blurry photos of their trip. They LOVED them, so as far as thy were concerned they were great photos. Art for art's sake.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

The same advice of not discouraging beginners applies to photography. There is a guy on PBS called the Piano Guy who teaches people to play popular music and makes no bones about it. If you don't have illusions about being a concert pianist, he says to forget the fingering that most teachers tell you to learn. What ever finger works for that note is fine. The fingering is the hard part of learning to play. I had one semester of piano in Jr. College. But I still play because I like to, not for others.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

I've been taking photos since childhood. I can't play an instrument or hold a tune. I took accordion lessons for a couple of years at around age 8, but that was the extent of my musical endeavors. I do enjoy music though, primarily classic rock, jazz and blues. I'm a semi-retired aerospace engineer and I design, build and fly radio control airplanes, I'm also a "car guy." I also do some woodworking. I really enjoy the creative part of model airplanes and woodworking.

I think the key here is the link between photography and doing something creative, whether it be music, painting, designing something or whatever.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I agree. It seems that creative people are just that, creative. Whether it be music and photography, painting and woodworking, the list goes on. Now, I do know a lot of good people that don't have a creative bone in their body, and also some people that create across many different disciplines. I was just struck by how many photographers also play music in particular.

bobsisk Loc: Chandler, Arizona

Amen to that!
I've done the music thing and still do in the church choir. But I like model and 'real' airplanes too. My favorite thing used to be flying to visit a relative somewhere. Or sometimes when the world seems after my hide, I would just go up a few thousand feet, cruise around for awhile, land and just allow myself to feel good for the rest of the day.

Photography By Marc Loc: Lisbon, Maine

I am a Professional musician now performing for 57 years...beginning with my 1st Piano Recital in 1960. Classically trained on the piano from 1957 to 1968 )(began when I was 6 years old)...run the gamut from touring...writing...producing...etc...you name it. Pianist for 57 years...and drummer for 53 years. Ringo...my musical inspiration also is quite the photographer. Took photography up early with Mom's Brownie camera...went to a Polaroid Model 210 (1968)...I which I still have to take pics of our bands...and now own a very nice Canon SX50 HS which does the job nicely for me. My Ludwig Oyster Blue Pearl kit which I bought in 1968...and I...will celebrate our 50th anniversary together next year.

10MPlayer Loc: California

You just describe me. I do all them okay to a certain extent but I have to be honest and say I'm not really willing to put in the time to be excellent. Right now the latest passion is golf and I'm making a serious attempt to play in the low 80s before I get to old the hit the ball far enough to do so.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

To answer your original question, I would consider myself musical as well. I play clarinet, accordion, and half a piano (right hand only ;-).

Your question on related/linked talents reminds me of a test I took in high school back in the '60s called a Strong Interest Test. It was supposed to help students choose a career path. The theory was that if you shared a lot of interests with someone then you might do well in the same career as that person. So, someone created a database of successful(?) career folks and their interests and hobbies. Students indicated their personal preferences by answering a series of questions on interests and hobbies, and the scores were matched against the database. It turned out that almost every student scored high for a career in computer programming. Why? Probably because in that era the field of computer science was very new and people from all sorts of professions, interests and backgrounds were moving into the field. If nothing else, the exercise showed that one has to be very careful with mathematical models and statistics... the GIGO principle (Garbage In ---> Garbage Out) well demonstrated.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Piano and trombone for me. Never professionally, though.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I could no more earn a living as a musician than I could as a brain surgeon, but I do love to strum on my guitars; I have no pretense that I'm any good at all, but I still enjoy it. Here's a little clip of me playing along with Boston on my Martin.

http://youtu.be/f49Qt5gVZf0

elwynn Loc: Near Atlanta, GA

Played clarinet and alto sax most of my life. I'm 89 now and quit playing last year. Started out in a National Guard band in 1944 and went to an Army Band in 1946 to 1948. Got out and never quit. There was always some kind of group around to play in, either big band or concert community band.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Clarinet in middle/high school. Picked up the harmonica later. Played in an impromptu blues band for awhile.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Nicely played. Just curious, why did you disable comments on the video?

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

Play at keyboard. Have to be in the mood. Took piano in Jr. College for one semester.