He can't be a Matt-clone. I'm horrible at math, and I can't play the violin if my life depended on it.

You know very well that I mean the piano.

Unfortunately, I don't play either of the two instruments anymore. I haven't touched the piano for about a year now; when I play I feel so guilty not being able to live up to my family and friends' expectations.

I tried out for the College of Music here in the University of the Philippines, it's really a tough college to get into. Or maybe I'm just not good at it by the evaluator's response when I played. She said my skills needed a total overhaul. After studying the piano for eleven years and the violin for six, if that's not what you call a failure, I don't know what is.

I used to play Starcraft, but I don't see how it fits into this.

Oh cool! You're from the Philippines?? Finally! Someone on my side of the world!!

Geez your evaluator sounds harsh. That doesn't make you a failure though! It was just one person's opinion!

The other two forum-boys here are like Starcraft Addicts! (Maybe Benign more so, but still.)

Um, you're from Singapore, right?

From what I see in the rants section, Benign is one passionate guy for Starcraft.

Although it was the official evaluator who talked to me, I was actually watched by a panel of teachers from the college. I assume they agree on what she told me.

Yup I am!

Rants section? Took me some time to figure out which thread you were talking about... but yeah I suppose that is evidence enough. Ho ho.

Oh man, that just sucks. But what's important is that you enjoy playing, I think! As long as you're happy, you'll have fulfilled your family and friends' expectations, no?

Actually I don't play anymore, you'd have read it in one of my previous posts here.

I actually haven't asked my mother and my grandmother about what they think of me. I'm afraid I already know the answer and having them say it to me will only make things worse..

You should really get back to playing the piano and violin I play both as well.

Yeah, what I meant that it's kinda a pity that you gave up because to me, being happy about your own ability to play should come first. But I also get what you mean about family expectations...

My mum enrolled me for violin lessons when I was 6. It was such an eventful time! I hated it and my teacher eventually left the country so that was how it all ended. My most vivid memory was nearly getting into a car accident on my way home from lessons. Hah.

I only started playing the violin last year, my teacher calls me talented cos I just passed my grade 3 examination with a distinction. My mum just thinks it's because it's my second instrument.

Since when have you been playing the piano, tippy?

since I was 4
I've gone past grade 8 and now I just play for fun.

Then I'd agree with your mom. Playing violin does involve a lot about hearing and having a background such as yours I'm not surprised if you learn quickly.

Yeah guess so, at first playing the violin was so wierd I had to learn were to put my fingers and it confused me so.
But I got used to it faster than I thought I would.

Same experience here. Basically when you get over the posture, it's all good. Ah, good memories...