<p>I agree with ABlestMom that “a great measure of a person’s success is their being happy and content with their lives” and that there are many pathways to success.</p>
<p>In the U.S., we especially value the well-rounded high achiever, for example, the kind of student who can play simultaneously play varsity sports, be in the top band and jazz combo, compete on the math team, do community service work and take a lot of AP courses (making top grades and test scores). </p>
<p>In general, talented musicians are not known for being extremely well-rounded and highly accomplished in a variety of areas. Some music students may be like that, but many others may not be that studious or scholarly in all areas. Some aspiring musicians may be good at math, but not so good at writing, or vice versa. Some gifted music students may have narrow interests or be very strong in areas that interest them and in which they have been self-taught, in comparison to the “nose to the grindstone” hardworking student who makes straight A’s even in subjects for which they have low interest. Some students who are strong in music may be socially awkward or shy, except in music, where they are able to find other people eager to play music with them. Some academically bright music students are so involved in their music activities and practicing that they do not have time to take a lot of AP courses. Some kids who are talented musicians are academically average. </p>
<p>Of course, those talented musicians who are well-rounded and top-ranked at everything they do are very impressive. But I also am impressed by serious music students who are positive, caring and inspire others, as CLRN8MOM described her daughter. I am impressed by those who take nontraditional paths and even risks (e.g., not taking a lot of AP courses or taking course schedules heavily skewed toward music) to reach their music goals, those who succeed after having starting serious music study later than most, and those who succeed despite living in communities that do not have strong music programs. Those are just a few examples. </p>
<p>There are many pathways to success, and some of them are more meandering than others.</p>