Why didn't I finish my Music Degree?

I have lived a double-life :) My education and career are as an engineer, but my passion is the piano. Few of those who know me through my career even know I play the piano; and those who know me through my music are typically surprised that I did not finish my music degree.

So why didn't I ever make piano performance my career? Well, that was my original plan. While getting my undergraduate degree at BYU I was pursuing a double-major in engineering and piano performance. I worked hard at both, but eventually I had to choose. My heart yearned to be at the piano but my mind and in-most spirit knew I needed to pursue my degree in engineering. This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.

So at that point, I stopped taking any classes towards the music major, and instead finished all of the classes for the music minor. I continued to perform and study the piano as much as time would permit, but it had to take a backseat to my engineering degree and my career.

And now... I work hard to provide for my family in my industry while spending a little time each week studying music to share my passion for classical piano with the public. I've been doing this for several years now and I've found that it is a happy middle-ground. I'm never fully fulfilled as a musician, but I am ecstatic knowing that I have done the right thing for my family. My family is the most important thing to me and so I don't ever look back with regret when I know that I did what I felt was the best choice for my wonderful wife and beautiful children.