I quit piano lessons when I was 12. My Mom was against it, but I had quit practicing or making any effort at all in my lessons. My teacher had two Steinways back to back and if you didn't play it right he'd play along with you, and I'd just quit playing. I wanted to play basketball and baseball. I discovered a year or so later that playing strengthened my hands and fingers and they didn't get bent back as often by the basketball, and I got pretty good at catching bad passes. So, I kept playing, and in college it was a respite, a way to clear my head, and in grad school I no longer had access to I bought one which I sold in Cincy rather than moving it. I had quit playing when the kids came along, actually after I got married as the wife would complain about it (and a lot else).
The current wife encourages me even though I'm pretty bad. I am about able to play a few items reasonably well now. I looked at some of the more complex pieces and laughed.
It does give one an appreciation for how good the pros are.
