I didn't follow my passion.

For 10 years, I did not follow my passion. I just unknowingly cultivated a craft I had no plans for. I had been “making up songs” as I used to say since I was just a kid. But it never occurred to me to call it a passion.

I was not taught how to compose music; it was just something I did, like playing outside or watching YouTube videos. There was no ambition to become a film composer or anything related to music.  

Although I did play a lot of piano and grow quickly as a musician, I never thought about it as a passion I’d want to dedicate my life to.

 …

Eventually, I came to the point where learning to play a song that already existed was not nearly as engaging as creating something new.  

It’s funny looking back, but it was partly out of laziness to learn the whole piece that led me to composing.

Sure, I was curious- but never enough to systematically develop it as a skill.  Although I had piano teachers, it never occurred to me to ask them to train me.  

I learned by imitating music I heard and had downloaded sheet music for. Over and over, and eventually without even thinking about it.

I continued on my own path that way, learning pieces here and there during lessons and writing more and more without ever telling anyone.  

I soon realized that it was impossible for me to stop.  

I was hooked.