My primary instrument is voice, and I 'gig out' quite frequently. I'm also an active organist (work at a church across the street from my university) and a general keyboard / music technology guy.
A friend of mine recently transferred from U. Miss. to the university, where I'm currently working and studying (well, at least for the next 10 months, 4 days, 1 hour and 30 minutes or so... but who's counting).
Tell your niece to keep it up... especially if she's a free-thinking conservative musician going into music education.
Best of luck to you and (noticing you are a recent registrant) welcome to FR.
Welcome amigo. I am new myself, you will have more fun than you have ever had here. Enjoy