It wasn't until I was in my thirties and became familiar with chamber music that I finally developed an ear for proper expression and technique. But I wasn't in the position of getting back into piano until I was well into my sixties, and that's when my eyesight began to dim.
One of my favorite memories was an evening at a friend's house in 1976 where one of the guests, who was a lyric soprano, brought some of her sheet music of art songs. The host had a grand piano, but he wasn't good at sight reading. I sat down and accompanied her in songs by Samuel Barber, Rossini, Johann Strauss II and Schubert. It was one of my best nights.
Sic transit gloria!
Not being even a smidge musically inclined, you have no idea how much people like me envy you folk with talent. I am so appreciative of anyone with musical gifts.....along with artistic gifts as well. All I can do is the black and white stuff....keep the books, cook, clean up, and organize. Oh, can I organize! Lol it paid very well when companies needed someone to keep production running smoothly! Not beautiful or exciting like art or music.
Do you have any recordings of your playing? I think that would be wonderful to have.
The time with the talented soprano really must have been fun.
I only have had a small number of friends that were musicians.
Looking back I wish now I had played an instrument and participated in marching band and concert band. Those students really enjoyed their high school experience. At HS reunions they were solid people and many still played on occasions with community bands and small group jazz or other preforming or entertaining bands
Instead of music lessons I had dance lessons. That ate up a sizable amount of my extra time