DEAR ABBY: I'm a busy sixth-grade girl who has played piano for seven years. But my busy schedule gets in the way of piano because I have to prep for competitions. I love the piano, but I still need to keep up with my school schedule.
If I tell my grandma I want to quit piano, she'll be disappointed. I already quit violin in orchestra. So this means my music life will be over. Should I still do it or not? -- STRESSED OUT MUSICIAN
DEAR MUSICIAN: Unless your music causes your grades to drop, continue the piano for as long as you can. There may come a time when other things must take precedence, but you never can tell how beneficial your musical education may be when you're an adult.
You're an intelligent young woman, so let me share a true story with you: A man here in Los Angeles studied classical piano for many years. He had talent, but didn't consider himself good enough to make it his career. He married, went to law school, passed the bar -- and wound up becoming one of the most successful lawyers in town representing musicians and other entertainers.
You never can tell where life may lead, so the more talents you nourish, the wider your options will be.