Introduction » Detailed introduction

I would like to introduce myself below in a little more detail.

So, who is TheHobby Pianist?
I am. My name is József Kiss, and I was born in 1981. I am Hungarian, and I live and work in Hungary.

Why hobby pianist?
Life turned out so that I did not become a full-time musician. I did not choose the musical profession, but music has always been a defining element of my life, and it will remain so. I did not study at the Academy of Music, nor even at a secondary school of music. This is why I can never compete with the great pianists, but I do not intend to either.
At music school I played the recorder as my main instrument at first, and the flute later on. The compulsory piano lessons became part of my curriculum after that. I was afraid of them, because as a flautist I had no idea how anyone could read two lines of sheet music at the same time (left and right hand). In the end I grew to love it, and this is the one instrument I have never given up. Unfortunately I did give up the flute, but I am planning to take it up again.

The pros start practising their instrument very early. I only got to music school at the age of 12, and started to play the piano at 15-16. The agility of my fingers and my power of expression can therefore never be on the same level as those of someone who has been polishing their skills almost since the beginning of their life.
I also remain a hobby pianist because only a handful of school years of compulsory piano lie behind me. I did not study any further, I worked out my own practice routine and my own practising principles by myself. In my view it is possible to get far this way, but it may not be enough for someone who wants to become a truly professional musician.

What genres do I compose and play in?
I like to immerse myself in many genres, because I enjoy the variety that characterises the way each musical style is performed and practised. I play classical music most of all, but I perform my own compositions with just as much joy. The popular music of old times is also dear to me. I like to learn and play ragtimes, and I also enjoy listening to and playing boogie-woogie and blues. The improvisation, the way of performing and practising, the feelings conveyed by the artist... these are all completely different, far away from classical music, for example.
Since I have a serious recorder and flute background, it is likely that I will also play these instruments on the next recordings.
In addition to all this, composing symphonic music is also a favorite pastime of mine, I compose the well-known melodies of the Christmas Edition, which is currently being prepared, accompanied by a large orchestra.

Goals I would like to achieve:
My most important goal is to be a successful pianist and composer measured by my own standards. I feel that I am heading in that direction, but I still have a lot to learn and a lot of work to do.
I would like to build a significant repertoire in each of the genres mentioned above, and to finish one or two CDs in my home studio.
You can follow my progress on this website continuously.

My job...
Currently I work in software quality assurance.