grateful glory

I agree with most comments here. It depends on what you want to compose, but a true composer is more addicted to it...and life is 'lost' without it. One should love music and feel a part of it in some way...I cannot imagine someone being happy who did not always have music in his life with an instrument or constant listening to great music...and then new music too. He should have an ability to play an instrument. Usually one learns this at an earlier age. However, if passionate, one can learn when older. What nobody has spoken about is natural ability. To be musical and reproduce music, one must have an ear for it; harmony, rhythm, melody, and colors plus musical recall. One can take a test for this, which would be helpful. Very important is creativity. Also, can one be disciplined enough to practice or work alone many hours a day? This is not an easy profession, but if one measures up to it and loves music...it is a great blessing. Of course, do not expect to have regular vacations, for usually one does not. I have never had one. Composing is a way of life. However, if music is your master, you can be its grateful servant all your life long.