Thought I'd chime in. Been here a little while, never really thought of this. I'm 17 years and live in Denmark. Started playing keys at 5, began from the very bottom. No, the very bottom. My first tune consisted of 12 rhythmic pressdowns of C4. Went into classical, but I sorta got tired of it and eventually quit the lessons. Joined my very first band for a year playing rock/blues, then went to a continuation school that really allowed creative talents like acting, dance, music and art to flower. I took lessons back up again and started playing jazz!
So, I'm about to start in my third year in high school. I've recently been given admission to a conservatory-preparational music school, and until I start there, I'll just stick with my bands: the piano-b-d trio and Bearsurprise, the local rock/funk/jazz/fusion/hardcore/balkan/techno group.
Oh, and gear talk. These days my room houses two Nords, but I consider replacing the Stage 88 with a cheaper, more piano-feeling lightweight axe like FP4 or P155. Drooling for a melodica and something Voyagerish.