Some amateurs can play at a high level and show up in a concert with a local music group a few times a year. They're not professional in the sense that they don't rely on performing for a living.
Once met a doctor who performed with a local music group. He would perform advance pieces but only a few times a year. In the old days people like him started piano at a young age (before 10 probably). Someone who graduated from medical school before his 30s is already an accomplishment. In his school days he's probably a high achiever like someone who excelled in many subjects and could already play piano at a high level.
Compared to those whose parents got them enrolled in piano or violin early, I started very late. Despite being able to play a few tunes at gatherings and on a public piano, I sometimes feel that I'm taking baby steps. No special talent in music. Just somebody who is boared spending many hours in front of the TV. At the same time I managed to learn some challenging pieces. My parents retired sometime ago. Since neither of them are musical, they ended up watching TV during the day. Mom would tell people many of the shows are educational to make her feel less guilty spending so much time in front of the screen.