How long until you are competent?

I'm a high school senior who is very interested in programming as a backup option for if my acceptance to music school does not happen, or happens with too little scholarship money to afford it. I'm pretty big on math, and have done a bit of Learn Python The Hard Way. I guess my question is, with or without college, how long does it seem to take until most people are able to begin programming for money?

I know it's a lifelong-learning experience, but surely there has to be a point in which you can support yourself on your work.

You must start from a young age, 8 or 9 or earlier if you're smart as fuck. If you start older you'll probably convince yourself and employers your good as shit, but you aren't. I'm sorry but programming must be embedded deeply into your bone barrow before it matures.