High school piano rectial and other

[super5james]

Im not into puting my recordings on this site not at my myspace site you can hear it all.
myspace.com/pianomanjames

[canardroti]

woa, this thread has turned out into a religous insanity.
After reading some of your thread James. I don't think you practice for 12 hours a day, maybe you practice for 3-4 hours a day, and spend the remaining 8-9 hours PLAYING.
If you really did practice 12 hours , you would be playing much harder repertoire by now, especially after 14 years of piano.

 I think you should travel and experience different culture. You're too narrow minded when it comes to religion.
I think open mindness is the key to explore and experiment which is the right way to improve musically.

[pianote]

This week has been a trebile one.This will astonish and amaze you all for the 1st time i have not PRACTICED AT ALL. every time i want to practice i have to go to school or meetings for the summer programs that i will do. Its feels bad not practiceing. Im at school typeing this right now. LET ME TELL YOU IT SUCKS NOT PRACTCEING. I have to play Liebstraumne all 3 of them in a rectial on Monday. Since i have nothing going on Saturday ill make it up with a 12 hour day. I cant wait till net Thursday when itll just be nothing  but piano practice and Performances all summer long. It aslo feels good because this week has been eye openng to some of the things that ive been missing. Liek B-day partyies hanging out wiht my closets freinds. Homework. It feels good. Most of my freinds are graduateing this year. Ill miss them. Next year will be a little werid. But i get audtion for Juilliard Again next year. So im exiected i aslo return to Nationals to competie in August so ill be ready for that. I prasie God for this week even though the piano has been good like i want it to. Every thing esle has been great. But dont get your hopes up i will return to the over-practice hog like am next week.

holy crap, get a blog instead of posting all this.

www.livejournal.com
www.xanga.com
www.blogspot.com


"Hey guys listein in The 2nd week of July ill be going to N.Y.C to play for some Juilliard teachers and staff. For you guys that dont know what this means. Juilliard is one the best music schools in the Country. Im going against the odds here but if this is Gods will ill make it. I cant tell you what exact date im Leaving for securtiy reasons.Please keep me in mind."

 ...lol   


But still and sincerely, best of luck to you and your piano endeavors.

[super5james]

Im Back i would just like to let you all know that my summer was very amzaing i went to see Juilliard and it WAS AMAZING!!!! Im looking forward to attending there soon. I need your help......If there are some conservatorys of music out there that i havne found out about write me and let me know. This year im a Senior in High school so im prepareing for Music Schools im hopein to get a Schoalrship so let me know

So far this is my list to use for anything

Bach- Prelude and Fugue from WTC book 1 No. 5 in D Major
Beethoven- Patheiuqe Sonata
Chopin- Nocturne in Db Major or C# minor
Liszt- Un Sosprio
Profkeiv- Tocctta in Dminor

Let me know what ya think
James

[franzliszt2]

Your attending Julliard? You mean you've got a place? or you are auditioning?

[super5james]

Ive gott 3 Juilliard, Berkley, Peabody  so i can use some help and im aslo doing some searches

[nanabush]

Holy crap, how long did it take you to learn the prokofiev?  It like totally outclasses the rest of ur rep in terms of raw technical difficulty... I'm not doubting you can play it, I just wanna know how long it took you... cuz I'm a senior this year, and I've considered starting it.

[canardroti]

This thread is back? lol

Prokofiev Toccato in D minor?
Have a recording of it to prevent this thread from going to hell again?

[steveie986]

The real question is: Can Jesus play the Prok Toccata?

[steveie986]

Your attending Julliard? You mean you've got a place? or you are auditioning?

I think you need to be able to spell and be free from cultic influences to attend Julliard. So, the answer is... Well, you know what the answer is.

[e60m5]

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[brewtality]

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Well put! I agree.

[journeyyourmind]

This is the funniest post I have read on the forum...seriosuly lol. Either the poster is serious, or he is tryign to mess with ppl now cuz it seems ever since all the criticism he has changed his approach. However honestly, whether Gruffalo wants to accept it or not, for a high school student, the poster lacks a huge amount of maturity and it's obvious by his blatant arrogance and disregard for other peoples posts. I am not religous myself, but I know many lovely Christian people, one is a pastor who recently baptized one of their memebers in my backyard(they needed the pool). I am tolerant of people who are willing to cooperate, however, I am not tolerant of idiots who come on to a forum and embarass themselves(and their faith for that matter) with pointless comments about the devil and who refuse to recognize when someone is beign arrogant just because they're Christian.
    And to the poster, it's probably time to recognize that you are a hypocrite. I just looked at your myspace, and just to make that entire bundle of personality outfits you would deifnitely have had to spend atleast an hour on the computer, it also shows that you have people in your life, yes PEOPLE who need your attention, and want you to bless their lives as well with your attention, and of course, your playing. You need to also realize that there ar emany Christians who would shame you for your close minded comments. If you want some advice, I Can tell you to start reflecting, becuase with an attitude that allows for no bends, YOU will be the one who can't cooperate with people, and YOU will be the one to fail, despite how immense your technique may be.
  If anyone thinks I'm dumb for even trying....well maybe you're right.

[gruffalo]

i agree with journey there. you need to mature a lot (although, arguably is maturity a totally natural process? or can it be forced). You also need to give more time to others. The bible says in many areas that we should put other people in front of us, as Jesus did all his life. I think that many teachers would agree that 12 hours is just ridiculous. You seem to think very highly of Julliard, well i heard several teachers on documentaries pount out how more than 6 hours of practice can be detremental to your piano playing.

I am not naive enough to believe someone who makes a thread like this. I dont believe or not believe him. He knows himself how much piano practice he does, so i dont think he should be congratulated nor condemned by people here. I personally think he was given far too much attention. now you could say that i posted a lot here, but my issues here were related mainly to religion and the odd question about how he practiced, in what why, and why so long. He was good for expressing his faith, but he needs to down the bragging and also learn to type correctly. Remember, we all have our flaws in character. His may be slightly attention seeking, but so what, why not help him. he's still 16 years old so he needs help, not a load of people laughing and flaming at him.

Gruff

[ryan2189]

Hi James,

I wanted to ask what your teacher is like? Is he or she aware of your schedule? Do they approve of it? What is done during your lesson? How long is your lesson? Is your teacher effective? The reason I am asking is because maybe you might need someone to help you manage your time better. I don't know the level of skill or experience your teacher has but is he or she identifying weaknesses and helping you fix them, or are you just playing through all of your works during that time? If you have this problem and it is fixed, then the results that you are looking might come much easier. This way you can spend your 12 hours on more of a variety of pieces, either that or allow you to cut down your time and have the opprotunity to explore or enjoy other things that might be of interest to you. This is purely a question of interest and is by no means meant to offend.

[franzliszt2]

I've come to the conclusion that this super5james is not being serious and is just trying to get attention. Either that or this guy needs a serious reality check. I find it fasinating that you can practice 12 hours a day, eat, sleep, go to church, say prayers, type nig long essays on this forum, keep a full myspace profile going,  and do everyday things. I mean practicing is not an easy sort of thing, after a 2 hour session I really do need a break, just to give my head a rest if anything. The most I've ever heard of anyone practicing is a guy who's 17 and practices 8-9 hours a day, but he's playing repertoire like Liszt Don Giavanni, Brahms paganini variations etc.. so it is clearly working for him. Surerly Beethoven Pathetique Chopin nocturnes andBach p&f's cannot warrent that much practice. AND if I was doing the Prokofiev I'd focus on that, and still would do 2 hours a day on it to make sure that the work I do do is good.

However I'm sick of this thread, the guy will not listen to anyone, and will just carry on to type annoying messages boost his ego, and when things don't work blame Saten rather than step back and look into the real world and see that people are to blame not Saten. Nothing he says adds up.. including his 12 hours a day timeline! 

[verywellmister]

super5james, could you post a recording of yourself please?

I'd be interested in hearing how you play.

[super5james]

I dont have recording equipment to use so i cant but when i do i will post it i want to alot but i cant.


my teacher does NOT know about my seculde all i tell him is that ive practicesed and thats it i dont tell him how long. and hes really suprised about my playing so its helping and im not goin over my seculde again as far as spelling this tread isnt exactly needs to be perfect in spelling. But yeah

It took 8 months to be able to play the Toctta up to tempo but its really not that hard its FUN your hands are crossed together alot  but it took 8 months.

[e60m5]

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[paris]

you sound like you're boasting with the number of hours you pratice, but if you really need 12 hours every day for stuff like liebestraume and pathetique, then you should consider is that right career for you.

best wishes
(for you, to stay sane after that much practising and no social life)

[Kassaa]

you sound like you're boasting with the number of hours you pratice, but if you really need 12 hours every day for stuff like liebestraume and pathetique, then you should consider is that right career for you.

best wishes
(for you, to stay sane after that much practising and no social life)

A bit harsh .

[paris]

A bit harsh .

was just being honest, didn't want to offend him. if i did, take my apologises. 

[elevateme]

no, i think paris is right, i think it would be a really really good idea to stop practicing. after all, it is only piano lol (i know some people will argue with this, but seriously, come on) and piano is certainly not the most important thing in life. anyone who says that it is does not have a life. sorry.

Listen, the way you put it, it sounds like god is just using you to play piano. are you so sure he doesn't want you to have a social life, or do anything else? I seriously recommend stopping for a few weeks, to try and sort your life out. these are the most important years of your life, and the ones that define the sort of person you will grow into.

Also, i posted here months ago, and you were still doing the same repertoire as you are now. considering you do 12 hours a day, you seriously need to either improve your practicing techniques, or change your career. a lot of us could learn the pieces that you are doing in a week or less, with only an hour or two a day. im really sorry, but it had to be said.

but, god is supposed to be a good person, and he should be pleased with you whatever you choose to do. so dont think that you are here just to play piano. it is your life and you shouldnt let religion take over. because of religion, we have had things like 9/11 and other horrific events.

and because of those things, i am not religious at all. i am only trying to help you.

[kaiwin]

LOL

I finally felt like reading this thread again... HAHA...

Ok James,
The Toccata shouldn't take about 8 months. Seriously if you think it this way thats like a whole school year.

For the Toccata it should take about 2 weeks to learn at least if you put only 5 hours practice on it every day. Then 1 week to achieve it fully musical.

8 months is too much...
From what I can see from this thread that most of your time is not practicing but playing.. Probably thats why it took 8 months.

I dont have recording equipment to use so i cant but when i do i will post it i want to alot but i cant.

Go buy some equipment.



I gotta quote this The Prokofiev Toccata...

Its manic and maniacal, the devil let loose on the keyboard.

From http://www.good-music-guide.com/reviews/032_prokofiev.htm
"Devilish" is what its saying..

*Modified 8/21*
I'd like to add something on,
James I would be careful if I were you, what happens if a Juilliard admissions officer sees this thread?

 

[super5james]

Well im sorry that you all think of me that way i dont share how long i practice anyone anymore now that ive met you guys and the way you act toward it. But i said before im not here to look for atteion i save that for the stage now im am looking for your thinking on my things. and help sorrry
James

[gruffalo]

you sound like you're boasting with the number of hours you pratice, but if you really need 12 hours every day for stuff like liebestraume and pathetique, then you should consider is that right career for you.

best wishes
(for you, to stay sane after that much practising and no social life)

i think you are wrong.

1) Some times a step down in repertoire is taken even if someone has learned harder.

2) You might not know when this guy actually started playing the piano.

3) Any practice beyound 6 or 7 hours is going to do nothing, and is possible detremental to the muscles, the pieces etc. The brain cannot concentrate in the way one is supposed to when learning repertoire, for that long a period of time. So even if he did 12 hours a day, thats not going to advance his repertoire forward any more than someone doing 6 hours a day, because the other 6 hours is simply just waste.


Gruff

[donjuan]

Well im sorry that you all think of me that way i dont share how long i practice anyone anymore now that ive met you guys and the way you act toward it. But i said before im not here to look for atteion i save that for the stage now im am looking for your thinking on my things. and help sorrry
James

oh you bumped up the ***ing thread again? the *** you dont want attention  im finally cancelling these email notifications godspeed james

[pianohenry]

what an odd and interesting thread 
I read only the first and the last page, i only found it today but its been going on months...

I agree with what most of the others have said: I have no idea (and im not sure if i actually believe) quite how you manage to do that amount of practice, and still have time for school, church, and eating etc. Its insane! Having said that, someone who does that amount of practice I would imagine is very good... so you really should start recording some of your stuff. Impressive!

Maybe you should hmm widen your horizons slightly... have you tried composing? Teaching, or musical direction (i.e. conducting) or accompanying? or other instruments? Maybe you should try some other things other than just performance, at the rate youre going at it sounds like you may exhaust that particular hmm route at some point in your life... maybe you'll reach your peak at performing early in your life and find you can't get much better. I dont really know how stuff like that works, obviously its different for different people... well wanted advice and opinions so mine is: Performing MAY be your "forte" (ha get it  ) but you probably dont know until youve tried other things - have a go at composing or summat!

Good Luck whatever you decide to do... I hope you havent stopped reading this thread

Henry

[lagin]

So even if he did 12 hours a day, thats not going to advance his repertoire forward any more than someone doing 6 hours a day, because the other 6 hours is simply just waste.


Gruff

My teacher said 4 - 6 hours a day is good when practicing for a performance diploma.  But, it usually takes 2 years, then, to learn about 65 pages which are required for it.  Mind you, RCM is quite similar to ABRSM in that it is a big leap from grade 10 to diploma level so that also accounts for the time it takes.  Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyys, the reason I am typing this is because of that thread I started a while back regarding what is the best way to divide 6 hours per day up into a week.  Meaning, evenly, or 8 hours a day Monday through Friday, with only 1 on Saturday and Sunday, ect.  So does this answer my question, in that, it would be more beneficial to not go over 6 hours for each day?  I heard my teacher reply to someone who was doing the 8 hours 5 days a week and 1 hour a day 2 days a week, that it could work if they made sure that they were paying attention for that long (which could be done if they took lots of breaks).  Thoughts?

[nanabush]

You only have 65 pages for ur arct?!  Mine's 86   

[lagin]

Actually it's really 66 pages.  I was rounding down.  But that probably doesn't make you feel any better, does it!!   My program runs about 45 minutes in length IF, that is IF, I get it up to recording speed which is not entirely necessary.  I do recall you were pretty close to the hour cut off if not over, so that probably accounts for the 20 more pages you have than me. 

[gruffalo]

My teacher said 4 - 6 hours a day is good when practicing for a performance diploma.  But, it usually takes 2 years, then, to learn about 65 pages which are required for it.  Mind you, RCM is quite similar to ABRSM in that it is a big leap from grade 10 to diploma level so that also accounts for the time it takes.  Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyys, the reason I am typing this is because of that thread I started a while back regarding what is the best way to divide 6 hours per day up into a week.  Meaning, evenly, or 8 hours a day Monday through Friday, with only 1 on Saturday and Sunday, ect.  So does this answer my question, in that, it would be more beneficial to not go over 6 hours for each day?  I heard my teacher reply to someone who was doing the 8 hours 5 days a week and 1 hour a day 2 days a week, that it could work if they made sure that they were paying attention for that long (which could be done if they took lots of breaks).  Thoughts?

yea, thats pretty much what i was trying to say, just didnt come up. You cleared up the point, which is that 8 or 10 or 12 or whatever practice only works if you can concentrate for that long ie. proper concentration, the ability to memorize and stuff. I think to concentrate for that long, you would have to be super human.

Gruff

[super5james]

Well im telling you the truth i obsolutely can concertrate for 12 or more hours at the piano execpt for Bach after 2 hours of him i start to fall asleep LOL. But i really can. Your right it takes about 2 hours each of practice on a piece to get done with what i wanted to that day but for the rest of it i perfect and play around with things. Most of the time i just play for the sake of soothing my soul then rather for Juilliard or Concert things. I play alot because its fun for me. Its something that i enjoy doing and thats what it should be about. But im done with trying to expalin myself to you all. LETS DROP HOW LONG I PRACTICE!!!!!

Now back to my auditons: if there are any schools that i should be looking at PLEASE tell me
James

[lostinidlewonder]

It is sad to see someone practice 12 hours a day. All I can say is that if you need 12 hours to complete your piano practice for the day you are probably practicing inefficiently or have some nasty musical requirements to meet in a short space of time (like learning a piano concerto in one week for performance, which is just suicide imo but it has happened!).

Sometimes it has to do with a confidence issue, we cannot leave the piano until we have proven to ourselves we have it, if we don't we are afraid we will forget it all. We have to have some trust that we have learn a passage of music and move on, we have to also have trust that we do not need excessive practice on a passage to memorise it. But how do you get confidence that you have something memorised without going over the top practicing unnecessary hours? With effective practice, undertsanding conscious memorisation to muscle memorisation to sound memorisation. Tracking where you are and knowing how to maintain music in all three states.

Some of us rely on one part of our memory too much where in fact we should use all three, conscious, muscular and sound memorisation to help us all the time when studying pieces. When we perform pieces we simply use sound memorisation (that is the sound we hear from the piano cues our hands what to do next, we don't think about the notes simply the sound). When practicing we should be satisfied when w