Concerning the accuracy and speed at which you learn pieces.

[journeyyourmind]

I've been wanting to experiment with the speed and accuracy of learning a piece, but obviously cannot because if I do it one way, I've already learned it, and can't relearn it a different way(without already knowing it). So I ask you all at the forum what in your opinion would work best.
I'm going to use a short piece as an example. Let's say you want to learn Brahms Waltz no. 15. I can list a number of approaches.

1. Learn the entire piece HS, both hands. Once memorized both hands of the piece start putting it together. Slowly mastering it line by line.

2. Learn a line HS, both hands. Once line is memorized put the hands together, move on to next line, and repeat step for entire piece.

3. Start off HT. Get a feel for the way it plays right away. Master the entire piece measure by measure, line by line, whatever suits you.


What would you do in learning a short piece of this type. Or any piece of any type even.

[jeremyjchilds]

good question, For me, it depends on the level of the piece, and it depends on what I plan to do with the piece...

I always use option one if the song is either at my level or I plan to use the piece for performing. when playing hands together, it is really easy to overlook details and to develop bad habits. I usually play H.S. untill I can hum (ur usually just kind of grunt) the other voices of the song along with my playing, and not make any mistakes ever. As my teacher says, "this method is the slowest way to learn songs, but the easiest way to polish songs" and I think she's right from experience

I use option #2 if I just want to play the song for my own enjoyment, or if the song is at sight reading level (I would consider a grade or two below to be sight reading level)

Of course, This is what works for me, I would love to hear a convincing argument to the contrary.

[jeremyjchilds]

I used option two as my second example, I actually meant option 3...

[luc]

I always use #3. I know, maybe it's not really the best way, but it works for me.