Do you think Id benefit from this?

[steve jones]

Iv been concerned for some time that my in my haste to progress with the piano I may miss much essential work. Im sure most would agree with this.

So I thought I might go back and learn thoroughly 3 pieces from all the previouw grades. This would be 1 - 6. Do you think I would benefit greatly from doing this, or would it be a waste of time - better spent pushing forward with more challenging pieces?

Id really appreciate you input on this one! Thanks 

[dorfmouse]

A question like this really shows up the negative aspects of grading systems. “Oh this piece is only grade 2” ( or whatever), therefore somehow it’s beneath my dignity to be heard playing it.” I’m not implying that you think this, but I think grades foster this attitude and I recognise a part of me that’s guilty of it.
It’s a humbling experience when you hear a truly great musician play something ”simple”.  I heard Uchida play a wonderful virtuoso programme a couple of years ago, after which as encore she played the second movement of Mozart K330 , which probably any half-competent  grade 3 or 4 student could get their fingers around easily. The audience was on the edge of their seats after the 1st note. The first 4 notes are CCC C …!!
So I suppose it all depends on what you mean by progress!
 Have you found this thread yet?
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,7008.0.html (beautiful music that is not hard to play).
Why limit yourself to only 3?

[steve jones]

Actually, there is no snobbery in my question at all. The reason I ask is that I took up piano as a second instrument early on this year, and have since hammered technical exercises and grade music, in an attempt to progress quickly.

I am happy with my progress (grade 6), but I still consider myself a beginner due to my complete lack of appreciation for the piano rep.

With this in mind, I wondered whether I might benefit going back through the grades to learn the material thoroughly, and extract all that is to be gained. I know the grades arent perfect, but I get the impression that they are representative of a typical students progression. I on the other hand has probably skipped much in my haste!

For example, I think I know one piece by Bach, one by Mozart...

See what I mean? Most students Im sure must hammer this stuff during their first five years of practice.

Do you see what Im getting at? There is no grade snobbery, as I openly admit to being a total beginner in many respects.

[donjuan]

Iv been concerned for some time that my in my haste to progress with the piano I may miss much essential work. Im sure most would agree with this.

So I thought I might go back and learn thoroughly 3 pieces from all the previouw grades. This would be 1 - 6. Do you think I would benefit greatly from doing this, or would it be a waste of time - better spent pushing forward with more challenging pieces?

Id really appreciate you input on this one! Thanks 

You need a good teacher to evaluate your progress and see if you do have holes in your technique.  You may or may not benefit from going back, but an internet forum is no place for a fair judgement.  Ultimately, the choice is yours alone.

[steve jones]

To true, to true.

I should really get a teacher, but Iv spent enough money on music lessons in my time (for guitar). Im learning the piano very much on the basis that it wont cost me a great deal!

I think I shall probably do this anyway to be honest. I wouldnt think grades 1 - would take much time, and I know quite a bit of 4 - 6 already. Cant hurt I guess.

[abell88]

I'd suggest reading as much of the lower grade material as possible, and when you find a few pieces you like, stick with them and polish them up.

[cadenz]

i think to an extent, you have a good idea, but aren't necessarily going the right way about it.
you are relying on the grades of pieces to exercise your technique in a pre-assumed manner. for instance if you go about this its like you're saying, i must learn exactly three pieces from each grade, because... just because i assume it is good.
it has good intentions, but really you shouldn't look at trying to create some formula which is going to make you learn the piano. what i would suggest for you to become more familiar with other composers and music, is listen to a lot of it. then learn a piece because you like it, providing its within your ability. its good to learn pieces in a variety of difficulties. for instance some pieces which are low down in 'grades', others which are more challenging for yourself.
but whatever the piece, you must consider how you go about learning it. every piece you learn, you must go about mastering every technical part of it that you cannot play right away (unless its note reading which is causing the problem, but then that should be worked on also), and whatever the difficulty of a piece, theres technical aspects you either can, or can't play. whether the piece be grade 1 or grade 6, mastering a technical aspect in it is equally useful to your toolbox of abilities. make sure you learn all your pieces perfectly by taking short sections that give you trouble, never be satisfied with fumbling through a few sections just cuz they don't seem to matter too much. we should not be fooled into training our entire technical abilities with technical exercises. the technical demands of the piano are enormous, but technical exercises can only offer a few. the only way to progress is by playing, and perfecting lots of pieces.

cadenz.

[steve jones]

Cadenz,

Some great and constructive points there, thank you.

At present I am actually quite pleased with my practice methods. The kind of things you recommend I do religiously anyway, since I spent years being tutored in classical guitar. The idea of learning pieces in small sections, playing slow to memorise, practicing particular exercises to overcome technical difficulties etc. Infact, Iv been amazed how much crosses over from guitar to piano. Its kind of like learning a second language - you benefit greatly from knowing you first language thoroughly (if that makes sense)!

The reason I chose (mostly) graded material is that the grades tend to give you a good cross section, or at least should. If I only choose pieces in that suit my current tastes, then Id probably be missing out on much. As is Im trying new stuff and learning greatly from the experience. For example, Iv started several baroque pieces taken from various grades. Prefering more modern styles, I wouldnt usually have taken to such pieces but as it is Im enjoying them immensely.

But I do get the message of your post, and its all good advice. Iv seen many 'new' muso's try to more forward without mastering the nuts and bolts of their current pieces. They inevitably end up stalling at some point, or simply becoming poor musicians.

One thing though, I cannot speak highly enough of the exercises Iv been practicing. Enough people have said to me that exercises arent the way to go, but seriously if I hadnt trained hard I doubt I would have achieved what I have. Today I went through some grade 3 and 4 pieces (which I had attempted a few months ago) - now they flow effortlessly, where previously my hands had prevented. Obviously you cant learn an instrument purely by nailing scales etc, but I am a big believer in taking the proper physical preparation.