Playing again after some 7 years or so...

[slinky_bass]

Evening all,

I've been browsing this site for a while and I think it's time for an introduction, and a question or two

I started playing piano at the beginning of high school. A little late to start, but around that time I had come into contact with a friend of the family who played. The sounds she produced on the piano opened up a whole new world in my mind, and I knew I wanted the ability to create similar worlds with music. Everything about the piano fascinated me, from the even rows of black and white keys, to the way the bass notes would vibrate around me, and how the notes I pressed could make such beautiful sounds or such ringing discord!

My progress through the practical grades was moderate, despite my initial fervour, and by time I graduated I only reached grade 6.  My musical education was solid and well rounded though, with my teachers keeping my music theory and history up to speed with my practical. After graduation I received a scholarship to study Fine Arts, and so unfortunately my piano fell by the wayside for many years. I was a very extreme person back then, and I think I only had enough energy to devote myself to one art.

For this past year though I have had a yearning to play again. To rediscover the things that made me happy and inspired during my teenage years. Fortunately for me, my parents had kept my piano all these years, and this November I had it moved to my flat.
Its been fantastic going through my old grade books, and getting my fingers reaquainted with my old exam pieces. I've not really been doing scales and technichal excercises, I'm not overly concerned though, as I play them well enough when I do sit down to do them.

Although I was very rusty initially, the skill of playing has resurfaced quite rapidly. I remember (or my body remembers) the posture, the body weighting, the hand shaping, the fingering, and many of the interpretation subtleties essential to play good piano. Most importantly, I can feel within me a genuine passion to master new works and improve my playing. It's amazing what the right mindset will add to learning process.

Anyway, that's quite a ramble from me, but my rediscovery of the piano is something I've been wanting to share for a while.

So now for the advice seeking part. Grade 1 -3 peices I can play beautifully, and confidently, but my old grade 4 pieces are proving to be challenging, there seems to be a fair jump from 3 to 4 (or is it just me?). I guess I've reached my level for the moment. What I would like to know, is how long do you guys think it will take me to reach grade 6 again? If I remember correctly there was also a fair jump in dificulty from grade 5 to 6.

I don't have a teacher yet, but I am planning on sourcing someone for the new year, for one lesson a week. At the moment I'm doing between 2 to 3 hours practice, about 4 days a week.

Once I've reached my old level I intend to continue to 7, 8.... With the amount of practice and tutoring described above, how long do you thing it will take me to reach 8, realistically.

I am also wanting to broaden my musical repetoire and ear. I have learnt a number of the easier Chopin pieces on my own, and have practically all his works on cd. But I'd like to try my fingers on something a little different, nothing Romantic. Something contemporary, or Baroque perhaps. I have a penchant for dark and broody pieces. Any suggestions?

Finally, any advice/ encouragement/ random musings on the re-learning, and learning process, and what I should watch out for in my particular case.

For those of you that made it to the end of my rambling introduction and advice seeking post, thank you! I look forward to your response(s)

S_B

[amelialw]

i'm glad that you decided to pick up the piano again and it's good that you really want to be able to play well.

you could try a few of Bach's pieces from the Anna Magdelene book, a few of Handel's simple piano pieces, and a couple of sonatinas by Kulah, Clementi, Beethoven etc.

[dan101]

Absolutely, some easy Bach and Handel works should be tops on your list. Good luck.