New Member (Returning to the Piano after 4 years)

[twisty]

Hello Everyone,

I'm very ecstatic to find this forum. I've taken a 'leave of absence' from Piano for quite some time now. It has almost been 4 years - last time was Senior of High School, currently a Junior in College. I've been concentrating on my career, and have fortunately landed my dream job once I graduate, so I can dedicate some time to my passion once more.

Quick background: Played since 2nd grade, all the way up to Senior year of High School. Never really took it serious, but looking to rectify this fact. Only practiced 30 minutes a day, never worked on technical work, and never practiced sight reading/playing. I do have a good ear; however I cannot play a piece/song just by hearing alone.

I feel one of the reasons I 'dropped' playing was due to the fact that many of my peers were sight reading and moved their fingers much more elegantly than I could. I felt embarrassed, as I played for so long but didn't possess these skills. I must admit, my Piano teacher was not the best, and I should have left her once I passed the beginning stage. (I was 7-8 years old, so no control over who was teaching me either.) I never played with the correct fingering, my wrist was stiff, and my overall playing wasn't emotional.

I'm looking to change that. I've picked up Debussy's 'Claire de Lune' again, to gauge how much I've forgotten. To my surprise, I remembered most parts...but my fingers moved awfully. For the past week I've been doing technical exercises and I see a huge improvement. I used to play much more complicated pieces from Chopin, but of course not perfectly.

Questions:

1) I am relearning all scales, arpeggios, etc. all over. How much time a day should I dedicate to these?

2) I want to incorporate sight reading practice as well - I plan on tackling pieces I've never seen and playing them through one hand at a time without stopping. How much time should I dedicate to this a day?

3) I'm practicing 'Claire de Lune' again, and want to play it perfect. Any pointers? Hints? Advice? (I've been religiously studying the scores, and have it on repeat on my music player.)

4) ABRSM. I want to know where I stand 'grade' wise. I'd like to work up to a goal, and working towards placing seems great. What level do you recommend I shoot for?

5) I've read practicing techincal/techiniques is not an efficient use of practice time (Some say just learn a piece). Do you recommend this?

Note: I can squeeze 2 hours a day into practicing. Weekend, I can dedicate around 10+ hours (I know I can only play 3-4 hours a day, so the rest will be towards studying.)

I apologize for the long-drawn-out post. I want to play again, and hopefully reach my goal of playing 'advanced' by the time I return to get my MBA (around 27-28). I appreciate all and any criticism/advice. Thank you!

[shortyshort]

5) I've read practicing techincal/techiniques is not an efficient use of practice time (Some say just learn a piece). Do you recommend this?

Hello and Welcome.

I can only help you with Question 5. 

When learning pieces you will find that you will need some of these techiniques. 
So, to play it, you will have to practice them. 

I'm not saying that practicing techinique alone is wrong, just that I do not do it. 
I tend to learn them when required. 

[twisty]

shortyshort,

Thank you for your response. If you don't mind me asking, could you elaborate on how you practice technique? Are their any particular exercises, or books you recommend?

[shortyshort]

could you elaborate on how you practice technique? Are their any particular exercises, or books you recommend?

First of all, are you planning on getting a teacher?

If so, everything I tell you will be wrong.
I have not had a teacher in ages.

There are many wise people here, who can and will help you. I am not one of them. 

Personally, I use no method books.
The score will tell you most of what you need to know.
When you find a tricky bit, practice it a lot.

Also listen to the piece, played by different pianists. Hear what is going on and replicate it.

[twisty]

First of all, are you planning on getting a teacher?

In due time. I want to be able to play this piece from start to finish, with the correct fingering and techniques. Than, I want to go to a teacher to fine tune my playing style, emotion, and actual playing the music. I do have every intention of going to a teacher (already have one in mind as I went to him briefly before he left the country) and will start taking lessons within the next month.

There are many wise people here, who can and will help you. I am not one of them. 

You are right that there are many wise people on the forum, but every bit of advice is helpful!

Also listen to the piece, played by different pianists. Hear what is going on and replicate it.

I currently have around 7 different variations...I was on the ball with this one!

Thanks again for the continued words.

[shortyshort]

In due time. I want to be able to play this piece from start to finish, with the correct fingering and techniques. Than, I want to go to a teacher to fine tune my playing style, emotion, and actual playing the music. I do have every intention of going to a teacher (already have one in mind as I went to him briefly before he left the country) and will start taking lessons within the next month.

As you are getting a teacher, do not worry too much about getting it all correct, as it will not be.
No offence meant.
You may find yourself trying to correct bad habits.

Just practice what you like for now, and your teacher should steer you in the right direction.

[twisty]

You may find yourself trying to correct bad habits.

Absolutely. My fingering is all wrong, coordination is off, etc. I'm essentially re-learining the piece step-by-step and correcting myself along the way. This is one of the reasons for holding off on going to my teacher...I'm ashamed of my old habbits, and want to fix them before we start. This way, we don't waste time on correcting, and more time on enhancing.

Do you suppose I should start clean? (Drop the piece, and go to my teacher - start fresh?)

[shortyshort]

This is one of the reasons for holding off on going to my teacher...I'm ashamed of my old habbits, and want to fix them before we start.

Never be ashamed of what you "CAN" do.

You will be going to a teacher to help you.
You may end up fixing more.

I would enjoy playing for now, as your lessons will start soon.
Perhaps, instead of concentrating on the one piece, try a few easier pieces to test your sight reading, or something. Nothing too specific.

[twisty]

Sorry for bumping this up, but I've managed to find answers to my previous questions. However, through this, I have more follow up questions 

1) I am learning scales slowly...how do you guys practice them efficiently?

2) I am shooting for Grade 5 ABRSM. Is half-a-year enough to take the exam?

3) What computer software/programs do you recommend for sight-reading/relative pitch?

4) I will buy a used, cheaper Clavinova w/ weighted keys (for computer practice) but my laptop only has USB. How do I hook up for MIDI input?

Thanks in advance...I want to be able to practice in my dorm room late at night, since evening hours I go down to the piano rooms, though they have really bad uprights.