I've stopped taking lessons! ...now what?

[classicalbroadwayjazz]

Hi...

I've been taking piano lessons for about 8 years, and I've finally stopped. It's not because I'm tired of piano or anything like that. To put it frankly, my former teacher just had nothing more to teach me...and I really don't mean that arrogantly. I wanted to keep taking lessons...but it got to a point where I just wasn't learning anything new or doing anything new. There also aren't a lot of piano teachers around here, so I've probably ended lessons permanently.

However...I still want to keep challenging myself, and I really don't want to lose what I've learned about fingering and timing and all that. So...any tips on self-teaching? Or any suggestions as far as songs go? The last piece I had was "Malaguena" by Lecuona...I'd love some direction in picking a few songs to work on...

I'm really afraid that I'll lose all of the classical talent that I have, miniscule as it is. Currently, I play for a Dixieland band, a contemporary worship team, and a small choir. Most of those pieces are improv and chords, so it'd be really easy to forget about classical structure.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[kimba1055]

Hi...

I've been taking piano lessons for about 8 years, and I've finally stopped. It's not because I'm tired of piano or anything like that. To put it frankly, my former teacher just had nothing more to teach me...and I really don't mean that arrogantly. I wanted to keep taking lessons...but it got to a point where I just wasn't learning anything new or doing anything new. There also aren't a lot of piano teachers around here, so I've probably ended lessons permanently.

However...I still want to keep challenging myself, and I really don't want to lose what I've learned about fingering and timing and all that. So...any tips on self-teaching? Or any suggestions as far as songs go? The last piece I had was "Malaguena" by Lecuona...I'd love some direction in picking a few songs to work on...

I'm really afraid that I'll lose all of the classical talent that I have, miniscule as it is. Currently, I play for a Dixieland band, a contemporary worship team, and a small choir. Most of those pieces are improv and chords, so it'd be really easy to forget about classical structure.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

in 8 years what piece have you learn?

[0range]

My advice to you would be to figure out what your goals are, and then the problems stand in your way.

Try making a list of some pieces that you really want to play. Then you have to figure out what's stopping you from learning them. This is the hard part.

Once you've figured out your goals, and what your problems are, you need to determine if you can overcome these obstacles by yourself, or if you need to seek a new teacher. Often times, once you determine what you need, it suddenly appears.

Also, take a look at this thread. It contains links to a plethora of discussions on various topics.

Welcome to the forum!

[classicalbroadwayjazz]

Are you asking which pieces I've done? Let's see...Nothing very hard. I think Malaguena's the biggest piece I've ever played. (I'm hoping to change that...)

Toccata in D minor-Bach
Fur Elise-Beethoven
Moonlight Sonata (1st Movement)-Beethoven
Prelude no. 1 from Well-Tempered Clavier-Beethoven
Ecossaises-Beethoven
Waltz in A flat-Brahms
Hungarian Dance-Brahms
Nocturne (Op. 72 No. 1)-Chopin
Nocturne in E Flat-Chopin
Minute Waltz-Chopin
Sonata in C Major-Mozart
Fantasy in D minor-Mozart
Malaguena-Lecuona

I've also played some Joplin rags, but I guess that's not really "classic." Anyway...Pretty basic stuff...It's a depressingly simple/small list...but I guess you've gotta start somewhere...

Thanks for the advice and for the welcome! Both are exactly what I needed. I must admit, I feel a bit apprehensive to be among such talented pianists!

[slobone]

A couple of thoughts. First, you can learn on your own, and there are some things you can do that are hard to do with a teacher -- such as spending as much time as like on a single piece (from 1 day to 1 year). You can also decide for yourself how you want to spend your practice time. I find I spend a lot more time fooling around, sight reading and improvising than I did when I was taking lessons -- all of which I think will ultimately be a good thing.

The disadvantage is, you're now missing that crucial second pair of ears. You might think you're playing something beautifully when it really sounds awful. Or vice versa.

Also, a teacher can save you a lot of time when you have a technical problem you need to solve.

I know 8 years seems like a long time, but I'm sure there are numerous people here who have studied longer than that. And judging from your list of pieces, you're at a relatively early stage.

Do what you think is right, but don't write off the possibility of taking lessons again in the future. Wait a year or two and see if you feel differently. There are a lot of good teachers out there -- maybe you just didn't have the right one for you. It's kind of like marriages...

[classicalbroadwayjazz]

A couple of thoughts. First, you can learn on your own, and there are some things you can do that are hard to do with a teacher -- such as spending as much time as like on a single piece (from 1 day to 1 year). You can also decide for yourself how you want to spend your practice time. I find I spend a lot more time fooling around, sight reading and improvising than I did when I was taking lessons -- all of which I think will ultimately be a good thing.

The disadvantage is, you're now missing that crucial second pair of ears. You might think you're playing something beautifully when it really sounds awful. Or vice versa.

Also, a teacher can save you a lot of time when you have a technical problem you need to solve.

I know 8 years seems like a long time, but I'm sure there are numerous people here who have studied longer than that. And judging from your list of pieces, you're at a relatively early stage.

Do what you think is right, but don't write off the possibility of taking lessons again in the future. Wait a year or two and see if you feel differently. There are a lot of good teachers out there -- maybe you just didn't have the right one for you. It's kind of like marriages...

Okay, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm sort of looking forward to being able to spend more time on certain pieces without having to have parts sounding decent in only a week. And I'd really love trying out my sight reading/improvisation.

Well, 8 years actually doesn't seem all *that* long, now that I think about it. I'm pretty sure I've got a long way to go regarding the piano. But my piano teacher was the type geared more for level 2 and 3 kids, in my opinion...I was the most advanced pianist in the group, if that tells you anything. I think that's why I haven't had a lot of progress.

I think you're right about waiting a year or two before making a final decision. I'll keep an eye out for a more advanced teacher, but in the meantime I'd definitely like to continue improving...

[irss]

Hi, from the begining I read this thread, you really have passion on piano though you've finished your 8th grade. I started played when I was 5 and stopped at 15 (because I don't have enough passion for piano-I was interested with cello that time, unfortunately my mom forbid me from learning cello) But I'm a violinist now (funny isn't it?) Now, I'm starting playing piano again for unknown reason. I dare say, my piano is not good as before, I am like a beginner - so hopeless.

I have seen the pieces you have played, pardon to say that those pieces' level are quite easy compare to your level. I recommend you some pieces which I think suitable for your level :

Petite suite by Debussy
Suite bergamasque by Debussy
Children's Corner by Debussy
Moonlight Sonata, 3rd movement by Beethoven
Piano Sonata No 28 - 32 by Beethoven
Rhapsody on Theme of Paganini, op. 43 by Rachmaninov
Prelude in D major, 0p.23 no. 4 by Rachmaninov
Valse Op. 18 by Chopin
Valse Op. 70 by Chopin
Petrouchka by Stravinsky

Telling you the truth, I don't like playing Debussy and Stravinsky, very hard for me (or maybe because I am lazy). But their pieces are very good for advancing your level.

I also suggest you attend piano concerts and orchestras to inspire you up more.

Try hold recital at your home or school or anywhere. I think all these will maintain your skill. This coming July, I will perform my first violin recital in paediatric oncology ward (hope this will inspire you too)

Ok bye bye.

[classicalbroadwayjazz]

Hi, from the begining I read this thread, you really have passion on piano though you've finished your 8th grade. I started played when I was 5 and stopped at 15 (because I don't have enough passion for piano-I was interested with cello that time, unfortunately my mom forbid me from learning cello) But I'm a violinist now (funny isn't it?) Now, I'm starting playing piano again for unknown reason. I dare say, my piano is not good as before, I am like a beginner - so hopeless.

I have seen the pieces you have played, pardon to say that those pieces' level are quite easy compare to your level. I recommend you some pieces which I think suitable for your level :

Petite suite by Debussy
Suite bergamasque by Debussy
Children's Corner by Debussy
Moonlight Sonata, 3rd movement by Beethoven
Piano Sonata No 28 - 32 by Beethoven
Rhapsody on Theme of Paganini, op. 43 by Rachmaninov
Prelude in D major, 0p.23 no. 4 by Rachmaninov
Valse Op. 18 by Chopin
Valse Op. 70 by Chopin
Petrouchka by Stravinsky

Telling you the truth, I don't like playing Debussy and Stravinsky, very hard for me (or maybe because I am lazy). But their pieces are very good for advancing your level.

I also suggest you attend piano concerts and orchestras to inspire you up more.

Try hold recital at your home or school or anywhere. I think all these will maintain your skill. This coming July, I will perform my first violin recital in paediatric oncology ward (hope this will inspire you too)

Ok bye bye.

Great, thanks for the ideas! Yeah, I really do love playing piano...but I think I've been playing too many "fun" pieces instead of the not-so-fun, tough ones.

Oh, and I think it's really cool that you're multi-instrumental! Perhaps someday I'll pursue playing another instrument...

Argh...honestly, I kind of hate recitals...I love band gigs and just casual improv playing for people...But yeah, I guess recitals are just necessary evils...

[slobone]

The best  way to get the most enjoyment out of playing the piano is to learn to love practicing, the nitty-gritty, fussy, repetitive kind, because that's what you're going to spend most of your time doing (if you want to be any good)...

[0range]

The best  way to get the most enjoyment out of playing the piano is to learn to love practicing, the nitty-gritty, fussy, repetitive kind, because that's what you're going to spend most of your time doing (if you want to be any good)...

Couldn't have said it any better...

Here's a nice quote I have hanging above my piano..

"Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun."

-Colleen Barrett

[jinfiesto]

Whoever suggested the petrushka is retarded. That will break a pianist of your level. As will the rhapsody on a theme of paganini. I wouldn't touch the third mvmt of moonlight either.

[theodore]

The best way to spark new interest in piano playing is to start with some simple chamber music sessions with a violinist, cellist or woodwind player.

The literature is top of the line and you learn musically from these other instrumentalists. Such topics as phrasing, subtle dynamics and tonal shadings, emotional utterances passed between the instruments.  Items which pianists never encounter while playing alone.

Theodore

[irss]

Whoever suggested the petrushka is retarded. That will break a pianist of your level. As will the rhapsody on a theme of paganini. I wouldn't touch the third mvmt of moonlight either.

Dear to person who wrote this,
I'm quite offended by your word "retarded". Usually retarded is used when someone is referring to a person having congenital mental defect, fetal alcohol syndrome or irreversible brain trauma (in which may cause frontal lobe syndrome). I'm thinking you're lacking of manner. If I have a retarded brain, I will not enter a university or writing back this reply message. 

If you think that my suggestion is not very good, I would prefer if you say "I think that person suggestion is not very accurate. Thus I'm suggesting this and that...etc".

People nowadays really don't know how to take other people's heart. Although you're very expert in something, there is always other people who are better than you.

[thierry13]

I have seen the pieces you have played, pardon to say that those pieces' level are quite easy compare to your level. I recommend you some pieces which I think suitable for your level :

Piano Sonata No 28 - 32 by Beethoven
Rhapsody on Theme of Paganini, op. 43 by Rachmaninov
Petrouchka by Stravinsky

what? Who the hell do you think you are. If he played those pieces, it's because it was pieces of his level. What you just suggested is about a thousand times harder than anything he played before, gimme a break, professionals struggle with pieces like that.