How am I doing?

[xpjamiexd]

Okay so i've been playing piano for a little under a year and am self - taught, though have recebtly started lessons. I'm currently learning Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C sharp minor, Moonlight Sonata 1st Movement and Rach Prelude in B Major. So is this good, or should a be at a higher level?

[gyzzzmo]

Shouldnt you ask that your teacher? How are we supposed to know how you play those pieces....

[xpjamiexd]

Shouldnt you ask that your teacher? How are we supposed to know how you play those pieces....

haha I suppose so

[shortyshort]

gyzzzmo was not being harsh. 

But he is correct, in that we can not answer your question. 

Perhaps post something in the "Audition Room" 

[piano_ant]

Those pieces are deeper than technical levels. Any technician can play them, but your musical voice needs experience. I'm sure you play the pieces well, just never forget that every piece requires more than the notes on the page.

[Essyne]

Those pieces are deeper than technical levels. Any technician can play them, but your musical voice needs experience. I'm sure you play the pieces well, just never forget that every piece requires more than the notes on the page.

See, this response is curious to me. Do people start out w/ different "technical levels," so to speak? I guess that that's a stupid question, but I just hate being hindered by my lack of polished technique. It just seems to me that one who's only been playing for 18 months would lack technique and have Musicality. I know that personally, I'm doing exceptionally well (apparently), but I'm a perfectionist, and am highly Musical. I know when I'm screwing up royally, and, unfortunately, I only HAVE the things other than "the notes on the page," if that makes sense. Intellectually I understand everything, but I just. can't. play. it. It gets better (I practice like there's no tomorrow) and I'm incredibly driven/obsessed to the maximum, but I lack Patience. That's my personal experience, but I know that categorizing everyone as myself would be, well, beyond ignorant. It just seems that, for Musical people who are taking up an Instrument, that's the way it would be. . . .

[healdie]

i totally agree it just been able to play the piece is no indication of level, a good pianist should be able to play a simple piece but still make people cry when he plays it i personally hear a great redintion of a simple piece than a poorly performed version of a technical piece, so it is not difficulty but quality

[piano_ant]

See, this response is curious to me. Do people start out w/ different "technical levels," so to speak? I guess that that's a stupid question, but I just hate being hindered by my lack of polished technique. It just seems to me that one who's only been playing for 18 months would lack technique and have Musicality. I know that personally, I'm doing exceptionally well (apparently), but I'm a perfectionist, and am highly Musical. I know when I'm screwing up royally, and, unfortunately, I only HAVE the things other than "the notes on the page," if that makes sense. Intellectually I understand everything, but I just. can't. play. it. It gets better (I practice like there's no tomorrow) and I'm incredibly driven/obsessed to the maximum, but I lack Patience. That's my personal experience, but I know that categorizing everyone as myself would be, well, beyond ignorant. It just seems that, for Musical people who are taking up an Instrument, that's the way it would be. . . .

I find that over time, pieces grow musically and technique usually follows suit. However, it all depends on what type of player you strive to be. Someone who practices exercises and scales for three hours before their pieces will likely have a mean technique. But what takes the most investment and time with pieces is growing the planted seed, so to speak. Saying something with your music, besides "look what I can play" will always reward the player and listener a million fold. Keep up your hard work!

[db05]

See, this response is curious to me. Do people start out w/ different "technical levels," so to speak?

I find that over time, pieces grow musically and technique usually follows suit.

Hear, hear!

 xpjamiexd,
I say, let your teacher figure out your technical level and find pieces for you, and play some pieces you like for yourself. What music/ composers are you crazy about?

[xpjamiexd]

Hear, hear!

 xpjamiexd,
I say, let your teacher figure out your technical level and find pieces for you, and play some pieces you like for yourself. What music/ composers are you crazy about?

right there's the problem the compsers and compsositions i'm crazy about require exceptional technical ability (Rach 3 for example).

[slobone]

See, this response is curious to me. Do people start out w/ different "technical levels," so to speak? I guess that that's a stupid question, but I just hate being hindered by my lack of polished technique. It just seems to me that one who's only been playing for 18 months would lack technique and have Musicality. I know that personally, I'm doing exceptionally well (apparently), but I'm a perfectionist, and am highly Musical. I know when I'm screwing up royally, and, unfortunately, I only HAVE the things other than "the notes on the page," if that makes sense. Intellectually I understand everything, but I just. can't. play. it. It gets better (I practice like there's no tomorrow) and I'm incredibly driven/obsessed to the maximum, but I lack Patience. That's my personal experience, but I know that categorizing everyone as myself would be, well, beyond ignorant. It just seems that, for Musical people who are taking up an Instrument, that's the way it would be. . . .

It's not that simple. Technique and "musicality" go hand in hand.

Hopefully they develop at the same rate, although there are plenty of pianists whose technique outstrips their musicality. The other way around is not as common, for the simple reason that you can't express a musical idea properly if your technique isn't up to it.

And keep in mind that technique means more than just playing a lot of notes really fast. A slow, quiet piece requires just as much technique, if not more, than a show-stopper.

[db05]

right there's the problem the compsers and compsositions i'm crazy about require exceptional technical ability (Rach 3 for example).

We have the same problem about finding pieces, but I thought you'd have more pieces accessible since you can already play Rach. I've been playing for a year and I haven't faced a Rach yet. Hope that cheers you up.

Maybe you like romantic stuff... Try the easier Chopin pieces.

[xpjamiexd]

We have the same problem about finding pieces, but I thought you'd have more pieces accessible since you can already play Rach. I've been playing for a year and I haven't faced a Rach yet. Hope that cheers you up.

Maybe you like romantic stuff... Try the easier Chopin pieces.

Yeah i've actually started some of the easier Chopin pieces, very beautiful.