How am I doing? / Where am I?

[cubsfan334]

Hi guys,

Obviously I'm new here, I hope I put this in the right place.  Anyway, I'm 16 and I love the piano and I was just kinda wondering how I'm progressing.  My teacher's pretty much got me on a diet of Chopin and Beethoven (to improve technique).  Basically right now I'm playing/have played in the last year or so (up to performance/competition level)

Chopin Black Keys Etude
Chopin Scherzo no 2
Beethoven Pathetique (1st movement)
Beethoven Appassionata (3rd movement)
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
A few Bach prelude/fugues
Ravel Pavane

These are a little easier, but 3 years ago I won a piano competition with Beethoven's 1st sonata and the Rachmaninoff Humoresque.  I also love to play pop music, I can basicly hear a Coldplay song once or twice and play the thing.  My goals for piano are to someday play Rach2 and Chopin Ballade 4, 2 pieces I've adored since I first heard them years ago.

Anyway, I'm just kinda wondering how I'm progressing etc.  I don't have time to practice 3 hours a day; I also play basketball and baseball for my high school, piano's just my passion I guess.

Thanks!

[trish89]

Hi,

I think you are progressing well, I see you play some same pieces I play now and Iam almost four years older. But I don't know how you play it. Your repertoire is hard (very hard) it depends how is your  expression and technique in your pieces. I haven't heard you so I   can´t compare or judge.

But if you can play it well I believe you will soon play that Ballade 4.
Still I think you will have to play more than 2 hours (4 maybe), especially if you want to play Rachmaninoff.

One student who was very good, played this Rachmaninoff concert when he was just 20 and he played it perfectly, but if you want to reach so high goal you will have to put all your effort into it...

Wish you best and good luck 
Tr.

[go12_3]

Hello cubsfan334,  I just joined a week ago.  I feel you are doing very well also.
I wonder if you have learned some of Chopin's Etudes, my favorite is 25/8.  All his Etudes are good for technique.  Also, Sonatinas by Kuhlau and Diabelli, which may just give you a variety to work on, not as difficult yet enjoyable.  Sonatinas provide the passages of runs and a variety of fingering.  A contemporary, piece, arranged by Jon Smidt, The North Pole Express, is a jazz arrangement(a Christmas piece).  Good luck and keep on practicing!  go12_3   = )

[mike_lang]

Why don't you post a video or recording of a few things, and then we will tell you how you are progressing, in our own humble opinions?

Best wishes,

Michael Langlois

[cubsfan334]

Sure, I'll post a video or two when I can (probably later tonight)