Hit the Wall

[pavb2]

Hi All

Delighted to find this forum I'm 45 and have been playing piano (with lessons) for 5 years my problem now is I seem to have "hit the wall" as they say. I completed grade 2 but decided I'm playing for pleasure and grades while good, took up a lot of time learning techniques and unknown pieces as opposed to playing pieces I enjoyed.

Now pieces seem to take a long time to learn and while hands separate is OK things fall apart when I put them together. I can read music but my other problem is that I can't play any pieces from memory or without notes. It almost becoming a chore to play and enthusiasm starting to wane.

I don't think I am as advanced as I should be after 5 years

What advice can anyone give to rejuvenate and are these common problems any advice appreciated.

Pavb2

[shortyshort]

Just hang in there.

I am at about my 3rd or 4th wall right now.

[pianowolfi]

Yeah, I don't count the walls anymore, perhaps they're just part of the deal.

[Petter]

The show must go on!

[pianowolfi]

Yep. What doesn't kill you makes you stron'

[kyliec]

Walls are normal...but if you're struggling with the coordination aspect check out Chuan Chan's book https://www.pianofundamentals.com/book. I found it quite useful
Kylie

[csharp_minor]

I completed grade 2 but decided I'm playing for pleasure and grades while good, took up a lot of time learning techniques and unknown pieces as opposed to playing pieces I enjoyed.

Well done for doing grade 2! I’m going to do it in November! Perhaps it’s time for you to work on some pieces you really want to learn that are about grade 2 to 3 level? I’m sure your teacher can help you find something enjoyable to play. My rule is: If it’s a boring piece for you, don’t play it! - only play stuff you like. After I pass grade 2 I'm going to give exams a small break and work on repertoire I like so I can build up technique and at the same time play some really nice pieces.

[pavb2]

Thanks for encouragement the thread on piano depression especially helped.

Going to learn a piece I like such as Liebstraum, Clair de Lune, or Moonlight Sonata what do you all think? or can any one recommend a piece by Chopin.

Thanks for all comments

Paul

[go12_3]

pavb2:
Some pieces by Chopin that you may enjoy learning:

Two Preludes  op28 no7
Prelude in C minor  Op 28  no 20
Waltz in C# minor  Op 64 no 2
Prelude in B minor  Op 28 no 6
Mazurka in F Major  Op 68 no 3
Prelude in E minor  Op 28 no 4
Waltz in A minor  Op post

enjoy and best wishes,

go12_3

[scottmcc]

Thanks for encouragement the thread on piano depression especially helped.

Going to learn a piece I like such as Liebstraum, Clair de Lune, or Moonlight Sonata what do you all think? or can any one recommend a piece by Chopin.

Thanks for all comments

Paul

stay away from liebestra:um for now, it's quite difficult.  clair de lune's first 2 pages are manageable for a beginner, but the key signature is not (db major), and the middle 2 pages are probably above your level.  but there's nothing to say you can't give it a go for a bit.  the first mvt of the moonlight sonata is not terribly difficult technically, but to make it sound good takes a lot of work.

if you like debussy footsteps in the snow or the girl with the flaxen hair from the 1st book of preludes might be fun, but again, technically not terribly difficult but musically definitely.

[csharp_minor]

You could try the first movment of moonlight if you want, beginners can learn it; but playing it well takes a lot more time and maturity I think.

Friedrich Burgmüller's 25 studies are set of lovley pieces that should help with technique and almost all sound really nice. The skill level of these pieces ranges from grades 2 - 4 .
I ordered it a few days ago, should have it soon!