How is your *practicing* coming along???

[go12_3]

I think we need a new topic in the forum now.   How is your practicing coming along.

As for me, it has been improving this past week.  I can play Chopin's Etude 10/1 with both hands together,  but not quickly though.  The Chopin's Fantasie Impromtu I can play the polyrhythms with hands together enough to make sense out of it!  That did take some getting used to though.  The Debussy's Toccata can be played through with both hands with some passages slower than others; it's a fun piece to play.  The D Minor, G Major and E flat Prelude & Fugues from the WTC Book 2 are being played with both hands. 

    I have noticed with the 15 minute practice session has helped me greatly as I was able to practice some of the problem passages more focused.  I feel that each piece that I am working on is getting what I am targeting on.  Plus, the fact, I add up the 15 minute sessions totals up to 2 to 3 hours a day of practicing, which is remarkable for me, since I practice violin and teach piano students in the afternoon.   
    I just enjoy the process of learning new pieces all the time and reviewing the ones I have already learned. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[weissenberg2]

than you for asking 

well the Schumann arabesque I am learning is coming along well. I can play through the first two and a half pages with parts that are sloppy. My teacher says he wants to go over some parts that are building tension with me.

The Grieg I am learning is coming well. I can get through the first page decently well.

The Bach Sinfonia in B Minor is coming very well. I can get through the whole thing like crap

The Scarlatti I have learned I need to play it for him

[giannalinda]

fine....and btw....i dont call it *practicing* i call it PRACTICING

[lostinidlewonder]

The Scarlatti I have learned I need to play it for him

Really? Scarlatti must be very old aged now


This week focusing on Godowsky Java Suite (such under appreciated compositions) and trying to work out which Bach/Liszt piece I want to do, BWV 543 looks nice.

[go12_3]

*This past week, the Chopin's Etude 10/1 is really coming along...The arpeggios are getting stronger as my fingers (and my mind) know the notes.  Once the notes are locked into my mind, the arpeggios do seem to go smoothly.  I love this Etude.  I enjoy playing arpeggios .
*The Debussy's Toccata is about there but will some rough spots that I have to slow down for.  It isn't up the tempo that it suppose to be yet....probably in a while.
*The three Bach prelude and fugues from the WTC Book 2 are getting more familiar, so soon I will pick three more news ones to work on.
*Oh, yes, I plan to learn either the Chopin's Etude 10/7 or 10/8.  Just need to look through them(sightread) today and make a final decision on that.  The suggestions from my other thread has been appreciated and thank you.   
*Debussy's First Arabesque is fine, but the passages with the poly-rhythm is mind-bloggling....(there has got to be an easier way to learn that!).   
*Fantasie Impromptu has that poly-rhythm that I have to deal with, but I work on that each time I practice; however, the rest of the piece is coming along, slowly but surely.  I know I won't be able to play Fantasie Impromptu a tempo.....perhaps later.  It's a challenging piece for me to learn and yet not that difficult from my audio perspective.  These piece isn't as complicated because of the melodic lines, which I enjoy hearing as I play it.

best wishes,

go12_3

[dr. j]

I'm in the process of deciding on music for a concert I'm presenting in October.  It has been great fun to go through my stacks of favorite pieces - rework and refresh those and also to look at some new recently composed repertoire.  The time simply flies by - never enough time to learn everything I'd like and keep up my repertoire.  Putting all the music together to make a coherent program is the next challenge.

Dr. J - The More You Play the Better Your Day

[ramseytheii]

Really? Scarlatti must be very old aged now


This week focusing on Godowsky Java Suite (such under appreciated compositions) and trying to work out which Bach/Liszt piece I want to do, BWV 543 looks nice.

Java Suite!  Wonderful.

Am I always complementing you on your posts?

In any case, it would be interesting, if not self-evident, to pair the Java Suite in recital with Debussy's "Eastern" inspired pieces, to show how they really came at it from different angles - Debussy from the avant-garde, and Godowksy more rooted in Romantic pianism and approach.

Walter Ramsey

[perfect_pitch]

Tell me what you think of this plan and if it sound reasonable... I'm playing the piece in my signature and have been since March of this year. I'm trying to spend at least 5 hours a week-day practicing them, usually one day spent on one piece and two on the stravinsky, hoping to get them all to half-speed perfectly by December, then spending the next 6 months getting them to full speed gradually and 3 months to perform weekly to get used to going through the program.

I just finished my Licentiate Exam last year in September and passed (of course). I was wondering if there's anyone here on Piano Forums who has played any of these pieces and could give me a little general help in regards to practicing any of the pieces.

[lostinidlewonder]

In any case, it would be interesting, if not self-evident, to pair the Java Suite in recital with Debussy's "Eastern" inspired pieces, to show how they really came at it from different angles - Debussy from the avant-garde, and Godowksy more rooted in Romantic pianism and approach.

That is a fantastic idea, I didn't think about that!

[philiplu]

Hmm... I usually sightread my pieces or play a new one every few days and then keep it in my repertoire by playing it once every month or so...

[go12_3]

I can play Chopin's Etude 10/1 with hands together!  Slowly, but surely, the speed has increased since a month ago.  I love this kind of progress.  Today, after playing the right hand of Chopin's Etude 10/8, I had to write out the fingering with those arpeggios; some are tricky. 
I think I will enjoy learning this piece though.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[jgallag]

For me, practicing is going well. I have most of Ravel's Valse Noble No. 6 learned, 8 bars to go. Have learned a page and a half of Muczynski's Prelude No. 3, almost all of page one of the Brahms Rhapsody in B minor Op. 79 No. 1, the first page of Coquette from Schumann's Carnaval, the first page and a half of Poulenc's Improvisation No. XIII, and have memorized page one of Poulenc's Improvisation No. 5. I'll probably start the Bach P&F in A minor from Bk II tomorrow, as I only had time to practice for 3 hrs today.

I'm seeing I do things differently than others. When I mention all of this stuff, none of it is under tempo (except maybe the Brahms. I'm pretty sure I can perform it at 144, but it may be 168. If it is, I'm sure I can manage the faster tempo). I haven't been practicing it for a while, either. I think the most is the Ravel which has about four solid days of practice on it. Otherwise, I started Coquette and the Rhapsody and the Poulenc (No. XIII) yesterday, and the others in the recent past. I wonder, what is everyone's interpretation of the use of slow practice? My teacher forbids us to learn (meaning, start from scratch) under-tempo because we get habits that can prevent us from reaching performance tempo. Her idea is that if you can't play it at tempo, you are doing it wrong (So bring it to lessons, don't keep practicing it wrong)(I know there's a bit of physical ability mixed in with this, but bear in mind that she assigned us the pieces, so this holds true. Obviously there are things I can't do up to tempo on the first try b/c my muscles aren't programmed that way yet). Still, I am happy with as little as four bars up to tempo for a thirty-minute practice session instead of a page or two at half tempo.

go12_3: What passages are you referring to in the Debussy Arabesque? I've sight-read it a number of times (almost to fluency), and the cross-rhythms in there are _nothing_ compared to what you're working on the in Fantasie-Impromptu. Have things improved?

perfect_pitch: Uh, your practice organization looks very sketchy to me. Obviously, I disagree with it taking you until December to learn them to half-speed (as you might guess from above). Contend with me on that all you want. However, I do believe you're shooting yourself in the foot not working on everything every day. It's simply how the human brain works. I think if you select a passage from each piece and practice it daily, you'll find your progress doubles at least. Daily reinforcement not only helps the memory, it triggers what Chang referred to as Post Practice Improvement, that magical process by which your fingers can do more than they did the day before. You have to reinforce things every day so your brain knows which neural pathways to strengthen during sleep and your muscles are able to adapt to the high-speed performance. Just as you learn piano in general better if you keep at it daily, you learn specific passages better if you keep at them daily.

[go12_3]

go12_3: What passages are you referring to in the Debussy Arabesque? I've sight-read it a number of times (almost to fluency), and the cross-rhythms in there are _nothing_ compared to what you're working on the in Fantasie-Impromptu. Have things improved?

I don't know what it is about the cross rhythms.  I have gone over the First Arabesque several times on those particular passages,(on the first page when the cross rhythms begins for a few measures) over and over again, and it has been progressing slowly but surely!).  The rest of the piece is fine.  Although I trip up on those accidentals.  Debussy is a whole new experience than the sonatinas I know!  Lately, the Fantasie Impromptu is coming along.  I am memorizing the right hand , I think that will help with the cross rhythm sections.  The melody is easy to learn so I am getting the fingering down solid before I can truly improve.  I can play hands together though just enough to get the flow of the cross rhythms.  It's a piece that I will keep working on for awhile. But I am pacing myself and enjoy the beauty and wonder of this piece.   Some passages are quite technical though on the second page.  I have the octaves memorized for the RH, again the melody comes to my mind as I play those.  However,  the little notes in between the octaves, are unbearable to play a tempo.  So I have to slow down for those.  It's a killer for the 4th and 5th fingers.  Thanks for asking, jgallag  

best wishes,

go12_3

[scottmcc]

go:  debussy will definitely be challenging for you to learn because it is so much different than the baroque/early classical music that you are used to.  however...in my (very limited) experience, once you take the time to learn a little debussy, enough to get the hang of it, a whole lot more suddenly becomes doable.  you could try learning a few of the preludes if you haven't already, especially the "easier" ones, so that you can get used to debussy's style.  that cross rhythm in the opening of the arabesque is challenging for me as well, but it breaks down to repeated  2 vs 3, which is a relatively common rhythmic figure, and mastering it should be similar to the 4 vs 3 that you are encountering in the chopin.  but it's sure not easy!

as for me, my practice seems to be going well, although I am hindered by my frequent travels, as I only have a very poor quality church piano to practice on during the week.  but it's certainly better than nothing, and I am definitely making progress.  My main focus now is polishing Debussy's Prelude from Suite Bergamasque, followed by learning the 2nd mvt of the Appasionata (just started work on that 3rd variation...ouch!).

[jgallag]

Oh, a thought just came to me!

go, dig through the archives hear and look for bernhard's post on "dropping notes". However questionable his advice may be, I know this practice trick works for _anything_ putting it hands together, and it will still work with the Debussy, though I'm not so sure on the Chopin. Truly, I've used it a million times, on Bach, Brahms, Debussy, and others. It has _never_ failed me.

Also, I agree wholeheartedly with scott. Sometimes, I'm very cautious to ask to study a piece I love with my teacher if it is the first piece I've learned by that composer. This is the case with the Ravel. Though I've listened to his music for hours, I've never really learned it, just dabbled around with his Menuet sur le Nom de Haydn. I think I'll be okay, though, because she asked me not to work on the first and seventh watzes (my favorites) until we see each other again. This means I'll have the five in between to get used to his style. It's similar with Muczynski, but I'm not in love with the Preludes, although hopefully I will come to love them later.

I would also go searching though the archives on Fantasie-Impromptu. No doubt countless people have encountered problems with it. Of course, you'll have to weed out the good advice from the bad, but you'll be fine with that. Here's what my teacher would say: 1) Each beat must line up, and 2)The right hand has the melody, so it should define the beat. The left hand doesn't have to be exactly in triplets. The idea is for the rhythm to give the piece and flowing and very fast effect, not to be rhythmically perfect. I was practicing the third movement of Barber's Excursions for a while, which is full of 7 vs. 8 and 8 vs. 5. Not fun, but I was able to manage the parts where technical ability wasn't an issue. Also, make sure you're not holding down the thumb on the octave part you mentioned. They're written as quarter notes to indicate they are the melody and the rest is the accompaniment. You can't reach full speed holding those down.

[go12_3]

Oh, a thought just came to me!

go, dig through the archives hear and look for bernhard's post on "dropping notes". However questionable his advice may be, I know this practice trick works for _anything_ putting it hands together, and it will still work with the Debussy, though I'm not so sure on the Chopin. Truly, I've used it a million times, on Bach, Brahms, Debussy, and others. It has _never_ failed me.

Also, I agree wholeheartedly with scott. Sometimes, I'm very cautious to ask to study a piece I love with my teacher if it is the first piece I've learned by that composer. This is the case with the Ravel. Though I've listened to his music for hours, I've never really learned it, just dabbled around with his Menuet sur le Nom de Haydn. I think I'll be okay, though, because she asked me not to work on the first and seventh watzes (my favorites) until we see each other again. This means I'll have the five in between to get used to his style. It's similar with Muczynski, but I'm not in love with the Preludes, although hopefully I will come to love them later.

I would also go searching though the archives on Fantasie-Impromptu. No doubt countless people have encountered problems with it. Of course, you'll have to weed out the good advice from the bad, but you'll be fine with that. Here's what my teacher would say: 1) Each beat must line up, and 2)The right hand has the melody, so it should define the beat. The left hand doesn't have to be exactly in triplets. The idea is for the rhythm to give the piece and flowing and very fast effect, not to be rhythmically perfect. I was practicing the third movement of Barber's Excursions for a while, which is full of 7 vs. 8 and 8 vs. 5. Not fun, but I was able to manage the parts where technical ability wasn't an issue. Also, make sure you're not holding down the thumb on the octave part you mentioned. They're written as quarter notes to indicate they are the melody and the rest is the accompaniment. You can't reach full speed holding those down.

Thanks for the *tips*   

best wishes,
go12_3

[pianist9591]

Working on memorizing 1st movt of Haydn Sonata in A Hob5/WU8. My hubby says if there is anything I can't remember, to let him know.  What that means is he's heard it like a million times & is sick of it.  LOL.

[go12_3]

I haven't played through Chopin's Etude 10/1 for the past few days; I was working on it most of last week though.  However, today,  when I played through with HT, I was amazed at my progress in this piece.  Most of it is coming together, partially memorized in some areas, especially  the repetition parts.   I mostly memorize by audio and fingering patterns.  Anyhow, I am quite pleased just to play it through with a moderato tempo.  And I love the sensation of playing  it anyhow!   
                                  *go skips around the room*   

best wishes, 

go12_3

[omar_roy]

Op 10/1 is hard! I just started it a few days ago.  That arpeggio figure is hard to speed up and stay accurate while staying relaxed.

I'm working on that, Chopin's Ballade in F Minor, and Mozart K457 Movt. II.   Also venturing a look at Jeux D'eau, and starting a new concerto and then eliminating things from this list that can wait.

[go12_3]

Op 10/1 is hard! I just started it a few days ago.  That arpeggio figure is hard to speed up and stay accurate while staying relaxed.

omar_roy:
Just make sure the hand is relaxed and practice slowly to make sure where each finger goes on those arpeggios.  The left hand can wait until you are comfortable with the arpeggios.  Spend 15 minutes a day on it and you'll  progress a lot quicker.  Then add the LH.  Good luck!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[omar_roy]

Thanks for the advice!

The funny thing is that I have no problem coming down from the arpeggio hahaha.  It's going up that's harder for me.

[go12_3]

The funny thing is that I have no problem coming down from the arpeggio hahaha.  It's going up that's harder for me.

I can go either way,  but your fingers will GO up or down like a roller coaster ride!  Have fun!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[go12_3]

This afternoon, I played through the whole Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu!   Hooray!
For the past two weeks, I have been focusing on my RH and so today, I played HT and
oh!  it IS coming along, yet slowly on the allegro part.  However, my favorite part is the
lento, and I enjoyed the harmonies and the sweet melody to bring it out with my RH.
 
What an experience I had and I felt that this moment while I played this piece, was the best
I have ever played it through.  I was patient with my abilities and just kept playing and not
get frustrated about fingering and speed.  I concentrated upon the beauty of this wonderful
piece.  And so happy that I have the technique and insight to what this piece is about....and
how music will always touch my life in many, many ways....

best wishes,

go12_3

[mbildner]

I just learned how to play the c major scale today. I've been playing for quite a time now, so my experience paid off. The hardest part I found with the scale is that it's deceptively easy; the actual notes to play aren't that difficult, but mastering the subtle nuances is extremely hard.

[db05]

Nothing is coming along...

[go12_3]

I haven't done any serious practicing since last week Wednesday.....can't seem to focus on
anything much.  Been busy with stuff.  I think an occasional break from practicing is good
for me though.  Tomorrow I plan to get right back into the swing of things.....practicing! 
and teaching!  Woo hoo!  What a celebration.

I love playing with HT the Chopin's Etude 10/1, even though not as slow as the week before.  I still need to work on a couple of pages of the RH.  Just to make those arppegios more sense in my mind.  I love that Etude. It is my favorite, next to 25/8.  I have been working on the RH of the Etude 10/8 the past two weeks.  I like those arpeggios for some reason.   

best wishes,

go12_3

[omar_roy]

I haven't accomplished much in the past week.  Still working on the Chopin's F Minor Ballade.  The recap of the main theme in harmony is difficult to shape with the middle accompaniment.  A friend of mine is here and will be leaving Saturday so I've been hanging out with him a lot hahaha.

[nanabush]

I've just been contacted by my to-be piano prof this coming fall.  He wants to assign me some stuff to look at over the summer, so I'm trying not to look at any new stuff.  Can't wait to see what he suggests!

[jgallag]

I've just been contacted by my to-be piano prof this coming fall.  He wants to assign me some stuff to look at over the summer, so I'm trying not to look at any new stuff.  Can't wait to see what he suggests!

Always exciting. My professor took a few weeks to get summer rep to me, and it felt like forever, but I'm glad I have it now. It's fun stuff! I feel like I should contact my voice professor and ask him, but I just made some serious expenses and I'm not quite up to buying voice books now. I don't think my parents would be too happy to buy them for me, even though they are technically textbooks.

Um, practicing may go well today. I taught swimming lessons and then saw two movies yesterday, so I didn't get in any at the piano work. I did, however, work out of Seymour Fink's Mastering Piano Technique. I'm hoping to make considerable progress before I see my teacher again so we can work on a more musical level this year, instead of trying to pull my technique to where it should be.

[go12_3]

My practicing has been a slow  GO.....really, with summer activities and unexpected twists and turns in life.....oh, well....I did mangage to squeeze in Chopin's Etude 10/1 last night....my favorite Etude of all so far.  Anyhow, next week, I will practice much better!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[pianisten1989]

Good topic. Way better than all the "How long do you practice?"-topics.

Anyways:
I've play L'isle joyeuse for a while, and play it through more or less without any major misstakes, and getting used to play it through twice that way.
Bach's first partita also working out quite well. I've finaly accually learnt it. I've played it for like 3 month, but without any real practice on it, so I can finaly play it without any mistakes, most of the time.
I also play Schumann's symphonic etudes, but they're hard as freaking hell! Though I play them through without getting all lost in the notes, but I'd wish I could make a bit more music out of it. But it's getting better and better each day
Uhm... Ah, Haydn sonata no 46 Emajor working out very well. Im more or less done with it, just have to keep playing it for a month or so for some upcoming festivals.
I played the Mephisto waltz on a competition last year and taking it up again, for the festivals i'll participate in. It's fun to play such old piece. It sounds so much better, apart from some misstakes.

[thalbergmad]

I decided to do a little practice today, as i did not want to watch the Williams sisters for the umpteeth time.

Had a very pleasurable hour with some variations by Czerny and a couple of beers.

Thal

[iroveashe]

I did some exercise (physical exercise, not piano exercises (something rather uncommon)) and I felt my practice time short after that was more efficient. Whether it was because of that or just a coincidence I'll try to find out in the next few days.