How Often Do I Repeat Beginner Exercises?

[howdeedoodee]

Today is the beginning of my second week. Aside from trying to piece together a decent source of instruction before I find a method book, I have the following question.

How much do I repeat beginner keyboard exercises or beginner song segments? Do I repeat the beginner keyboard exercises or beginner song segments until I no longer have to "think" about where my fingers go on the scale and no longer have to "think" about the name of the note OR do I keep rotating the pieces I am using to keep from repeating the material over and over to the point where I no longer have to think? It seems like on some of the pieces I am using I am no longer training my eyes, hands, and memory.

Here is an example. I started playing "Saints Go Marching In" on about the second day. I have practiced using the piece enough I am not having to "think" about the note name or my hand action to find the key. At the same time, newer pieces using the same notes are requiring me to think more. I absolutely understand practice makes perfect but to get the most out of my time, should I keep a variety of pieces in front of me or master one piece at a time then move on to something else?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

[jimbo320]

Howdee,
First let me welcome you to the forum. Second I wish to input my opinion on your question. I believe the best thing to do is to master one thing before continuing on to the next. Repeat a lesson as many times as you need. There's no absolutes here. Whatever it takes. Congrats on what you have already accomplished but there's no need to push. Relax and enjoy the ride. You'll be able to do more when your time is right.
Keep us posted on you progress....

Musically, Jimbo

[howdeedoodee]

Thank you. Since I do not have a method book at the moment, I am using some of the beginner songs available via the web. I downloaded Rocket Piano but they have no embedded practice schedule or real practice pieces as far as I can determine. Thanks again for your input.

[fleetfingers]

Work on a few pieces at a time, and learn to play them well. These are the ones that you continue to play even after you aren't having to "think" anymore. Actually, you should know them so well you can play with your eyes closed.

To improve your reading skills, start with simple music that only takes you a few times through to get the timing and notes right. If there are dynamics, accents, etc (although it may be too early for that), make sure you are including those in your playing. Once you can play it accurately the way it is written, move on.

Reading music and acquiring the technique to play the instrument are two separate and distinct skills. Remember to foster both.

[becky8898]

Hi :  what fleetfingers said is so true.  Here is one more thing and its different with everyone.  NO hard and fast rules but,  go over something 4 times is helpful, going over something 7 may even be more helpful, but going over it 100 times in a row is not.  Everyone suffers from brain fatigue. After awhile our brain gets goofy and where actually doing more harm than good.  Find the maximum amount of time you can spend on something and then do something else.  Let your brain absorb what you just learned.  Keep up doing your thing. 

Cheers, Becky

[nygiantsfan3342]

Hi :  what fleetfingers said is so true.  Here is one more thing and its different with everyone.  NO hard and fast rules but,  go over something 4 times is helpful, going over something 7 may even be more helpful, but going over it 100 times in a row is not.  Everyone suffers from brain fatigue. After awhile our brain gets goofy and where actually doing more harm than good.  Find the maximum amount of time you can spend on something and then do something else.  Let your brain absorb what you just learned.  Keep up doing your thing. 

Cheers, Becky

Good point Becky. Brain fatigue is real.  That can happen in sports and in business too.  Sometimes its possible to shoot too many free throws in a row.  One needs to move around and get a change in scenery to prevent stagnancy.