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Topic: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2 (Read 10774 times)

costicina

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struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

on: May 09, 2011, 12:38:50 PM

Hi everybody!
Schubert’s Impromptu op 90 n 2 is the last piece my 11 yo daughter is trying to learn under my guidance (but I’m not a qualified teacher). Since she started her piano lessons about two years ago, it was perhaps a bad choice. I’m afraid this piece is too challenging for her limited skills (and too lengthy: staying focussed is a big problem for her). But probably, we are just practicing it in the wrong way…So, please, we badly need your help here!!!
This video (if you have the patience and the time to watch it), could give you a better idea of the technical/musical problems my daughter is struggling with. Any suggestion, advice, warning you’ll be so kind to give us will be most appreciated.
Many thanks in advance

Margherita

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quantum

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Posts: 6260

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #1 on: May 10, 2011, 01:20:02 AM

IMO, the main point your daughter needs to work on here is technique. The musical problems will be far easier to solve once a good technique is in place.

As technical problems are difficult to solve without direct interaction with the student, here are some general points:
Try aiming for more finger articulation in the RH. Use more flexibility in the wrists. Allow the wrist to naturally follow the direction of the notes and fingers. In essence - free the wrist. A teacher be best to demonstrate technical details to her in person.

Schubert can have a tendency to be longish, but there is structure there. Look for repetitive patterns throughout the piece. Form, harmony, rhythm, figuration, etc. The music will not seem as long if you know how it is laid out.

Practice with the piece structure in mind. Avoid exclusively practicing from beginning to end. Concentrate on small sections. Work on the most difficult parts first.

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costicina

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Posts: 1062

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #2 on: May 10, 2011, 06:09:39 AM

Thank you so much for your reply!!
Your advices are very wise and useful (I think I understand exactly what do you mean). We'll try to apply carefully your suggestions in our practice sessions. I bet my daughter's technique will improve!
Again, many, many thanks
Margherita

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pianisten1989

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Posts: 1515

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #3 on: May 10, 2011, 08:42:14 PM

I've played this piece, and I had kind of the same problems when I started. And it wasn't all that bad. 2 years is a very short time.

Practise slooowly, and be aware of what you're doing. I know this focus problems. For me, it wasn't focus, but that I didn't know the music well enough. This new thinking will take some time to adapt, so don't pressure her too much. Just ask her to think the music, when she doesn't play.

She do have a real teacher, right?

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amie_de_chopin

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Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #4 on: May 10, 2011, 11:51:25 PM

Practicing slowly is indeed very important. She has talent, as two years is not a very long time, and with patient practicing she can become a good pianist one day.
Good luck!

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costicina

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Posts: 1062

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #5 on: May 11, 2011, 06:56:05 AM

Thank you so much for your suggestions and your encouragement!
Actually, my daughter does’nt have a ‘real’ teacher, just me (I studied piano in my teens for about seven years). I’m trying to do my best, basing myself on my own experiences as a re-starter, and all the resources I can think of: this forum ( first of all the mythical Bernhard) has been so far one of the best! Seymour Fink’s Mastering the piano technique, both the book and the video, too, has been very helpful.
Anyway, I’m looking for a good, ‘real’ teacher for my daughter. She has no ambitions to became a professional pianist, but I hope that being able to play well this wonderful instrument, and music in general, will make her life richer and better.
Thank you again and again: feeling part of this community of piano lovers is really a great thing for me and for Costanza.
Margherita

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goldy54

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Posts: 7

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #6 on: May 12, 2011, 07:46:52 AM

I'm not a professional musician by ANY means. I play several instruments with the piano being the only instrument that i've never had any formal training on at all. Since it is my worst instrument, I wouldn't fathom ever attempting to play it on stage. That being said, I think your daughter sounds great! Only 2 years at 11, I think she has tremendous potential, that is my unsolicited opinion. Just curious... Does she play or prefer other types of music? I found out after playing clarinet, mostly classical pieces, by the age of 13, I really never really wanted to play it anymore, and I was an extremely advanced student. Discovered that my heart wanted me to play rock and roll guitar.Does she play any other types of music or any other instruments?

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costicina

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Sr. Member
Posts: 1062

Re: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2

Reply #7 on: May 12, 2011, 08:14:35 AM

Hi glody54, thank you for your kind comment!
This year my daughter started to play the recorder at school, but piano is her favored instrument. I would like very much to introduce her to other kind of music, above all jazz and improvisation, but unfortunately I can't help her in this field...
Her musical tastes are the standard ones of her age-peers: not very refined, IMO, but I don't intefere...
Good luck, and thanks again!
Margherita

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Topic: struggling with Schubert impromptu op 90 n 2 (Read 10774 times)

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