Difficult with distinguising the exact sound

[faa2010]

One of the most common problems I have is that I don't know if I play correctly a piece.

For example, when I play Nocturne op 9 no 2, they told me that it sounds a kind of choppy while it has to be more legatto when I though that I played it more fluid like in the records I listened.

Another is when I am practicing scales, someone told me that they didn't sound clearly, they sounded like a downpour despite playing them faster.

Or most common in my case, when I know by heart a piece and I played it I think that it sounds like it should be but someone who is more inmersed in the playing subject detects faults that I can't easily detect.

What can I do so I can improve my ear and technique for better?

[ionian_tinnear]

Try recording then listening to yourself.  It helps me a lot.  Often I thought what I played sounded fine, until I hear the recording!

[werq34ac]

Think of yourself as a conductor. You must direct the "orchestra" while listening closely to the sound you are creating. It's more being aware of what you need to play it "right" rather than listening for what could be wrong. Pretty much if you felt it happen (for instance, a moment of lack of clarity, a moment of too much pedal, a moment of not playing evenly and smooth etc.), it definitely happened and the audience can hear it happen. It's these small things that may interrupt the flow of the music. It takes being aware of your playing and experience. Think of playing the sounds as more creating sounds rather than hitting notes.