Getting back to the piano after years away

[hfmadopter]

I stopped after about 10 years of lessons where I had done a couple of recitals, was using the New England Conservatory work book, Chopin Etudes, etc. I would say I made it to an intermediate level. But the doctors had put me on a new med and it just knocked out my ability to keep both hands in syc ( weakened the concentration as if having a couple of drinks before practice). Now that I've started back up, I notice the right hand keeps repeating the same mistakes even though I know it's coming. Of course with years away I have to get the fingers excersed again but the cords seem to be falling in place in each hand individually.

Just wondering, since this is a students forum and there must be teachers around as well, any ideas on working through this kind of split between the two hands ? Of course I'm fully adjusted to this med now. I'm going back to my roots sort to speak, with scale books etc.  Any other work out suggestions to maybe help this along ? Or just brain function excercises maybe !

Thank's for any answers.

[hfmadopter]

Thinking maybe I'll ask this in the teaching forum as well.

[steone]

I don't know your current "health" situation, but (i may be wrong) it seems to me that everything seems "fine". It's normal that your hands keep being not synch since you spent a lot of time on your med (and not practising).
It's just like a bad habit...it tends to stay and take a long time to get rid off :p

If it's the case, i would advise you to just take your old pieces you were used to play and see which one you're still able to work.
I wouldn't advise you scales exercises and similar stuff (Hanon, etc...), since for me it's a waste of time when not used in regard of an actual music piece.

I hope you the best

P.S : you didn't say how long u stopped? was it very long or not?

[hfmadopter]

Current health is pretty good. The med however is not going away.

It's been 20 years or so of on and off again playing since leaving my strong 10 year regiment and teacher. Lately, since about mid winter classical music pieces (or well arranged popular music even) I hear just keeps going through my head over and over. I feel this is a clue that I need to try and tackle this problem with the piano or else find some musical outlet . I may just need to put more effort into it, due to both aging and getting past that original turn off. My teacher was very good ( I believe she has passed away now or otherwise isn't around at any rate), I still remember her methods and approach at learning and have all the books etc. .

Thank's for your thoughts.
David

[lousyplayer]

Don't worry, your brain will like this workout. If you still have problems because of that med, don't let it affect you and keep practicing, insist until you've straighten up! Piano is an excellent memory and coordination exercise. Just think of those people who compete in memory contests, memory loves practice. Good luck.