Advice

[imslp]

Hi everybody,

I am new to this website, and I hope to use it frequently.  I am 17 years old, and I was trained on violin for many years.  I play at a semi-professional level, having gone through most of the major concerti, and am now looking to broaden my musical experiences.  It is late in the game, but I have a desire to learn to play the piano.  It would be wonderful to be able to sight read some of the great piano music out there.

My experience on the piano is essentially non-existent.  I "dabble" frequently, and learned a few pieces.  The Aria from "Goldberg", parts of Beethoven sonatas, etc.  I can play scales (though not quickly with both hands) and I can manage arpeggios.  I have very good dexterity, but I essentially lack coordination.  In other words, I cannot seem to play using both hands at the same time in a polyphonic style.  Especially counterpoint.

I grew up learning that music was an art above all.  I'm well versed in piano recordings (some have called me a "hoarder" of such) and have been influenced mostly by Cortot and Hoffman.  As far as my tastes go, I dislike most modern pianists because they are rather "bangy"

POINT OF WRITING THIS POST:

I am wondering what I can do to essentially jump-start my technique so that I can play through most of the Beethoven sonatas, Goldberg Variations, Art of Fugue, etc, within a year.  I may never be able to play some of the harder Scriabin, Liszt pieces, but I am OK with that.  So, I have the following questions:

1.  What technique books are the most useful.  I've heard varying stories about Hannon and Cortot's "Principles".

2.  What are some good etudes I should start with?

3.  Do you have suggestions about scales / arpeggio exercises?


I think I am going to divide my practice time into (basically) 4 main sections: scales/arpeggios, technical work, hard parts of pieces, and then interpretation.


Anyway, do you think that my goal is realistic or even possible?

I appreciate your time.

Nick

[j_menz]

Hi Nick,

Have you considered getting a teacher to take you through the early stages (at least). It will make your progress much faster and easier.

[imslp]

Of course, I'm in the process of finding one.  A teacher is incredibly important because he/she can prevent one from forming bad habits and "incorrect" techniques.