Poll - One large-scale or many little works?

[keelan]

Do you think it's better to have played many little pieces or one large-scale work in a year's worth of studying?
Personally, in the past year I have played about 15 "little pieces" (a few Bach sinfonias, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, the first movement from Mozart Sonata No. 12, etc.). Being a high school sophomore planning to be a music major, my teacher believes this approach will help prepare me best for what is to come in college versus that of playing a large scale concerto, then getting to college without ever having played a Mozart Sonata (or something of that sort). I do like this approach; however, I sometimes feel frustrated because I'm capable of playing more difficult repertoire and don't think that I am progressing as I would like. I then remind myself that my pieces are performed very well, but the fact that others my age are playing more challenging material continues to nag at me.
Appreciate your input!

[outin]

Do you think it's better to have played many little pieces or one large-scale work in a year's worth of studying?
Personally, in the past year I have played about 15 "little pieces" (a few Bach sinfonias, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, the first movement from Mozart Sonata No. 12, etc.). Being a high school sophomore planning to be a music major, my teacher believes this approach will help prepare me best for what is to come in college versus that of playing a large scale concerto, then getting to college without ever having played a Mozart Sonata (or something of that sort). I do like this approach; however, I sometimes feel frustrated because I'm capable of playing more difficult repertoire and don't think that I am progressing as I would like. I then remind myself that my pieces are performed very well, but the fact that others my age are playing more challenging material continues to nag at me.
Appreciate your input!

If the pieces in question are different styles and require different techniques, it certainly gives you more foundation than just learning one long piece. I do not know how much skills you have already, but I think it's much smarter to build foundation and abilities than just learning a specific piece. Unless you are already on the level that you should be learning interpretation and handling large scale works as a whole instead of playing techniques.