What am I supposed to play? + other piano learner's dilemmas.

[margemarge]

Hello!
I started learning how to play the piano when I was 10 (on my own; by reading method books at home; we had them since my dad has a degree in music). I never really had formal lessons. I have a few questions:

1. I would like to know what grade/level I am in so that I can have my definite goals and all. Here are some of the pieces I have already learned (they were all given by my dad):
- Schubert March Duets (March Militaire 1,2 &3, Grand Marche Heroique D885, etc.) I'm piano 1
- Le Cavalier Fantastique by Benjamin Godard
- Danza Criolla by Alberto Ginastera
- Bach French Suites
- Sonata in D minor K141/L422 by Domenico Scarlatti
- Nocturne in C# Minor by Chopin
- Toccata and Fugue in D minor by JS Bach
- Rhapsody in D minor (for 2 pianos) by Ralph Federer -- I'm piano 1
- Sonata in A K331 by WA Mozart (Some variations are unfinished)
- Sonata no 14 by Beethoven (3rd movement in progress)
- Some other Cappricios, Passacaglia and Chaconne by Handel and other short pieces.
Where do i stand in the grades/levels?

2. I'm 17 now. When I turned 11, I studied away from home (for high school and college). I live in a dormitory with no piano/keyboard. Since then, the only time I practice is the when I go home for our semestral break (roughly 2 weeks), christmas vacation ( about 1 month), some other breaks and summer vacation (about 2 months). Am I learning at a slow pace? It takes me a long time to finish a piece since I rarely touch the piano when I'm in school.

I'm sorry if its long. I'd appreciate some answers. Thank you!

[hfmadopter]

There is no way to know where you stand in grade. As to level, some of these pieces by the PS standard would be Level 8+. That's not to say you can perform them to standard or would test well, it's just their classification here.

On another note, you are self taught, apparently with your Dads help if I'm reading this correctly. I don't know why a grading system would now suddenly be of importance ? The larger question is do you enjoy this music ?

Also, you mentioned dilemmas. What might those be ? I assume you mean low access to a piano.

[margemarge]

When I was 5 he taught me how to read. However, I didn't like it at that time and I didn't understand. I tried again on my own by just reading. He never actually sat down to really teach me ever again.

Yes I do enjoy this kind of music. No one has forced me into this. I just thought that I need to know where I stand since I only get a few feedbacks and I am actually confused as to what level I should be playing by now.

I only have a few pieces in my repertoire since I am not home for most of the year. Most of these pieces have been with me for 2 years and I have only finished them now. I usually finish a few measures when I'm home. However, upon coming back from another x months from the university, I have to repeat all over again. Its frustrating and it gets into my nerves sometimes. I start to think I'm really doing this at a slow pace. Am I?

[j_menz]

I start to think I'm really doing this at a slow pace. Am I?

If you're only touching a piano during your Uni breaks, then of course you are going at a slow pace compared to people who are at it all the time. What did you expect??

[margemarge]

If you're only touching a piano during your Uni breaks, then of course you are going at a slow pace compared to people who are at it all the time. What did you expect??

No no no. Of course I don't expect myself to learn at a really fast pace but what I meant was: Considering my situation, am I doing good enough? Considering all the breaks and the lack of practice?

[hfmadopter]

No no no. Of course I don't expect myself to learn at a really fast pace but what I meant was: Considering my situation, am I doing good enough? Considering all the breaks and the lack of practice?

Assuming you play what you have learned well then yes you are doing fine. Just hold on to the idea that being away at university won't last for ever but your music will. Music and piano are  life long ventures. Right now uni studies have taken front row time and space. Soon enough you can get into a practice discipline again. If you love music it isn't going anywhere in the mean time, it won't go away unless you dismiss it..

In and around that level 7 and 8 category there is just a ton of great music you can continue to work on. Really get it into your hands and mind. It's going to get tougher as you move on from there. FWIW, my teacher had worked me up into this grade level when I didn't know a grade level even existed. Sometimes it's enough to know that you just are working on beautiful music really.

[muleski]

I wouldn't worry about it at your age. You're still VERY young and there is of course the potential, once you have finished uni, to have more regular access to a piano.  I also wouldn't worry about long breaks between practise.  I learned basic music reading as a child & learned some difficult stuff too, but never took exams because I was lazy at the time & frankly couldn't be bothered (regretfully).  I'm 35 now & had no access to a piano for about 20 years.  I was gifted one by my significant other (bless him), about 6 months ago and so have (with great pleasure) taken it back up.  I'm learning very difficult pieces and don't really care what grade I'm at, I'll have a go at anything as long as I like it.  The down side of going through the grade motions is that you will undoubtedly have to learn stuff you don't particularly like. 

Having said all that, personal situation does dictate how much time you can commit to practise.  Personally, although I have my own piano, I have kids, a full time job & a bit of a commute, so my practise time is very limited.  I find the enjoyment of it though, is the most important thing to me & don't see a reason to do exams (especially now).  It depends what you want out of it though.