After the recital ...

[faa2010]

Hello,

Last Saturday I had my recital and it was fine. I didn't stop and I improved in issues which I have been dealing during the last months, but I felt that my playing missed something (besides of the mistakes which I could disguise), a feeling.

Maybe that was because I have been more focused on improving in the technical way, which that has happened and it is everyday.

Anyway, I feel that after the recital I have to think in a new schedule to practice, which could include sight-reading, using metronome and continue practicing my pieces which I have to present for the next year, as well as learning new pieces like the one of Oiseaux Tristes of Ravel.

The time I can take for practicing per day is usually 1 hour, on weekends is more time.

What could you suggest me?

[oxy60]

Get to know your metronome. Use it as often as you can with appropriate music. Obviously not with gussy romantic pieces. Your audiences will include people who have a metronome in their heads and will be distracted by your rushing or dragging.

[plyte]

You should try to incoorperate all three of the areas you mentioned: sight reading, learning new pieces, and continuing to work on the ones you have played.

Sight reading is an important skill that many people often overlook, but can very easily help you learn new pieces faster. The better you are at fight reading, the further you are along in learning a new piece at the beginning.  Remember, playing the notes correctly is only part of the battle. You could spend 5-10 minutes a day looking over and trying to sight read a piece that is much easier than ones you are currently doing. Over time, you will get better and will be able to attempt harder pieces.

After, continue working on your pieces that you have played. It's important to keep a large repertoire of music at your disposal and its always nice to play back through old pieces. The more you play them and the longer you have them, the more you will understand the piece and you may find out new ways of looking at it. But most of your time should be spent learning new pieces. This part is what drives your improvement in piano. Spend maybe 20 minutes going over old pieces and the test of the time learning new ones

However, it's up to you to determine your practice times. If you feel you want to work on sight reading more one day, than spend more time on it or spend more time on learning your new piece.

[maitea]

Hello!

To improve the sight reading a little bit every day, I would buy (or download from imslp-they must be there) Bach's chorales, and sight read one or two every day. You don't need to read them fast, but get used to reading from the base line. I feel it is very important when learning sight reading, to read and play from the base, and despite the importance of polyphony, it is crucial that you think harmonically. Vertically rather than horizontally, though of course you also need to keep looking ahead (very important in sight reading) so I guess there is both vertical and horizontal . Many years ago I used to begin my practice playing the scale and arpeggio of the key of the chorale I was sight reading, and so in 5 min you've done a warm up and technique practice with the scale/arpeggio and then sight read a little.

I would then carry on with the new pieces, since you are probably alert after reading, and then with the ones you know. However, not every day the time distribution would need to be the same. Maybe one day you only need to go through a particular passage of one of your well known repertoire, another time you might want to refresh the whole piece and run it for yourself. I wouldn't be too strict with time keeping... Every day is different.

You could finish with sight reading lighter music-if you like. I used to love soundtracks, and other musical theatre songs, and had tons of books to just read through. It's quite good to read from the chords and make your own accompaniments, and get a little bit of improvisation going! Be creative! But maybe you prefer finish playing something you know well! Is very subjective!

Enjoy!
M.

[faa2010]

Thanks,

I know that in the end, I have to take the final decisions about how to train.

You know, sometimes I get very anxious when I want to see quick results.  I know playing piano is a work for years, but my problem is that I start to compare myself with people who are around my same age, who are professional and they can learn and develop faster their piano skills with no problem.

I understand that some of them started to learn since they were kids, but I also saw people who has the same years of playing like me (or less than) and can play better than me.

I don't know if there is a fast method in order to play piano like a person who has played it for 15 years, or it's just only about recognizing one's speed for learning, accept it and have patience and determination.

[maitea]

It is different for everyone but, here are some thoughts:

(you already have the most important clue, there are no fast methods, or shortcuts. Dedication and work are crutial)
-you mentioned you practice 1h a day. That is ok, but is not enough if you are comparing to professional standards.. Be realistic with what you can achieve in that time, and be kind to yourself!

-I never encourage comparing to others, HOWEVER you mention that you have seen people playing, that have trained the same years than you and play better.( I don't know what "better"means to you in this case-..) Maybe you could ask them about their practice time and strategies, and ultimately maybe they are working with a teacher that is making their journey a bit easier. (?!)

There are no shortcuts, but sometimes we wonder of the path. Carry on with your enthusiasm for piano, but don't get obsessed with fast improvement, it can backfire you- I know from experience One day at the time!

M

[oxy60]

It is different for everyone but, here are some thoughts:

(you already have the most important clue, there are no fast methods, or shortcuts. Dedication and work are crutial)
-you mentioned you practice 1h a day. That is ok, but is not enough if you are comparing to professional standards.. Be realistic with what you can achieve in that time, and be kind to yourself!

-I never encourage comparing to others, HOWEVER you mention that you have seen people playing, that have trained the same years than you and play better.( I don't know what "better"means to you in this case-..) Maybe you could ask them about their practice time and strategies, and ultimately maybe they are working with a teacher that is making their journey a bit easier. (?!)

There are no shortcuts, but sometimes we wonder of the path. Carry on with your enthusiasm for piano, but don't get obsessed with fast improvement, it can backfire you- I know from experience One day at the time!

M

And be ready for plateaus. Those are the most frustrating.

There are very few books written by pianists in the first person. I would reccomend "am I too loud?" by Gerald Moore to give you an insight into being a pro.

[faa2010]

Thanks for your advice.

I also saw something in the photos which I need to check again: my bad posture.

I though I solved it already, but in the photo where I am sit, my back was very, very bended, and posibly my arms were up.  I saw it in a photo, and I though I was ok because when I was in the plateau, I was very relaxed.