Am I being too ambitious? Can I achieve this?

[danny_pianist]

Hello pianists of the world!  Smiley   

My name is Daniel and I am 17 years old, and I want to hear your opinions about my situation.

There is a national piano competition in six months and I want to play Chopin's Heroic Polonaise Op.53 and his Nocturne Op.48 #1

Also, in 6 months I have to decide between being a professional pianist, or to study so I can be an engineer. So I if i learn those pieces i will dedicate my life to classical music  Cheesy

Right now I have a new schedule so I can pratice piano 50 hours a week until the competition.

And the reason that i chose those pieces and not easier ones is because I love them so much and I would only have the willpower to spend 1000+ hours practicing with those pieces.

The problem is that I dont know if am too ambitious and fail to play them decently, you see, here is my repertoire:

-Bach Inventions (1 to 8, moderate tempo)
-Mozart Sonatas 5 and 7
-Chopin Waltz op. 64 #1
-Haydn Sonata 52 (only 1st mov)
-Flight of the Bumblebee (Rach. arr. at 144 bpm)

I plan to practice the Polonaise 3 hrs/day , the Nocturne 3hrs/day , and 1 hour a day of scales and arpeggios.

So do you think I can manage to learn them? (I know they are hard as hell, and that I may not be technically prepared, but nothing beats will power  Tongue ) Am I being too ambitious? Have you been in a similar situation? What tips can you give me?

Also, I am going to use Bernhard's method and his advice that i found in this forum  Smiley

(sorry for bad english) Thank You !!

[cabbynum]

If I were you I'd change the polonaise to a larger slightly less popular piece. Maybe not even by Chopin... 6 months is plenty of time to learn both. Why not add in some more pieces for yourself.
Start building your repertoire. If you want to become a professional pianist you'll need to go to a high level music school. Have you looked at the audition requirements for those?
Most require a Bach prelude and fugue (some allow any Bach piece with a fugue)
A completely Beethoven sonata (none of these are "easy," even the easy ones)
A large romantic work, the nocturne doesn't count as large. No nocturne does actually.,.
And a modern work.
Some require a virtuosic etude, no slow etudes either!

I'm not trying to discourage you, rather I'm trying to inform you so you know what's ahead of you...


If you have any trouble with the nocturne feel free to pM me, I learned lots of nice little tips and tricks to that one.

[chopinrabbitthing]

Hello pianists of the world!  Smiley   

My name is Daniel and I am 17 years old, and I want to hear your opinions about my situation.

There is a national piano competition in six months and I want to play Chopin's Heroic Polonaise Op.53 and his Nocturne Op.48 #1

Also, in 6 months I have to decide between being a professional pianist, or to study so I can be an engineer. So I if i learn those pieces i will dedicate my life to classical music  Cheesy

Right now I have a new schedule so I can pratice piano 50 hours a week until the competition.

And the reason that i chose those pieces and not easier ones is because I love them so much and I would only have the willpower to spend 1000+ hours practicing with those pieces.

The problem is that I dont know if am too ambitious and fail to play them decently, you see, here is my repertoire:

-Bach Inventions (1 to 8, moderate tempo)
-Mozart Sonatas 5 and 7
-Chopin Waltz op. 64 #1
-Haydn Sonata 52 (only 1st mov)
-Flight of the Bumblebee (Rach. arr. at 144 bpm)

I plan to practice the Polonaise 3 hrs/day , the Nocturne 3hrs/day , and 1 hour a day of scales and arpeggios.

So do you think I can manage to learn them? (I know they are hard as hell, and that I may not be technically prepared, but nothing beats will power  Tongue ) Am I being too ambitious? Have you been in a similar situation? What tips can you give me?

Also, I am going to use Bernhard's method and his advice that i found in this forum  Smiley

(sorry for bad english) Thank You !!

Hey there!
I guess I'm a bit like you, almost the same age, and set on doing things that we want to! Maybe we're stubborn people, but we can use it to our advantage I guess

To answer your question, just my opinion, I think it is very ambitious to do something like that, putting myself into the situation. Being ambitious is a good thing, maybe key to being a musician. because you're gonna take things by yourself.

50 hours a week is quite a lot...the question is: have you done this before? I mean, just say that you only practiced for a really short time before all of this, say like an hour every day, you might want to turn up the notch gradually. Then again, that is what I'd do.

I don't really know the method, but all I know is, if you're gonna learn pieces so much more difficult than what you have right now, just like any piece really, you really really have to practice with intelligence. I mean, don't just keep sight-reading through time after time, like what I used to do haha...you should organise what you want to cover by a certain time.

As for the pieces, I like them. Do consider what cabbynum above me wrote but if you're stuck with Chopin, you're stuck Chopin. I won't give you suggestions.

You also gotta be realistic as well. If you really really want to, go learn them. But if it's too much for you, then maybe you were being too ambitious after all.

I think you might manage though! Let us know how you get on
BTW where are you from?

I'm slightly in the same situation, I would really like to learn pieces that I love..the problem is that my teacher won't let me for some, whether they would be easy or too difficult for me - maybe I'll thank her some day for it though.

Good luck

[cabbynum]

Hey there!
I guess I'm a bit like you, almost the same age, and set on doing things that we want to! Maybe we're stubborn people, but we can use it to our advantage I guess

To answer your question, just my opinion, I think it is very ambitious to do something like that, putting myself into the situation. Being ambitious is a good thing, maybe key to being a musician. because you're gonna take things by yourself.

50 hours a week is quite a lot...the question is: have you done this before? I mean, just say that you only practiced for a really short time before all of this, say like an hour every day, you might want to turn up the notch gradually. Then again, that is what I'd do.

I don't really know the method, but all I know is, if you're gonna learn pieces so much more difficult than what you have right now, just like any piece really, you really really have to practice with intelligence. I mean, don't just keep sight-reading through time after time, like what I used to do haha...you should organise what you want to cover by a certain time.

As for the pieces, I like them. Do consider what cabbynum above me wrote but if you're stuck with Chopin, you're stuck Chopin. I won't give you suggestions.

You also gotta be realistic as well. If you really really want to, go learn them. But if it's too much for you, then maybe you were being too ambitious after all.

I think you might manage though! Let us know how you get on
BTW where are you from?

I'm slightly in the same situation, I would really like to learn pieces that I love..the problem is that my teacher won't let me for some, whether they would be easy or too difficult for me - maybe I'll thank her some day for it though.

Good luck

Why not try a liszt Hungarian rhapsody some of them really aren't too bad, maybe a Schubert impromptu. Those are gorgeous, most of them, and some are very accessible.

I'm the same way as both of you too haha, my teacher has learned though that I'll play whatever I want and she won't care, just so long as I make really good progress on the pieces she's given me. I've learned tons of stuff behind her back, and that's fine. Just so long as you keep up the good work with what your teacher wants from you.

Some pieces I found were a fair bit out of reach *cough* alkan concerto *cough* so then I tried some other things and they worked. They also felt easy when compared to that hellish concerto...

If you love TE music, you will get it done. Set weekly goals though. It's a great way to put a bit of pressure on yourself and keep constant progress. It's best if you get both learned and memorized in 3 months then have 3 months to let them sit under your fingers and memorize them better. I would explore outside of Chopin definitely, competitions like you to show versatility. So show them what you've got!


So if you don't wanna read all of that

Pick something else other than the polonaise, by another composer. Keep the nocturne. Weekly goals, have fun, finish in 3 months let the other 3 be used as a ripening process. And most importantly enjoy the ride!

[j_menz]

finish in 3 months let the other 3 be used as a ripening process.

+1

I'd also add that you should spend more time playing other stuff, either for study or more importantly for fun.  The real risk of devoting that much time on just two pieces is that by the end you'll be just mechanically belting them out and have forgotten why you ever wanted to play them. It will show, too.

[visitor]

+ The real risk of devoting that much time on just two pieces is that by the end you'll be just mechanically belting them out and have forgotten why you ever wanted to play them. It will show, too.

I can't come up with a reason why I ( or anyone really) would want to play either in the first place

[j_menz]

I can't come up with a reason why I ( or anyone really) would want to play either in the first place

Then best you don't, though don't project.

[visitor]

Then best you don't, though don't project.

Sorry I do apologize, I did not mean to be snarky I am hungry and a bit I a grouchy grouch Till I snack. I shall refrain from posting when I need something to eat In the future

I really don't mean to be a meanie I'm eating now and already feel better and less rude

[danny_pianist]

Thanks a lot for your opinions!!  Your comments showed me a different pont of view 

I will take your advice and leave the Heroic Polonaise for later,

I also read your suggestions about replacing it, I'll go with these:

-Chopin - Nocturne Op. 48 #1
-Liszt - La Leggierezza (I think that for me this is far more accesible than the Heroic)

-And a Chopin Etude (also my 1st Chopin Etude) I have to decide between Op.25 #1 "Harp" or #12 "Ocean"

Again, thanks for your feedback! Its really helpful 

[cabbynum]

Thanks a lot for your opinions!!  Your comments showed me a different pont of view 

I will take your advice and leave the Heroic Polonaise for later,

I also read your suggestions about replacing it, I'll go with these:

-Chopin - Nocturne Op. 48 #1
-Liszt - La Leggierezza (I think that for me this is far more accesible than the Heroic)

-And a Chopin Etude (also my 1st Chopin Etude) I have to decide between Op.25 #1 "Harp" or #12 "Ocean"

Again, thanks for your feedback! Its really helpful 

Have a look at Op.25 no.2 it is easier than it sounds but still a wonderful exercise.Op.25 no.7 is a gorgeous piece and trickier than it sounds but its not insane. If you have good octaves then there is an obvious choice... 25 10
op.10 no.6 is gorgeous, trickier than expected though.

I would highly suggest op.25 no.2 or no.7 though. 25 12 is far too difficult at this point in time.

I love the Liszt you picked! It is a great piece of music and has lots too teach you. Coincidentally i read through it this morning! haha

The nocturne is an extremely challenging one musically and technically. I would highly suggest taking the C major section first. Its by far the hardest section of the nocturne. More so than the doppio. Please PM me before you start that section though. There are some spots that you will be stuck on for way longer than you want to be stuck on them if you approach them wrong.... Trust me...

Please consider what ive said about the chopin etudes as well, and dont do 25 12 yet, it will eat you for breakfast.
25 2 is a really good choice in my opinion. 

[danny_pianist]

The nocturne is an extremely challenging one musically and technically. I would highly suggest taking the C major section first. Its by far the hardest section of the nocturne. More so than the doppio. Please PM me before you start that section though. There are some spots that you will be stuck on for way longer than you want to be stuck on them if you approach them wrong.... Trust me...

I will certainly contact you when I get to that section. Thanks!!  

Please consider what ive said about the chopin etudes as well, and dont do 25 12 yet, it will eat you for breakfast.

Ok, since it is my first etude i wouldnt like to start with a difficult one!, so Ill see op.25 #1 and #2 and choose the one i like more  

[cabbynum]

I will certainly contact you when I get to that section. Thanks!!  

Ok, since it is my first etude i wouldnt like to start with a difficult one!, so Ill see op.25 #1 and #2 and choose the one i like more  

dont forget 25 7!!!!!

[beethovensonata]

My piano Maestro and teacher, judges International piano competitions, and even judged the Tchaikovsky competition.  His major thing was.  If you walk in and are playing something loud, and bangy which the Polonaise IS.  It's quite loud, and does have a bit of bang sound to it, he will elimenate you right off the bat.  Islamey by Balakirev? Gone. ANY peice by Rachmaninoff, GONE.  What he wants to hear is something that they can really judge you on, not peices with bombastic and loud passages.  He said what he particularly wants is BEETHOVEN SONATAS.  ANy will do, you just must play it to the highest level possible.  If you don't bring a beethoven sonata, your gone.  That's what he said.  That's what the judges look for.  Believe me, take his word for it.  And since you don't have time to do a good Beethoven Sonata, I suggest that you skip this year.  You heard me...

[beethovensonata]

Thanks a lot for your opinions!!  Your comments showed me a different pont of view 

I will take your advice and leave the Heroic Polonaise for later,

I also read your suggestions about replacing it, I'll go with these:

-Chopin - Nocturne Op. 48 #1
-Liszt - La Leggierezza (I think that for me this is far more accesible than the Heroic)

-And a Chopin Etude (also my 1st Chopin Etude) I have to decide between Op.25 #1 "Harp" or #12 "Ocean"

Again, thanks for your feedback! Its really helpful 

Read my other comment, you simply cannot succeed playing Chopin etudes.  Harp Etude must use a lot of pedal, and in short so does Chopin himself.  You need something earlier, something that doesn't require much pedal, Bach, or Beethoven are a must.  MUST!!

[danny_pianist]

My piano Maestro and teacher, judges International piano competitions, and even judged the Tchaikovsky competition.  His major thing was.  If you walk in and are playing something loud, and bangy which the Polonaise IS.  It's quite loud, and does have a bit of bang sound to it, he will elimenate you right off the bat.  Islamey by Balakirev? Gone. ANY peice by Rachmaninoff, GONE.  What he wants to hear is something that they can really judge you on, not peices with bombastic and loud passages.  He said what he particularly wants is BEETHOVEN SONATAS.  ANy will do, you just must play it to the highest level possible.  If you don't bring a beethoven sonata, your gone.  That's what he said.  That's what the judges look for.  Believe me, take his word for it.  And since you don't have time to do a good Beethoven Sonata, I suggest that you skip this year.  You heard me...

Thanks for the tip! 

[cabbynum]

Thanks for the tip! 

I suggest doing it this year anyway, it's better to not do so hot at a competition but get used to the pressure than to wait an entire extra year before having your first real judged thing.

Get as ready as possible, also I'm assuming this isn't a huge competition as it only needs 2 pieces or 3? So I would take what Beethoven sonata said and hold onto it because t is good advice, but i would wait to use that advice until later...

[danny_pianist]

I don't really know the method, but all I know is, if you're gonna learn pieces so much more difficult than what you have right now, just like any piece really, you really really have to practice with intelligence. I mean, don't just keep sight-reading through time after time, like what I used to do haha...you should organise what you want to cover by a certain time.

It isnt a method, its just to follow the advice that Bernhard has given in this forum about how to practice 

here it is: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,5767.msg56133.html#msg56133

[chopinrabbitthing]

It isnt a method, its just to follow the advice that Bernhard has given in this forum about how to practice 

here it is: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,5767.msg56133.html#msg56133

Oh woops...good luck with it anyways