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Topic: Am I learning too many pieces at the same time (UK student)?  (Read 1221 times)

Offline jlee1998

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Last December (2014), I completed my ABRSM Grade 8 piano exam.

My mum let me carry on my piano lessons, but didn't want me to do a diploma (DipABRSM) as she thought that it'd add stress at the same time I'm preparing for school exams. However, I am playing at diploma standard. I am currently learning the following pieces:

Prelude and Fugue in D Major, Bach (WTC I) (I haven't touched on any of the musical elements of the piece yet).
Sonata No. 8 in C minor (Pathetique) by Beethoven (all movements, but I haven't even reached halfway through the first movement)
No. 6 from Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm (Bartok) (nearly done, but rhythm needs more work)
Toccata from Trois pieces, Poulenc (started learning)
Prelude Op 28 No 17, Chopin

(I finished learning Intermezzo Op. 118, No. 2 by Brahms this summer).

I have a thirty minute lesson once a week. I am currently in Year 12 (UK equivalent of US Grade 11), and I aim to finish learning all of these by the end of the academic year in July. Is it realistically possible, and if so, do you have any suggestions for pieces I could be learning?

Sorry if my post wasn't very clear (I am new to this forum).

Offline quantum

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Re: Am I learning too many pieces at the same time (UK student)?
Reply #1 on: October 18, 2015, 12:58:47 AM
What makes you think you are taking on too much at the same time?  What amount of material would it take for you to definitely say it is too much, that you have certainly reached your tipping point. 

Personally, I think it is more about workflow and work ethic than the amount of material to be done.  There is always more work to do, and one always wants to be better.  However, at some point one has to say: this is enough work completed - for today.   If we wait for music to get to that idealist point, we may never get to perform it for others.  Besides, there is beauty in and much to learn from imperfection. 
Made a Liszt. Need new Handel's for Soler panel & Alkan foil. Will Faure Stein on the way to pick up Mendels' sohn. Josquin get Wolfgangs Schu with Clara. Gone Chopin, I'll be Bach
 

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