Question about Czerny

[nocturne]

Hi,

I've got a copy of the czerny etudes op.299 and op.470 last week and I've a few questions about them.

1. Are the etudes in these books in progressive order?
2. What is the actual difference between the two books?
3. Is one book generally more difficult than the other, or are they the same level?

Thanks in advance.

[anda]

I've got a copy of the czerny etudes op.299 and op.470 last week and I've a few questions about them.

you mean 740?

1. Are the etudes in these books in progressive order?

no, each one is oriented on (usually) one technical problem.

2. What is the actual difference between the two books?

299 are easier, and should be done (at least 50% of them) before starting work on 740. but before you start practicing the etudes in op. 299 you should have studied at least 50% of op. 599 and op. 849. i don't know your level, perhaps you don't need anymore these - you should talk to your piano teacher about this.

3. Is one book generally more difficult than the other, or are they the same level?

they are graded as technical difficulty. really, talk to your teacher, s/he knows best your level, potential and what would be best for you right now.

best luck

[Blessed-Wine]

I have ops 599 but I just learned the first 3 for the past one month.  Do I need to practise all of them ?

[galonia]

If you look up Czerny or technique, you will get a lovely range of responses from many people in the forum.

Personally I find Czerny exercises very helpful.

Op 599 is good for beginners, learning commonly used patterns.  If you do these, you should be playing them in several keys.  You should consult your teacher as well, because you don't want to develop bad habits playing these.

Op 299 is definitely easier than Op 740, however, I don't know about having to do 50% of anything before moving on...

The way I use Czerny is to pick an exercise that helps me work on some part of my technique that I'm needing and which I'm bad at.  Also, it's like a playground where I can experiment safely without destroying my performance repertoire.  My teacher expects us to play Czerny (and everything) musically and with expression, so I never view them as just exercises.

[nocturne]

Thanks for the advise, all of you. That is exactly what i want to know. And yes, anda, i meant the op. 740. I really should learn how to type 

[anda]

I have ops 599 but I just learned the first 3 for the past one month.  Do I need to practise all of them ?

Op 299 is definitely easier than Op 740, however, I don't know about having to do 50% of anything before moving on...

The way I use Czerny is to pick an exercise that helps me work on some part of my technique that I'm needing and which I'm bad at.  Also, it's like a playground where I can experiment safely without destroying my performance repertoire.  My teacher expects us to play Czerny (and everything) musically and with expression, so I never view them as just exercises.

there's no rule as to "how many before moving to the next opus". i have the "at least 50%" rule for my students because they need it (all the students i have had so far) and it helps them.

the idea of picking the ones that help you solve your current problems is very good, except you might have problems you are not aware of yet.

otherwise...like i said - talk to your teacher.

best luck

[anda]

I have ops 599 but I just learned the first 3 for the past one month.  Do I need to practise all of them ?

maybe not all of them - but only the first 3 in a month is not much. maybe you could try more...

best luck