Practice Tips for Chopin's Etude Op. 10 No. 4

[laziefizh]

Hi   I'm new to this forum and actually seeking advice for my practice routine. All helps are much appreciated

I've been learning piano and now ABRSM Grade 6 equivalent. I know my level is only intermediate, but I really love Chopin's Etude Op. 10, No. 4 and would start practicing the piece dedicatedly. I've been learning the piece for two months now and have already memorized the notes, but I found the speed and hand-coordination a big challenge   My comfortable speed now is around 30%. I am wondering if it is possible for me to achieve the required speed and dynamics, and what other finger exercises/ etudes would help to improve my skills.

Thank you very much in advance

[mjames]

From grade 6 to Chopin's etudes...that's a huge jump. You probably don't even have much experience with playing pieces that require lots of dexterity, and you're diving right into the holy grail of dexterity pieces. Need to learn how to crawl before you walk buddy. You should build up to your goal by playing speedy grade 6-8 pieces first. Tons of music that fit the bill...Scarlatti sonatas, Beethoven rondos, quick Bach preludes etc. If you learn piano progressively by the time you're ready for the etude you'll learn it quickly...

With that said the best way to learn is through is experience itself. I recommend watching Barton's tutorials:

[laziefizh]

Yes... I can memorize the piece and play at a much slower speed, but find it very difficult to speed up. Could you help to suggest particular speedy pieces/ etudes that can help enhance dexterity for grade 6-8 level? Thank you 

[nastassja]

Hi!

Chopin's 4th etude is way beyond Grade 6 speed and technical requirements... You might be able to memorize it but not play it at the right speed, with the dynamics or the clarity (and when you feel like playing it later, you will most likely stay at the 30% speed because you will have practised it slowly for so long)... mjames' advice makes sense, it would be better to learn to play easier etudes before trying Chopin's.

 Here is a list of Grade 6-7 studies (according to the RCM piano syllabus) that are still fast, but maybe more within your reach.

Yelena Gnesina - Spinning top
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzFEuX-zZY

Bertini etude
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WKNjks9vCU

Loeschorn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dcLV0TC5yI

Maikapar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8sSmocjkf4