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Topic: Where to start again? (Read 2285 times)

tenderland

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 19

Hello, I wish to resume my classical piano studies but I am not sure where to begin. I left off
10 years ago. The most advanced piece I learned was Beethoven op 49 no 2. I used to know all major and minor scales. I would like to learn on my own.

Thanks
Jeff

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ranjit

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 1452

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #1 on: September 08, 2021, 03:13:08 AM

I think it's a good idea to try to learn another piece which is in the same ballpark of difficulty, an easy Chopin waltz perhaps. Then, you can assess how much you have retained.

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dogperson

Sr. Member
Posts: 1559

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #2 on: September 08, 2021, 03:34:07 AM

I had a multi-decade break when I re-started, here is what I did;
I started again by -re-learning a couple of pieces I had previously played. I chose them
From the group of the moderately difficult what I had previously learned— not the most difficult. After I had control, I then re-learned a couple of the more difficult.

I could then assess how much Re-mediation I needed and generally what difficulty to start new repertoire. After a few months of this plan, I did start lesions again.

I suggest you take your time and be patient. You will remember a lot and will be able to recall many skills.

YMMV

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tenderland

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 19

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #3 on: September 08, 2021, 11:40:48 PM

Thank you for the reply's.

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lelle

PS Gold Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 2506

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #4 on: September 09, 2021, 07:50:59 PM

Some sort of teaching resource, even if it's not in-person (or online) lessons, is always valuable. Some guidance for the road so to speak.

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lostinidlewonder

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 7839

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #5 on: September 10, 2021, 01:35:25 AM

Did you manage to improve your sight reading skills? When restarting the piano sometimes it is a good idea to take a different approach to what you were doing before. Why not read large volumes of easier works and get your practice method and reading skills sharpened again before tackling your more challenging repertoire explorations once more.

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chechig

PS Silver Member
Full Member
Posts: 215

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #6 on: September 10, 2021, 07:41:53 AM

When I restarted some years ago, I used to play the Clementi's sonatas op 36, that helped a lot, not so difficult, funny to play. I discovered an american teacher and composer, W. Gillock, fantastic to learn trough his music, if you prefer more modern stuff. I also practiced sightreading with an app in my telephone. Have a look at some syllabus, you can see the aproximate difficulty of the pieces and make your choice.

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klavieronin

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 856

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #7 on: September 11, 2021, 12:33:55 AM

Quote from: lostinidlewonder on September 10, 2021, 01:35:25 AM

Did you manage to improve your sight reading skills? When restarting the piano sometimes it is a good idea to take a different approach to what you were doing before. Why not read large volumes of easier works and get your practice method and reading skills sharpened again before tackling your more challenging repertoire explorations once more.

That would be my recommendation too. Lots of reading (sight reading & learning pieces easy enough to master in a week or so). Then, when you get back into the swing of things, go for slightly more challenging music.

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scientistplayspiano

PS Silver Member
Jr. Member
Posts: 39

Re: Where to start again?

Reply #8 on: September 12, 2021, 03:14:01 PM

I would say start to pick up piece you enjoy the most, but also reachable with a reasonable time, we are not kids anymore, and our time is precious. I started with Clementi Op 36, really good music and progressive. Now I start Bach Two-part Inventions, excellent learning pieces and also top-quality composition.

Also you could identify technique you would like to improve, such as sight reading, improvisation. There are many online tutorials, though nothing could replace a good piano teacher. Here are two short teaching videos from my piano teacher:
How to sight read:

How to improvise:

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Topic: Where to start again? (Read 2285 times)

Piano Street Magazine:Tamara Stefanovich: Combining and Exploring Pianistic Worlds

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