Czerny Op.599

[martinn]

Is there any reason to practice on Czerny  Op. 599 ? I am a beginner, 50 years, and I like some things, like finger independence and training to do repeats on different fingers and early on learning high notes on the staff. However, my sight reading is damned slow, and the pecuilarities with fingering makes it take a long time to play simple things fluent. My idea was to use it for sight reading, but it is difficult. I don’t know if I should leave it now and do other things. I get no formal lessons, and just try to cope myself. Before this I worked through preparatory level method, and moved on to level one. Opinions ?

[martinn]

I’m just on page 2, and it seems it varies in difficulty, so one has to revisit later pages later on. Of course it can be difficult to judge what is appropriate and when.

[keypeg]

Is there any reason to put time on Czerny  Op. 599 ?

What do you mean by "put time on"?

[ranjit]

You should use easier material for sight-reading. If you are at a level where you can sight-read Czerny almost all of the fingering decisions should be evident to you.

[martinn]

What do you mean by "put time on"?

My main question was intended to be  what could be a reasonable amount of practice time to dedicate to a few pages Czerny. And how often return to practice some new pages. And is there any reason to practice Czerny 599 ?

Sorry for my foreign way of messing english.

[martinn]

You should use easier material for sight-reading. If you are at a level where you can sight-read Czerny almost all of the fingering decisions should be evident to you.

Yes, that seems logical, however with the first few pages of Czerny, I ’learn’ the high notes of the staff, if very slowly. The fingering in Czerny is ’old school’ I feel, and at least differing from modern pedagogical beginners material, and this can probably learn me even more ’finger independence’.

[ranjit]

Yes, that seems logical, however with the first few pages of Czerny, I ’learn’ the high notes of the staff, if very slowly. The fingering in Czerny is ’old school’ I feel, and at least differing from modern pedagogical beginners material, and this can probably learn me even more ’finger independence’.

By no means am I saying that you can't work on Czerny, just that using it for sight reading isn't a good idea most likely.

I wouldn't worry about stuff like finger independence per se. Until you gain more experience, you will probably not have a correct understanding of what these pedagogical debates are about anyway. Irrespective of the method, the basics are usually quite similar, and that is what you need to work on at the beginning.

[lelle]

You might benefit from branching outa  bit from Czerny too. The Burgmuller Etudes Op. 100 are very charming pieces, in many ways much more enjoyable than Czerny, I think. Have you checked those out?

[martinn]

You might benefit from branching outa  bit from Czerny too. The Burgmuller Etudes Op. 100 are very charming pieces, in many ways much more enjoyable than Czerny, I think. Have you checked those out?

Maybe I have the Burgmuller Op.100. I can check if not too advanced.

[anacrusis]

A second vote for Burgmuller Op. 100 here! They are indeed charming.

[stringoverstrung]

Is there any reason to practice on Czerny  Op. 599 ? I am a beginner, 50 years, and I like some things, like finger independence and training to do repeats on different fingers and early on learning high notes on the staff. Opinions ?

Hello,

In general I would say that Op. 599 are good to get things loose and supple but that for a beginner it is not the most efficient use of your practice time. As some users suggested it is perhaps also outdated in terms of piano methodology. A general idea is too focus on musical content and expression right away as this is the result of good technique.

You should have a look at what user Bernhard has posted on this forum. In general as a beginner it is a great idea to follow his advice.  For example in this thread you can find information on how to organise your practice time.  Practice per 20 minutes:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,7810.0.html

You will get a whole lot more out of your practice :

- when you understand what you are trying to achieve,
- play pieces you really like,
- make the most of your practice time (focus). 

So I suggest you try Bernhard`s advice first. There are quite some interesting books as well but the problem with those is they contain a lot of information and without context or teacher it is hard to put to efficient use.

Another good resource are selected videos by Graham Fitch from Steinway hall which might give insight in some specific topics for example avoid tension in playing. This should always be at the back of your mind as tension leads to injury:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzf8D1PMFwI

Enjoy the music along your journey!
Gert