any possible piano future?

[beethoartok]

hey all... i have a quick question

i've been playing the piano for 11 years now ( didn't practice much until the 7th year..and 7-11th i still didn't seriously practice as much as I guess I should've (probably on average...2-7 hours a week )...i've placed 3rd/4th and honorable mentions couple of times (CAPMT and MTAC stuff). I just recently passed the regional panel auditions, then competed at the California M.T.A.C state panel final auditions but wasn't selected (which prompted this topic.)

I've been thinking about all the other kids my age (16) and a lot of them have either won 1st places, or made big time scholarship things, and I'm quite jealous lol. Is it possible for me to have any future in piano? And how much should I be practicing per day to start actually winning/placing better?

current repertoire:
bach- selected aria variations
beethoven- op.110, no.1
mendelssohn- fantasy in f# mi, op.28
szymanowski- Etude Op.4, No.3

I've been ok at competitions...but I really want to start winning and placing higher. Anyone with answers?

[sharon_f]

The students I've known who consistently win competitions are also the hardest workers. Most practice a minimum of 2-3 hours daily. (Some even more.)

[m1469]

Congratulations on your accomplishments.  You don't need to be jealous, just serious about what you are doing.  Practice as much as you need to in order to reach your repertorie goals.  Practice your sections until you don't get them wrong, so per day you should be breaking down your music in such a way that allows you to accomplish this goal. 

Consider reading Bernhard's posts and Chang's book, they've got a lot of great information on practicing.

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,7603.msg76044.html#msg76044
(a bunch of links to practice ideas from Bernhard and others)

https://members.aol.com/cc88m/PianoBook.html
(Chang's book)

Of course you have a possible future in piano playing.  What that is exactly depends especially on you and how hard you are willing to work.  You will also want a knowledgeable teacher.  You may want to consider nurturing your repertoire department a bit.  Pick a bunch of music that you want to play and set some goals for yourself.  If you have specific competitions in mind, include these in your goals and plan accordingly.  There are tons of repertoire suggestions here on the forum.

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5101.msg48547.html#msg48547
(some repertoire suggestions)

If you want to start winning competitions, consider the need to pin point areas in your learning, practicing, execution of repertoire that you may need to focus on and gain efficiency in.

m1469

[thomj]

I'm afraid it isn't just as easy as hours... i'm sure you know that though.

I mean, I know 2 guys who practice 7 hours a day (sometimes more), 6 days a week (sundays off). I practice properly about 2/3 hours a day, 5 days a week (but also play an additional 5-10 hours a week- mucking around with different repertoire [sight-reading practice is my excuse!]) - and I often manage to beat them in competitions and exams. We've all been playing for the same amount of time, all learn with the same teacher, but sometimes there are other factors in play...

But you could definately up your hours and notice a marked improvement. Aim for 3hrs a day of serious practice, I'd say. Break it up. Do some scales, Czerny, Bach P+F's etc. About an hours worth? Make it a habit and try to stick to it.

m1469 has it right about the repertoire too...

You may want to consider nuturing your repertoire department a bit.  Pick a bunch of music that you want to play and set some goals for yourself.  If you have specific competitions in mind, include these in your goals and plan accordingly.

Don't give up eh!

[lagin]

Don't give up eh!

Either you're from Canada or You're mocking us, eh?

It's true though.  Don't give up.  I started at eighteen, so you've already got a jump on me!

[rebel1ns]

hey all... i have a quick question

i've been playing the piano for 11 years now ( didn't practice much until the 7th year..and 7-11th i still didn't seriously practice as much as I guess I should've (probably on average...2-7 hours a week )...i've placed 3rd/4th and honorable mentions couple of times (CAPMT and MTAC stuff). I just recently passed the regional panel auditions, then competed at the California M.T.A.C state panel final auditions but wasn't selected (which prompted this topic.)

I've been thinking about all the other kids my age (16) and a lot of them have either won 1st places, or made big time scholarship things, and I'm quite jealous lol. Is it possible for me to have any future in piano? And how much should I be practicing per day to start actually winning/placing better?

current repertoire:
bach- selected aria variations
beethoven- op.110, no.1
mendelssohn- fantasy in f# mi, op.28
szymanowski- Etude Op.4, No.3

I've been ok at competitions...but I really want to start winning and placing higher. Anyone with answers?

whoa you did the MTAC Panel finals too? are you northern or southern? :oi did it too; i got in the state panel finals..and i found out that i got in just a couple days ago(i got real lucky though)..but panel is tough; last year i didnt make it so i worked hard and finally got in this year...to me the panel judges dont really care about the technical stuff; i mean, i heard SO many people there play these highly technical pieces...i think since so many ppl can play technically well(at panel at least), you have a better chance getting in by playing a more romantic piece; this is from personal experience, i got into panel this year with my technically most easiest piece..but panel is real hard to get in; just try it again next year; you'll make it

[thomj]

Either you're from Canada or You're mocking us, eh?

hahahaha... eh?

i like eh! i'm aussie. but i like it!

[sonatainfsharp]

I guess it depends on what you want to do. I am not a great performer, but I have been evaluated as a great teacher. Other teachers who I work with sight-read pieces I could never play, but they can't teach worth crap.

I will never be a star performer, but I can assure you I enjoy what I do more than my peers who have won more competitions than I have even heard of.

[Pumpkinhead]

i've been playing the piano for 11 years now ( didn't practice much until the 7th year..and 7-11th i still didn't seriously practice as much as I guess I should've (probably on average...2-7 hours a week )...i've placed 3rd/4th and honorable mentions couple of times (CAPMT and MTAC stuff). I just recently passed the regional panel auditions, then competed at the California M.T.A.C state panel final auditions but wasn't selected (which prompted this topic.)

Hey man, you already found out if you were selected?  I tried out for Panel too, but I have no idea where to find out if I got in. Email?

Thanks anyways,
Pumpkinhead