Is memorizing 2 sonatas in 3 weeks reasonable?

[celticqt]

Hello all,

I am new here and am enjoying looking through the boards.  Before I ask my question, here's a bit of background.

I've been playing since I was 6, majored in piano at college, then got married and basically didn't practice for 5 years.  I missed it awfully, so last November I began studying again with an awesome teacher.  I practice 3-4 hours a day, which is about all I can handle, with my husband/house/job/etc. 

Last month I played two Haydn sonatas; when I finished the 2nd one, he told me to memorize both of them.  I promptly broke out in a cold sweat, since I hadn't memorized anything since college.  I had three weeks to do this, since he was going to Paris to perform and judge a competition.  Well, I practiced my arse off, and thought I had them down pretty well - not perfectly, but okay.  Last night I had my lesson and I totally blew it.  I got through one and a half of them before he stopped me and said, "What's wrong with you tonight? You're not yourself. "  He was very kind and understanding, but I knew I hadn't fulfilled his expectations.

My question:  Is two sonatas in three weeks reasonable? Or am I being too hard on myself for not being perfect??

[etudes]

everything is possible
btw what is that 2 sonata? which of haydn?
btw i think its possible to memorize 2 sonata in 3 weeks
maybe try to memorize everytime when u have always thinking about it without piano
maybe it help
regards

[celticqt]

They are the Eb Major, and the D Major ("Baby D").

 

[lagin]

You know, it's perfectly normal to have something pretty much down on your own and then "blow it" with an audience.  My teacher had to pretend to go do something in the hall once, so I could get through my piece!  You'll nail it next week.  Just tell him that you were kinda nervous playing in front of him, and you know it's silly.  He's human.  He'll understand.  Good for you for going back at it!

[mound]

They are the Eb Major, and the D Major ("Baby D").

I couldn't learn 2 in 3 weeks, that is for certain.. Anyway, I'm workign on the sonata in D right now..  "Baby D" - is that your own name for it?  I saw Nelita True perform this piece a few weeks ago, and she said it was known as "the chicken"

[Dazzer]

Well the pressure is there to give you a little nudge. Nothing like a little nudge to get people to work.

I'm sure he understands (and no offense, but i'm pretty sure he didn't expect that much anyway)

[celticqt]

mound: "Baby D" is what my teacher called it.  He said there were two Haydn sonatas in D, "Big D" and Baby D."  Thought that was kinda cute.  "Chicken" also seems appropriate.

Dazzer: Am I just supposed to guess, then, at what he wants?  I understand the concept of pushing your students, but do teachers routinely and knowingly give students more than they can handle?

Thanks for all your thoughts!

[sharon_f]

People memorize at their own speed.

I really don't know if I could memorize two sonatas (even if they are Haydn sonatas)in 3 weeks. A lot depends on how well I learned the pieces in the first place.

I don't think you are being too hard on yourself. You're not a full-time college student with all of your energies focused on your music. You mentioned in your post that you have a job and a house to keep and a husband. I applaud you for even finding 3-4 hours to practice each day.

Your teacher could be pushing you a little harder than he realizes. Does he have other adult students? Does he understand all the additional responsibilities an adult has? I am an adult "re-learner" taking private lessons at a local university. My teacher is fantastic and is always aware of the pressures and responsibilities I face each and every day.  (In my case she may be more empathic because we are very close in age and both women.)

[celticqt]

People memorize at their own speed.

I really don't know if I could memorize two sonatas (even if they are Haydn sonatas)in 3 weeks. A lot depends on how well I learned the pieces in the first place.

Sharon: I agree with both of these statements.  Memorization has never been my strong point - I do it because I have to, and I recogninze the benefits,  but it is an arduous process.

Your teacher could be pushing you a little harder than he realizes. Does he have other adult students? Does he understand all the additional responsibilities an adult has?

All of his students are adults, with the exception of one very gifted 17 year old.  He will not teach someone who doesn't practice - he was very up-front about that.  He concertizes regularly so I see him an average of twice a month.  He only has 7-8 students, 4 of whom are professionals who also concertize.  So I do feel a bit out of my league.  It is wonderful to be stretched and challenged again, and I'm not really complaining - just trying to compare notes to see if this is a "normal" experience.

[whynot]

You are doing great!  To be an adult with a family and work and still practice that much, and learn a lot of music in a big push like that, is really good.  I think if your teacher had given you such short notice to perform from memory in a concert, that would be very stressful and just too much.  But since it's to perform in a lesson, he's probably just looking for ways to push you and see what you can do.  And, as others have suggested, tell him you were nervous to play for him.   Then tell him that you've been working hard and you know you can do better.  Not apologetically, just matter-of-factly, like you're not freaked out by it, you'll just try again today.  It helps to calmly believe in yourself out loud.  It's all about recovery, right? and the journey, and what YOU bring to the music and the lesson.  I bet the next time will go much better.  By the way, there have been great discussions on this board about how different people memorize.  You might enjoy a search on that.  When I was younger (back when), I memorized by accident, just playing through my pieces-- and not all that many times, either!  Sigh.  Now I find I need to be more specific, but if I have a plan, I  can still do just fine.  So maybe if you take up just a few new memory tricks, it will firm it all right up.  Best of luck, and way to go.