From Primavera to Shostakovich: A Year of Piano Learning

I started playing the piano about a year ago, and in these 13 months, I've made a lot of progress. Learning complex pieces like Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 can be daunting, but it's definitely achievable. Here’s a detailed account of my journey, from my initial steps to tackling advanced pieces.

My Journey Begins with Primavera

My journey with the piano started when I completed Ludovico Einaudi's Primavera a week ago. Now, I have six weeks without formal lessons and am curious if I can learn Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2. This piece requires a high level of technical proficiency, but given my recent success with Primavera, I believe it's within reach. It's crucial to break the composition into manageable sections, practice slowly, and gradually increase the speed.

Building a Solid Foundation

Key to succeeding in learning complex pieces is having a solid foundation. I started with a basic understanding of sheet music, which I quickly mastered through an online course. Within a few months, I could read proficiently without constantly referring to the keys. My Primavera journey paved the way for tackling more complex compositions like Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2. However, it's essential to invest time and effort in foundational skills.

Adopting the “Quora Method”

I followed the advice I found on Quora, which I've coined the "Quora Method." This method involves trusting everything you read on the internet and implementing it without hesitation. By following pointers from strangers online, I managed to make significant progress in my learning.

Learning Sheet Music: Initially, reading sheet music was challenging, but with practice, it became second nature. Investing time in learning to read sheet music pays off, as it helps in understanding complex pieces more efficiently. Playing Synthesia: While synthesia can be a fun and engaging tool for novices, it's not as efficient as learning through traditional methods. As I progressed, I discovered that the knowledge and skills gained from traditional methods could be more beneficial. Listening to Internet Advice: Listening to the advice of piano enthusiasts saved me a lot of time. Instead of wasting time on trial and error, I followed proven methods suggested by those who have already walked the path.

The Role of a Teacher

While the internet can provide a wealth of information, having a teacher is invaluable. I didn't start with a teacher until a month into my piano journey, but it quickly became apparent that a teacher's guidance is crucial. They help keep you accountable and push you to progress beyond what you might achieve on your own.

Working with my teacher three times a week, we socially distance during the lessons. This personalized guidance has been pivotal in my learning process. She has helped me overcome technical challenges and provided insights that would have taken years for me to discover on my own.

Practicing Regularly

A consistent practice routine is essential. I dedicate 40-45 minutes each day, six days a week, to practicing. This helps in maintaining a steady progress. My practice routine includes:

Technical Exercises: The first 20 minutes are spent on scales, triads, and arpeggios. Sight-reading: Devoting 5 minutes to sight-reading is crucial for improving your ability to read sheet music quickly. Piece-work: Working on pieces for about 20 minutes, dedicating 5 minutes to each piece.

At times, I add extra practice to explore my favorite pieces deeper or merely to play for fun. This routine ensures that I make steady progress while enjoying the process.

Music Theory and Understanding

Understanding music theory is vital for a holistic learning experience. I watched a 6-hour introductory course on music theory and have been working through a 200-page book. My teacher has guided me through this process, making it seem like homework at times, but it has significantly improved my sight-reading skills and the understanding of how pieces are structured.

Was It Worth It?

While many on Quora claim that learning the piano is worth it, the decision depends on your individual goals. For me, it has been a mixed bag. Learning the piano has taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of continuous effort. However, it also requires daily practice for 40-45 minutes, which can be tiring. There were times when I wanted to do anything else, but I also found joy in the practice, especially when I could completely immerse myself in it.

The key takeaway is that learning the piano is a long-term commitment. It's important to set realistic expectations and be honest with yourself about whether you enjoy the practice. If you find joy in the practice, it will surely translate to enjoying the performance.

Lessons Learned and Advice

I've learned a lot over the past year, and here are some key takeaways:

Take Your Time: Don't rush into complex pieces before mastering the basics. Pieces like Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 require a solid foundation. Patience is Key: Some pieces, like Clementi's Sonatina in C Major, may seem insurmountable at first, but with dogged practice, they become manageable. Enjoy the Process: The joy of practice is often overshadowed by the work, but it's crucial to enjoy the process to sustain your interest. Be Disciplined: Consistency in practice is more important than quantity. Spend quality time on each practice session.

In conclusion, learning the piano is a challenging but rewarding journey. With a solid foundation, a supportive teacher, and consistent practice, you can tackle complex pieces like Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2. The key is to be patient, disciplined, and patient—and above all, to enjoy the journey.