For the past week and a half I have been trying to learn 8 piano pieces for a choir performance that is a week from this coming Sunday. I did have 9 pieces, but just yesterday the other pianist (who is also one of the two choir directors, and is a pianist on the 10th number), decided she would play it. These are not extremely hard songs, but they do have a few challenging parts. So I've been practicing everyday for about an hour and a half. Some interesting things have happened...
First of all, I have had some shoulder problems in the past due to a torn rotator cuff on my right shoulder. Playing the piano too long would always aggrevate it. I have to admit that it is sore, but not as bad as I thought it would be after a week and a half of playing an hour and a half every single day. I really think it is helping my shoulder.
The Second interesting thing that has happened has been that I was pretty rusty before. For the last 3-5 years I have cut down on my choir accompanying due to other involvements and have only been playing hymns for church services. In fact in the last 3 years I have only been playing hymns and nothing extra. It's been very self-gratifying to feel my talent slowly (and I do mean slowly) coming back. I know it will take many, many more weeks (and months) of practice to get back to where I was before.
The Third interesting thing is that it amazes me that on the more difficult parts of the songs, even though I have mastered some places and almost mastered others that I first had difficulty with, that there are still a few places that I am really having problems. I've sat and played one line 5 times and 5 times made the same mistake. So I play the right hand over and over and over. Then I play the left hand over and over and over. Then I play them together again and STILL make the same mistake! I get my handy pencil out and mark the note - labeling what it is- then play it again. Then I play it right. So I play that page over again. AGAIN I make the mistake! Back to the right hand over and over and over... Then the left.....
Another trick I found out thanks to my good friend Dixie, is to just get out your handy-dandy-white-out pen and just take out a few notes. :0)
So maybe with a whole lot more practice, maybe a little more white-out, a bit of faking here and there, and if I can get it - a lot more nerve, maybe I can pull this off. Because no matter how hard you practice, if you can't overcome the nerve thing, you're pretty much screwed anyway. Why did I agree to do this again???
I think I can....I think I can.....I think I can................................
4 comments:
I have a tough one that I'm working on right now. It's by Mack Wilburg, and I think someone named Bradford. Their's are always a little challenging for me. But one thing I have noticed having played for the choir for about 4 years now, is that my sight reading skills are sharp right now. I think if I stopped playing for the choir, that would dwindle.
I have played with this conductor for a long time, and know him well. It would be difficult to have to play for someone else because I think I have adapted to him!
You can. I have always been impressed with yours and Delirious's piano playing skills.
You should both read The Inner Game of Music. Gives some insights into this. And don't feel too bad about not being up to something by Dr. Wilberg, Delirious. He was playing at around the age of FOUR! and can sight-read almost anything you put in front of him--including full 8-part choral music, with accompaniment!
I agree with Mr. Giggles, Delirious, Max Wilberg is challenging.
Thanks Giggles, I may check that book out. I've been looking for something like that. Especially if it can help me with the nerve thing. I swear, if the nerves kick it, it's like I can't even SEE the notes anymore! :0+
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