A Few Thoughts

I'm currently attending a Master Programme in translations and I'm going to graduate in the summer of 2014. I have very much practice time (the entire day except on Thursdays and Fridays when I have only 6 hours for music practice - I mainly play the electric guitar). I was wondering if I dedicated the entire time to piano practice, would I be able to play a 5 piece repertoire having the following options: 1. a work from J.S. Bach (Well Tempered Clavier) 2. a classical sonata 3. a virtuosity etude 4. a romantic work 5. a work composed after 1900 There's a Bachelor Programme at the Art University in Graz I would be interested to attend. I want to know if this is realistic...so...1,5 - 2 years and I'm starting from a level at which I can (or I'm going to very soon) play Chopin's Waltz in B minor...solfeggi and melodic dictation and aural training in general are not going to be a problem as I'm studying them for aprox 4 years.

Going on your recent posts, I would say that before jumping into doing massive amounts of practise every day, make sure that any movement issues you have at the keyboard are resolved. If you don't do so you're likely to develop such issues further - to modify the popular (and largely inaccurate) saying, "Practise makes permanent". Once the movements are easy and elegant and have been developed with awareness, then you'll be able to practise as much as you like without issues.

Razvan, Having worked with you and seen videos of your progress, I would say that learning this program in this amount of time would likely be biting off more than you could chew. You could probably do it, but remember, kids applying for this program have been playing more difficult repertoire than you do now for years. It is the cumulative development of ability that allows them to play such a program with ease. The kids we hear in our entrance exams are generally five years further down the road in terms of experience from where you are now. Our entrance exams have requirements similar to the Graz one, this requirement is pretty standard throughout Europe. However, you never know what you're capable of until you try, so I would definitely go for it if it's something you love. Whether you pass the entrance exam or not, you will learn a huge amount along the way, which will be great. AFF

Razvan, Having worked with you and seen videos of your progress, I would say that learning this program in this amount of time would likely be biting off more than you could chew. You could probably do it, but remember, kids applying for this program have been playing more difficult repertoire than you do now for years. It is the cumulative development of ability that allows them to play such a program with ease. The kids we hear in our entrance exams are generally five years further down the road in terms of experience from where you are now. Our entrance exams have requirements similar to the Graz one, this requirement is pretty standard throughout Europe. However, you never know what you're capable of until you try, so I would definitely go for it if it's something you love. Whether you pass the entrance exam or not, you will learn a huge amount along the way, which will be great. AFF I see. I was curious if they have a preset number of places or they just accept the ones whose interpretations they like. In other words if 10 people take the entrance exam could all 10 be abmitted (or only 7 if the comission likes only 7 of the performances) or they have...5 places and that's it.

Mostly they have a preset number of places... These days the level is much higher than it was even ten years ago, at least in Germany and Austria, so it is much more difficult to get in than it used to be... AFF

Anyway...I came to the conclusion that it's worth trying and even becoming an amateurish classical player instead of being good at rock music. But before beginning I must have another couple of lessons with you after New Year to make sure that the faults in my technique do not become habits. After aplying what you and Andrew told me, things progressed so much, so quickly that for a moment I felt as if I will be able to do anything on the keyboard. Keeping in touch.

I'm going skiing from January 5-12 and out of the country January 22 - February 18. After that, in and out... go to Alan Fraser.net detailed workshop information for my complete schedule... Would be very glad to provide some fresh input! AFF

In terms of practice time I'm sure I can catch up. You said I'm 5 years behind. Say the "average" student practices 2 hours a day. If I study 10 hours I'll catch up in 1 year. And I still have another one to brush up my techique. I'm curious though if my body will be able to assimilate what I practice. If I knew that this works I would totally go at it.

Your body will be able to assimilate easier than your brain - it tends to need rests... But with diligence and insight you can accomplish amazing things! AFF

Your body will be able to assimilate easier than your brain - it tends to need rests... But with diligence and insight you can accomplish amazing things! AFF When I said "body" I actually meant "what the brain commands the body to do". I'm sure that if I'll be able to solve the problem with my right hand, things will progress pretty quickly. The Waltz already sounds different.