So, is it bad to spend an entire practice session at one or more scales?
I've just picked up a new piece.

I spent from around noon until 3.45 practising a 4 runs (like scales but nothing like the exam sort). 2 - 4 octaves. (short tea-break around 2)

It wasn't self-discipline as much as motivation/application. If I want to play this piece I have to do it.
These runs have to be committed to memory before I can combine the left hand.

I now have to persevere every day until they're there, playable.

The difference is, I'm not working for an exam. .. I want to enjoy playing this piece but it's going to take some work to get there.

Point is, it can be done when need be, so for that poster who can't bring himself to focus on what's necessary, maybe the best is to turn to something else - stamp collecting?

R

I learnt Chopins Fantasy Impromptu by learning 4 bars a day, at around 2 hours practice with each session. As you can tell I wasn't, and still am not, the most accomplished pianist, but once I learnt it I knew it weas worth it. it was a piece I loced, and still play regularly, and I also found that learning a difficult piece very slowly, and commiting the whole thing to "finger memeory" made for a much more "musical" performance. Stick at it, when it's something you like it's always worth it.

QUOTE (Rhapsodin @ Dec 21 2004, 04:32 PM)

The difference is, I'm not working for an exam. .. I want to enjoy playing this piece but it's going to take some work to get there. Point is, it can be done when need be, so for that poster who can't bring himself to focus on what's necessary, maybe the best is to turn to something else - stamp collecting?     R

I identify with this. I may sit an exam but to pace myself. I work to enjoy the pieces I want to play. You have to practise singleminded to get anywhere. I saw that other topic and wondered why the poster bothered. I offer no more comments! !

Yeah, it feels really good when you finally perfect something you've been working on! My family might be sick of the same 2 bars over and over again, but I still enjoy playing it in a completed piece!