This has been one of those summers where I haven’t taken piano lessons. It wasn’t originally intended to be a piano vacation, but various health issues for both Earl and me required attention. And I find I can’t focus on piano when I’m overly stressed in some other area of my life.
So I took the summer off with the intention of playing every day, even if it were only one song. I didn’t keep track of what days I practiced and what days I didn’t; but I’m willing to bet I’ve played regularly.
What have I played? A piece that dramatizes the importance of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and another that was composed by Bela Bartok. Also a rendition of “At Last,” made famous as Etta James’ signature song in 1961. And finally, the entire First Fake Book where the left hand plays only chords and the right hand fingers the melody.
The odd thing is that I have labored over the two pieces that were assigned in the first place. During lessons the emphasis is on working them through and moving on, not necessarily making them perfect. But after two months’ practice, I feel as if I really “know” these two works.
Maybe I need to take more time on a piece, even if I’ve mastered it on a basic level. It’s something to consider when I return to the piano studio and regular lessons this coming week.
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