Final post

This blog was created as an ancillary to By Heart: how to memorize music. Since that blog is done for now, this blog is also done.

That doesn't mean that I've stopped practicing!

For more information on the purpose of this blog, click here.

10/25/13

Goals

• 17.1-2 15' play only
• 17.4 10:15 @84, lmks and find optimal
• Bach III & IV 15:25 @70
• Bell 15:5 (play first) all @60
• chamber 15' #3
• organ 10'

17.1&2

• 18'
• do again 15' before moving on

17.4

• 84:60
• next x 5:15

chamber

• 15'
• next time 3@75
• and do 1&2
• total 20'

organ 

• as planned

Bell

• played 20' (only)
• do same next time, no mental wk

skipped Bach. Do tomorrow?

10/23/13

Goals

• Bach I & II, 15:25 @70
• Bell play 15:5@60 all
• 17.1 4:20 all
• 17.4 10:10@84 lmks only
• organ 10'
• chamber 20'

Bach

• 11:25 very good!
• next time 15:25 III & IV

Bell

• 15:5
• do same again

Organ 10'

17.1

• as planned

17.4

• as planned
• next time play 15:5 @89

next time: play 17.1 and 17.2 for 15'

Chamber

• next time do 3rd 15'

10/22/13

Goals

• pull back on Couperin; make sure 1 & 2 are settled before going on
• 17.1 mental; play lmks; play tempo metro; play no metro 5:20
• 17.2 same as 17.1 5:15
• Bach IV 10:20@70
• Bell p1 only 5:10
• chamber 15'
• organ 15'

Bach

• 12:25
• next time: I&II 15:25 @70

tune Postie

17.1

• as planned, do same tomorrow
• 39:52

17.2

• 3.5:15
• ok: give this a rest, go to 17.4 tomorrow

Bell

• as planned @62
• do all next time by lmks, play 15 then mental 5

Chamber 15'

• #3@75
• next time figure #1 first

Organ

next time: chamber 20'; organ 10'

10/18/13

Goals

• 17.1 10:15@39, leap lmks
• 17.2 play only, lmks@62, play 78, play, 15'
• 17.4 5:10@84 leap lmks
• Cto I:II 10:20@70
• Bell 5:10, p1 only

17.2 as planned

• next time: mental 5', lmks 78, play no metro 10'

17.1 as planned

• next time: 5:20 mental@39; play lmks@39; play tempo metro; play no metro

17.4 as planned

• next time do 10:10@84

Bach as planned

• not perfect, but move to IV next time

skipped Bell

10/16/13

Goals

• Bell 15:5@62
• play, look at all lmks
• Look at Couperin 1st edition
• 17.1 10:15, all @39
• 17.2 approx 10' mental/lmks/play tempo/play no metro
• 17.4 start 10:10 find lmks, metro
• Bach I: II @70 10:20
• orch: play Bach, tune

Bell

• as planned
• next x p1 only 5:10

17.2

• as planned, 11'
• next x at inst only for phrasing and LH articulation
• do lmks 62, play 78 then play, total 15'

17.4

• 10:10
• next x 5:10 @84
• leap lmks only

Cto

• as planned
• need to do this again

17.1

• as planned
• do same again, but leap lmks

10/15/13

Goals

• Coup 17.1, 2nd 1/2
• 17.2 finish
• Cto I: III
• Bell
• chamber 20'

Coup 17.1

• 8:15, B section @ 39

Bach I: III

• 10:20@70
• next time: do II

Amore

• 20'
• next time: metro #3; figure 1&2

Bell

• 5:10@62
• next time: start playing 1st, 15:5, add all lmks

17.2

• 10:15@62:78
• next time: 10' total
• mental62
• lmks62
• play78
• play no metro
• & start 17.4

Next time: look at Couperin MS

10/14/13

Goals

• Coup 17:1, 2 8:15 (see yesterday's goals)
• Bell 5:10, but start w. playing, use metro
• Cto I: I, 10:20
• orch, approx 20'

Bell

• played first (10:5)
• @62

Cto I.I 19:18 @70

• next time do III @70

17.2 10:15 @62

• just about ready to go; do one more day
• establish optimal tempo

17.1 8:15

• tempo 39:44
• next time do B only

Orch work: done; do chamber tomorrow

10/13/13

New repertoire/goals

• Only one totally new (solo) piece at a time. There's plenty of previously learned, high-quality repertoire to put to memory.
• Always one concerto at a time, but can be "new."
• Couperin 17.1 & 17.2d 25';
• Bell 2nd prelude 20'
• Cto I (I) 30'
• orch/chamber 30'

Goals

• Couperin
• two mvts, add lmks, tempo 10:15 each
• Bell 10:10
• Cto I: section I, 10:20
• orch, if time

17.1 8:15

• determined lmks, worked on A lmks starting pts
• next time: A section only, est. metro

17.2 8:15

• @62
• worked all lmks; this will come easy

Bell 5:10

• p2 lmks
• next time, establish metronome

10/5/13

Plan:

• mental work by lmk/metro
• play tempo/metro
• doing in three 1-hour groups like yesterday, but start each group with harder pieces

10:30-11:30: part I

1-2: part III

3-4: part II

10/4/13

Did 3 one-hour sessions:

• 9:30-10:30 (E Bach, Scar, Tic)
• 11:15-12:15 (Handel)
• 2:15-3:15 (Scar/Bach)

For each:

• mental work w/metro
• check landmarks or play slow lmks
• play w/ metro

Do same tomorrow!

10/3/13

Did as planned: played recital program, each half preceded by 5' meditation.

Issues:

• tempo check in K513
• attention lapses: C# fugues; Passacaglia; E fugue
• real lapse: sarabande
• note check: K461
• K517 too fast? TicToc too fast?

Tomorrow

• mental work all
• quick lmk check
• slow play lmks only on "fast" stuff
• a tempo w/ metro

10/2/13

Did as planned!

Tomorrow: play recital w/ meditation, take notes on issues. Fix issues after play-through.

10/1/13

Did

• quills
• goals of yesterday

Scar/Bach 1.15

all Handel 1.05

Scar/Tic 1.00

Next time:

• play recital informally
• check tempi before playing
• take good notes and make corrections

9/30/13

Did

• play thru program
• mental work Bach and the only trouble spot (Handel sarabande)
• then played Bach
• slow lmks
• play metro tempo

Did a lot of work today, although untimed.

Tomorrow:

• each piece
• mental in order
• slow lmks
• play metro tempo

Fix quills

9/27/13

Goals

• do all mental work straight thru in 40' intervals
• then reassess
• no playing today?

Did all of Pt1 in c.43'.

• C# P&F, C Fugue difficult (mentally)

Did Pt 2 in 30'

• E fugue same difficulty

Solution: go back to alternating A/B pattern of last week.

Then played all Bach slow metro/lmks only. 36'

Played thru C# P&F 10'

9/25/13

Played through recital for guest. Moral of story is that the head needs to be unclouded before playing. Pre-performance conversation proved a distraction; this was not a problem in the 2nd half, as there was no distraction. All in all, very nice!

9/24/13

Goals

• play thru program by segment
• work each segment for problems

Scar/Tic 10'

• tempo check, Scar pt. 1
• Tic a little weak in starting couplets

Bach 24'

• did some tempo work in C#

Hand 30'

• good
• did overture again to stabilize transitions and cadenza
• did andante A again to stabilize endings

Harm/E 21'

• played fugue 2x due to lapses

Scar 14'

• ok

Then played entire program with 5' meditation before each half.

9/23/13

Goals

• continue pattern
• but do straight mental thru, not lmks

Scar/Tic 16'

Bach 45'

Han 38'

Harm/E 29'

Scar 24'

9/20/13

Took yesterday off. Continue this week's current pattern for next two sessions, then reassess.

Make one change: work mental start to finish (not by landmark).

Scar/Tic: 20' (play)
Bach: 43' (mental/play)
Handel 36'
Hrms/E 33'
Scar 18'

9/18/13

Play thru program w/ 15' intermission

small lapse in C# fugue
a little uneasiness in C fugue

All else pretty solid. Resume practice pattern tomorrow.

9/17/13

Do as planned yesterday)

Scar/Tictoc 20' (played Tictoc 2x, because 1x was too fast)

Bach 37'

Handel 37'

Harm/EMaj 30'

Scar 24'

9/16/13

Goals

• Sections to work
• Scar/Tictoc
• Bach
• Handel
• Harmonious/BachE
• Scar
• Change of plans from last week. Do:
• A: mental/play no metro
• B: slow lmks play/play tempo metro

Scar/Tictoc 19' B

Bach 41' A

Handel 36' B

Harm/Bach 32' A

Scar 20' B

Notes

• Overture needs slower tempo
• Bach E might need slower tempo

Tomorrow: do same, alternated.

Wednesday: play program

9/13/13

• changed quill
• Scarlatti: 38'
• Bach: 50'

Planning for next week:

• the problem: some pieces need to be played in relation to each other
• but I'm still confirming tempo & technical
• ...memory is very good, though

Next week:

• alternating by sets of pieces
• slow lmks/play metro tempo/play sans metro
• mental work w/ metro
• alternate by recital sections through full cycle
• then reassess approach

9/12/13

Goals

• woke up this morning wanting to do no mental work (unlike what I planned)
• so:
• play lmks slow
• play metro tempo
• play sans metro
• see if I can get through entire program in order

Hour 1

• Scar - Bach C, c, C# (minus sans metro)

Hour 2

• C# sans metro, Handel

Hour 3

• Harmonious, Bach E, Tic Toc

Next time

• start by replacing E plectrum
• then remaining Scarlatti, done the same way
• develop practice format for the day and next week

9/11/13

Goals

• finish Handel/Scarlatti
• develop system for non-trouble works

Handel

• Sarabande, Gigue, Passacaglia
• 30'

Scarlatti: 45'

Not a very full practice day, but I'll be better for it tomorrow and Friday.

Continue through full, strong-focus cycle & reassess on Monday.

9/14/13

Goals

• continue through program
• mark trouble movements
• those will be done daily in full
• non-trouble will be done less; system in development

Bach

• C# & E, 1:05

Handel

• Blksmth 17'
• Overture, Andante, Allegro 30'

TicToc, 10"

9/9/13

Goals:

• prep recital rep by:
• mental lmks slow metro
• play lmks slow metro
• play optimal metro

Handel

• remaining two from last time: Andante, Passacaglia
• 30'

TicToc: 13'

Scarlatti: 50'

Bach

• 45'
• did all but C#, E

At end of session, did some free playing of movements.

Next time: continue, but start to mark problem movements

9/6/13

Back to the grind.

Goals

• TicToc: mental lmks/metro & play 1x
• 60' work recital Bach: mental/metro/play
• Bell 5:10 last 2 lmks
• Cto I section IV 7:15@70
• c# fugues 10 (focus lmks):10 (play lmks): 10 (play)

Tictoc

• as planned
• good!
• next time: metro play lmks & play for phrasing

Recital

• this took 90'!!!
• next time need to establish slow mental practice tempi

Based on the quality of the Bach and this recital coming down the pike, I need to revise today's goals.

• focus only on recital for near future

Handel

• 60'
• did all but Andante/Passacaglia (do that next time)
• established slow tempi for mental work

next time: finish Handel; do Scarlatti: bach to Bach

Summer Summary

On the eve of a long weekend, here's what's what:

Memorized this summer:

• D Major P&F WTC I
• Bach d minor concerto: II & III
• Couperin Tic Toc Choc
• Couperin Les barricades
• Bell: 3rd Prelude & Fugue

Still giving trouble:

• c# fugue WTC I

Restarted

• Bell 2nd Prelude

On Hold

• c# prelude WTC I

All in all, not a bad summer.

Goals now:

• Bell 1st & 2nd Preludes/Fugues
• bring all of d minor concerto up to speed after October recital
• then put to sleep and being another concerto
• A major?
• finish c# P&F
• then start d minor
• one or two more Couperin
• then begin L. Couperin suite?
• or Rameau pieces?

8/29/13

Goals

• TicTic 2x
• Cto I: IV 7:15@70
• Cto II: 10:15:72
• Bell: last 2 lmks 10' mental; play last lmk 5'; fingering penultimate lmk 5'
• c# 15:15@46, focus mental on lmrk starts
• recital: part I, reverse lmks w/ metro + 5:5 C Fugue slow

Cto I

• as planned
• do same next time

TicToc

• as planned
• next time: mental in reverse & play 1x

c#

• as planned
• next time: 10 mental lmks; 10 play lmks; 10 play 
• all @46

Recital I

• as planned, but skipped C Major study
• need to rethink strategy
• next time: 60'
• mental all Bach lmks; play
• then do all Handel
• then all Scarlatti

Bell

• good work
• next time: 5:10, same sections

CtoII

• as planned
• Done for now!

8/28/13

Goals:

• Play TicToc 2x
• recital: part IV w/metro
• Cto I: part III 7:10@70, mental IV 10'
• Cto II: 10:15@72
• c#: 15:15@46
• Bell Prelude 10:10

TicToc

• as planned
• do same next time

Cto I

• as planned (no metro on IV)
• next time: IV 7:15@70

Bell

• did 5:5, last lmks only
• next time: 5' mental last two lmks; 5' play last; 5' write fingering for penultimate lmk

Cto II

• as planned
• next time: last time!
• do 10:15@72 again

Recital

• as planned
• next time do I w/ reverse lmks/metro
• plan 5:5 for Bach C Fugue at slow tempo

c# fugue

• as planned (played straight thru)
• next time: mental lmks, focus on starting points & play 15:15 @46

8/27/13

Goals

• TicToc: play 20' + play at end of session + play for JAM today
• Cto I: 7:20@72 (III)
• Cto II: play 25@36, write m. #s, note problem spots
• c#: play 30@46
• recital: III w/ metro

Tic Tic

• as planned
• after playing for JAM today, just play daily & start Bell II

Cto II

• as planned
• @72 to quantify fast notes
• very, very close: next time 10:15 @72

c#

• as planned, went over 5'
• next time: 15:15@46

Cto I

• as planned
• next time: 7:10@70 and add IV mental 

recital III

• as planned
• next time recital IV

8/26/13

Goals

• Handel: play w/metro, c.30'
• Cto I: 7:15@70, section III
• Cto II: 20:10@46, focused mental study
• c#fugue: 25' play only @46
• TicToc: 7 lmks@86 : 15 play (no lmks); focus on IV's

Handel

• as planned
• next time do 3rd part of recital

Cto II

• as planned, but @36
• next time: 25' play, note problem measures @ 36
• write in measure #s

c#fugue

• as planned, went off-clock/metro to play again
• next X: do 30' @ 46, just play

Cto I

• as planned
• next X: 7:20 @70

Tic Toc

• awesome: play for JAM this week
• next time: just play 20'

8/23/13

Goals

• Cto I: section I 7:10@70 + section III mental 10'
• Cto II: 10:20@46, focus on lmk starts
• TicToc: 20' play lmks/play @86; look at primary sourse for repeats
• Recital: c.30', settle encore, play 1st 1/4 w/ metro
• c#: 10:10@ 45 (1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 2.4) & 10' lmks in reverse

TicToc

• as planned + played 1 more time
• next time: 7:15@86, mental lmks; play no lmks
• pay closer attention to subdominants
• this will be the encore

Recital:

• did as planned
• C Fugue needs slow& mental work
• next time: reverse lmks w/metro + mental C Fugue/slow

c#

• as planned, but 15' reverse lmks
• next time: play only 25'
• get this damn thing together! whew.

Cto II

• as planned
• next time 20:10
• landmarks need focused mental study

Cto I

• as planned, but did only 7' on III
• next time: 7:15 on III, metro 70

8/22/13

Goals

• Cto II: 10 (no metro):20@46, focus on lmks, starts & differences
• TicToc 7:10@86 (lmk & play)
• Cto I 10:20@70, section I
• c# 10:15@45, 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 2.4
• recital: remaining works set optimal

Cto II

• did as planned
• do same again, but focus more on lmk starts

Cto I

• did as planned
• next time: section I 7:10
• and add section III 10' mental only

TicToc

• as planned
• next time: play 20'
• start w/lmks @86
• then play for phrasing
• check source for repeat signs

c#

• did as planned
• next time: do same 10:10 and then play lmks in reverse 10'

recital: established optimal for Scar, E P&F, Blksmth

• next time: confirm encore, set optimal
• play optimal first quarter of program

8/20/13

Goals

• Cto II 10 no metro:20@46, add lmks
• TicToc: no mental, 25' lmks/play 86
• Cto I play by large section, note trouble spots, establish metro
• c#fugues: play only, 30', add remaining 2 lmks
• recital Bach: establish optimal

Cto II

10 no metro: 20@46

• did as planned
• took notes on form, added lmks
• very close: do same again, keep analyzing

TicToc

• did as planned
• next time: 7:10 @86
• keep working lmks
• almost done!

CtoI

30'

• didn't find particular trouble spots @60
• did backwards lmks by big section @70
• Plan: perfect each big section before moving on
• next time: focus on section I

c# fugue

• 30' by lmk @45
• next time: 10:15@45 but only do 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 2.4

Recital Bach

• established optimal for C, c, C#
• next time: Harmonious, E P&F, C Scarlatti

8/19/13

Goals

• c#: 25@45 from lmks, play only
• TicToc: 10@55 then wk @86 15'
• Cto II: no mental play, play from lmks 25'
• Cto I: 30', mental only, review last study
• 30' start review of Handel Ste, find optimum performance tempi

Cto I

30'

• reviewed noes from last year
• reanalyzed, added letter lmks, outlined based on last year's work
• did mental work @60
• next time: play by section based on large outline, identify trouble spots

c# fugue

25'

• did as planned
• then played off clock
• next time: add 2 remaining lmks, play only, 30'

TicToc

• did as planned & played an addt'l 5'
• next time: no mental work, 25' lmk/metro + play
• almost ready to go

Handel

30'

• found optimum tempi
• next time: do recital Bach

Cto II

• as planned, found optimal 46
• start first with this next time
• next time, start working away (no metro), add lmks, 10:20 (optimal)

8/13/13

Goals

• recital rep
• scarlatti
• tictoc 10:10 @ 55, play 1x @ 86
• c# 12:15, rethink practice tempo
• Cto II, 15@65 + optimal, add lmks
• Cto I, if time/motivated

TicToc

• 10:10 @ 55; focued on starting points
• then played no metro/@86/then worked @86
• next time: 10@55 then work @86

c# fugue

• 14:15 half-note 45
• next time: play only from lmks 25' @ 45

Scarlatti

• played

recital rep

• worked slowly

Cto II

• 15 @65: 15 optional
• added early lmks
• next time: no mental, play only to work out different lmks

Scarlatti

• played again, no mental work

*will continue to skip Cto I till recital is over

8/12/13

Goals

• Scarlatti: play slow; mental work; play
• TicToc 10:10 @ 55; play 3x
• make sure to work landmark starting points
• Cto II: 15@55; 15@ optimal; create mid-lmks
• c# fugue: @65 12:15, focus 1.3 & 1.4
• Cto I: 20' review last study; mental work only

TicToc as planned

• 86 seems optimal
• played 1x, too sloppy
• next time 10:10 @ 55, play 1x @86
• needs more lmk starting points

Scarlatti

• played slow metro; played a tempo metro; mental metro

Cto II

• 15@55 + 15 optimal
• added more lmks, very helpful
• next x add lmks to pre-ostinato front ends

c# fugue

• 12:15 @ 65
• needs faster tempo for mental/play; much too slow for reality

skipped: Cto I; with concert on Thurs, may not get to this till Friday...keep scheduling, though

8/9/13

Goals

• 1. start w/ perform Scarlatti
• c# fugue: wk unknown lmks 10' at keyboard; then 10:10 @ 65
• Hovhaness 5'
• Cto II 15:15 (55:65)
• Cto III 40' A-Z mental @ 65; play @96...LAST DAY!
• TicToc 10:10 @55, know start of each lmk
• Scarlatti: mental & play lmks

Played Scarlatti

Hovhaness 5'

c# fugue: 

• did as planned
• next time focus on 1.3 & 1.4 (2.3 & 2.4 remain)
• do 12:15 @65

TicToc

• 10:10 @55, know start of each lmk
• went overtime to play 1x
• next time:
• 7' mental, know start of each lmk @ 55
• 10 @55, lmks
• play 3x, no metro (find optimal) 5'

Cto II

• 15:15 55:66
• next time: mental 15 @55; play 15', find optimal

Cto III

• as planned
• DONE FOR NOW!
• next time: start Cto I
• review map/log from last time
• mental lmks & play lmks (by group?)

Scarlatti

• mental & played
• next time: play slowly! landmarks!

8/8/13

back from short vacation
GOALS

• <30' Bach Vln Son; Handel
• 50' Cto III, mental A-Z @ 65; play lnmks @ 75; play A-Z
• 30' Cto II 15 @55: 15@65
• <30' Scarlatti: mental 10', play lmks; play
• 30' c# fugue 15:15 @ 65
• 20' TicToc 10 @ 55 : 10 no metro/lmks

TicToc

• 10 @ 55 :10 played lmks w/metro
• could use some straight playing sessions
• for now, get mental work to know lmks cold, then do some playing

CtoII

• 15 @55: 15@65
• c minor section a little weak

Cto III

•  mental A-Z @ 65
• lmks are solid, so played A-Z @ 75, then 92, then 96 (optimal tempo?)
• review one more day, then put to sleep & start Cto I

Scarlatti, Handel, Bach Vln: as planned

• tomorrow, no Bach/Handel, do Hovhaness (5')

c#fugue

• as planned
• next time work unknown lmks @ keyboard
• then work mental
• then play

8/5/13

short practice session today

Goals:

• Cto III, 50', mental A-Z, play lmks
• Scar, c.40', mental/play lmks/play no metro
• Bach vln sonata: 1x slow w/ metro

Cto III

50'

• mental A-z @ 65
• the issue isn't the lmks; it's differentiating them
• therefore, played A-Z @75
• need to identify "wrong turn spots"
• played A-Z again @ 85, wrote down wrong turns
• E, J (running notes)
• J, L (cadences
• E & J have running notes in 2nd half; L does not
• J is not deceptive/does have open cadence
• L is deceptive/has closed cadence
• then played one more time, no metro (optimal tempo?), off clock
• really, really, really almost there!

Scarlatti

• did as planned

Vln sonata

• played slow w/o metro

8/2/13

Goals

• play Scarlatti, work landmarks
• TicToc 15 @ 55: 15 @ optimal tempo
• c# fugue 5' mental work on unknown lmks
• then 15:15 @65
• Cto III play groups @75 then play thru, 50'
• Cto II 15 @ 55 : 15 @ 65

Cto III

50'

• groups @75, then play thru
• having trouble getting from landmark to landmark
• next time, do mental A to Z
• then play landmarks @ 75

c# fugue

• did as planned
• then went off-clock to play thru
• next time 15:15 and play thru at end

TicToc

• 7:23 instead of goal
• 7 @ 55
• played landmarks @ 55
• didn't find optimal, but worked at 80

Cto II

• as planned
• next time, play first, then do mental work

Scarlatti

• played thru and checked metro
• these are ready to go
• next time do 10:15

*forgot to start other recital work; schedule this next time

7/31/13

Goals

• Scarlatti: mental (lndmks/metro) then play (no lndmks, just start metro)
• TicToc 15:15
• c# 4:4 x 4
• Cto II 15:10
• Cto III play lmks/tempo 50'

Cto III

50'

• groups @75
• played thru @75
• do same next time, then back to mental work

Cto II

• 15 @55 ; 10 @ 65
• next time 15:15

TicToc

• 15:15 @ 55
• next time 15 @55 : 15 @ actual tempo

c# fugue

• 4:4 x 4 @ 65, up to latest landmark
• then played off the clock
• not a good system, better to do 16:16
• next time do 5' unknown lmks
• then 15:15 of known lmks

Scarlatti

• mental (lndmks/metro)
• play (no lndmks, just start metro)

7/30/13

Goals

• Scarlatti: untimed, mental work, a tempo
• Tictoc 15:10
• c# fugue 15:10
• Cto II: 15-20', mental onlly
• Cto III: 25:35
• Friday: start remaining recital repertoire

Scarlatti

• K 27: mental & play @ optimum by landmark
• K 461: mental & play @100 by landmark
• K 517: mental & play @ optimum by landmakr
• then play all three, starting w/ metro just to check tempo

Cto I

• 25 @ 65 : 35 @ 80
• then played thru @104, probably too fast to be optimum, considering QRS
• next time: no mental, just play landmarks 80 and play thru (pick faster tempo)

Cto II

• 15' mental only
• next time: mental & play 15:10

TicToc

• 15:10 @ 55
• then played off the clock a tempo
• needs 15:15

c# fugue

• 15 @60:10@65
• next time do 4:4 by page, by landmark

7/28/13

Short session today. Played through some memorized repertoire, several times, plus c# fugue.

Played Barricaded & Bell #3 for JAM. Went well, can be put to sleep for a while. (D P&F can as well.)

7/27/13

Goals

• Cto III 30:30
• Cto II 20:0
• TicToc 15:10
• c# fugue 15:10
• Scarlatti: find optimal tempi
• if time: Bell #3

TicToc

15:10

• continue like this one more time, then reassess

Cto III

25:30

• 25 is enough mental work
• mental/play by group
• do same again, then reassess

c#fugue

15:10

• mental @60
• play @65
• going strong!
• did some mental work on 1.3 and 3.3

Cto II

20:00

• @55
• next time 15' should be enough

Scarlatti

• K27 65 mental/play, optimal: 86
• K461 90 mental.play, optimal 60
• K517 80 mental/play, optimal 126

Didn't do: Bell, Barricades, D P&F

7/26/13

• Goals:
• separate mental work from playing work
• 2:1 or 3:2 ratio
• use timer
• start Scarlatti for 8/15 recital
• Suggestions;
• c# fugue 15:10
• Cto III 25:20
• Cto II 20:10
• TicToc 15:10
• Bell #3 10:5
• start each day with list of goals

c# fugue

15:10

• 15: metro 60, only did "known" landmarks (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2)
• 10: @65

Cto II

20"

• mental work only
• did all landmarks
• next time, mental only, work each landmark separately
• don't bring this to the instrument until it is "heard"

Barricades

• mental landmarks @75
• played
• still needs mental work

TicToc

15:10

• @55
• all three couplets

Cto III

25:

• @65, by grouping

:20

• @80, by grouping
• this ended up taking 30'
• next time, devote full hour to Cto III @ 30:30

Bell #3

fugue: mental & play

prelude 10:5

Scarlatti: all mental & play

• K 27 @ 65
• K 461 @ 90
• K 517 @ 80
• next time: establish optimal tempo for all

skipped D P&F

7/22/13

Juggling too much new repertoire right now, especially with a recital coming up. Reduce current learning list to Concerto II & III; Bell #3; c# fugue; Tic Toc. Keep playing-through Barricades & D P&F.

When Bell #3 is set, add it to play-through rotation. Don't resume other works till Concerto I, II, III is well underway. Deadline for concerto: 9/15.

played Barricades & D P&F

Concerto III
45'

• logged times thru @ 80

Q 1; R 1; S 1; N1 1; N 1; K1 2; K 3; I1 1; I 1

A, D, F, G, J, L P, T: 1

B/C 1; E 2; O 3; P 1

H 2; M 3

Concerto II

30'

• added all sections
• visualize first before playing

TicToc

25'

• @55; did 1st and 2nd couplets

Bell Fugue

5'

Bell Prelude

25'

• very close; just work memory/play

c# fugue

very unfocused practice; needs serious visual work

Goal for next time on all pieces: separate visual work from play work with a 3:2 or 2:1 ratio.

Start Scarlatti (recital)

7/19/13

Concerto III
40'

• groups @80, log times through

H 3x; M 3x

B/C 2x; E 2x; O 3x; P 1x

A 1x; D 1x; F 2x; G 2x; J 3x; L 2x; P 1x; T 1x

I1 1x; I 2x; K1 3x; K 3x; N1 1x; N 1x; S 1x; R 1x; Q 1x

• do same next time

c# fugue

25'

• work each landmark from memory then play
• 2.1 1x; 1.1 1x; 3.1 2x; 4.1 2x; 1.2 1x; 2.2 2x; 3.2 2x; 4.2 3x+
• do same again, starting with 3x+ landmarks

Barriacades

• mem landmarks
• play
• repeat and end of session; play for JAM later today

DMaj P&F

Bell prelude 3

15'

• worked each landmark from memory then played
• going very well

Bell fugue 3

• no metro, mem landmarks & play

Bell prelude 2

10'

• ok, added final landmark

c# prelude

15'

• work each landmark.play
• 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3
• do same next time, add another landmark?

TicToc

20'

• @55
• did 1st and 2nd couplet, too unfocused
• next time, assure the 1st couplet before moving on, slow & steady

Concerto II

10'

• LH A&B
• RH A&B
• then together
• good: add D next time

finished by playing Barricades

7/16/13

Barricades
5'landmarks away

• then played
• do later in session

D P&F: played 2x (1st x was sloppy)

Concerto II

10'

• Rit & B bass to start
• then added RH
• RH alone and together
• do same next time

c# prelude

15'

• 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3
• do same again

Bell fugue

10'

• 63 mem
• play lmks 45 & 63
• play no metro
• do same tomorrow

Bell Prelude III

15'

• away and at
• next time: focus only on C till learned
• sloppy; this should be learned by now!

Bell Prelude II

10'

• work A again
• be patient!

Tic Toc

20'

• landmarks @ 55: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3
• next time: confirm same before going on

Barricades

• played again 2x

Concerto III

47'

• mapped sections

Group 1: A,D,F,G,J,L,P,T

Group 2: BC,E,O,P

Group 3: H, M

Episodes: I, I1, K, K1, N, N1, QRS

• played groups @ 80
• next time, do same, about 35' should do
• log # of times for each, as done before

Concerto I

• played to review; it's been a long time

SKIPPED: c# fugue

7/16/13

Tic Toc
20'

• worked landmarks at inst @55
• make sure you know each landmark before moving on
• very easy to be impatient with this one

c# prelude

15'

• 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, added 1.3
• confirm these before moving on

c# fugues

30'

• worked away w/o metro
• then played landmarks @65
• next time: work one landmark away then at; do this for each

Bell prelude III

12'

• away & at

Bell prelude II

10'

• established landmarks
• fingering for phrasing
• play evenly till notes learned

Barricades

12'

• mental landmarks, then play
• very good!

Played D P&F

Bell fugue 3

10'

• 63 away and at
• 45 played lndmrks
• good to go

Concerto II

10'

• did Rit, A, B
• B is Rit in d minor
• next time: do LH of Rit & B before adding RH

Concerto III

7.30'

• K1, K, I1, I @ 60

18'

• away: landmarks @ 60 in reverse

19'

• played through @ 80

Next time: 

• map out sections/variations at start and end of sections
• rehearse this in groups, as opposed to landmarks

Day off tomorrow!

7/15/13

New repertoire: Bach d min concerto II; Bell 2nd Prelude

Bell Prelude
20'

• ABCDE &F --all landmarks now underway
• next time: 12' (only) away and at instrument
• start prelude #2

Played D Maj P&F

Concerto III

30'

O 2x

N1 1x

N 1x

M 2x

L 1x

K1 2x

K 2x

I1 2x

I 2x

• Did all 2+ from last time @60
• then played entire mvt quickly w/o metro
• next time:
• play I, I1, K, K1 @60
• work landmarks in reverse away from inst @60
• play forward; choose faster tempo w/ metro
• time session instead of setting timer

Concerto II

10'

• chose landmarks and analyzed form roughly:

Rit (g) ; A (g-c) (bass line is same as Rit till final m.; B (c-d-Bb); C (sequence-c); D (sequence-g); Rit (g)

Barriacades

• forgot to play for JAM yesterday
• played 3x today
• need to review landmarks away from inst before playing next time

c# prelude

15'

• good...added another landmark

c# fugue

30'

• worked away, metro 65
• played w/ metro 65
• added 3.3
• two landmarks to go: 1.3 & 2.3

Bell fugue

10'

• 63 away and at
• then really slow w/o metro
• do this again

Tic Toc

25'

• work away, no metro
• metro 55, play landmarks, added 1st couplet
• played landmarks w/o metro to find patterns
• next time need more committed discipline to learning landmarks

7/13/13

Freeform practice, c. 20'

• Played Barricades & Bell fugue multiple times
• Bell: needs slow work away @ at next week, only 10'
• Barricades: looked at 1st edition for repeat sign question
• play Couperin for JAM tomorrow

Bell prelude

15'

• ABCD, added E

Played D P&F

c# prelude

• 1.1, 2.1
• added 2.end

Tic Toc

15'

• looked at 1st edition for 3eme couplet issue
• 50 too slow; 60 too fast; try @55 next time
• next time 25'
• started 2nd couplet
• next time start away & look at patterns in RH and LH

c# fugue

25'

• metro 65
• next time 30'

concerto

30'

S 1x

R 1x

Q 1x

P 1x

O 2x

N1 2x

N 1x

M 3x

L 2x

K1 3x

K 3x

J 1x

I1 2x

I 2x

• next time 30' only
• do all 2x+ 
• then decide how to go on for the week, etc.

7/12/13

Bell Prelude
15'

• ABCD
• next time add E, maybe F (end)

Bell Fugue

15'

• metro away 120 & play 120 landmarks
• play 120 and a tempo (no metro)
• excellent shape; next time just play for phrasing

D P&F

• played 1x

Barricades

10'

• just played, no mem work
• play Couperin and Bell Fugue at end of today's session

Concerto

45'

S 1x

R 2x

Q 2x

P 1x

O 3x

N1 2x

N 2x

M 3x

L 3x

• worked I1, I, K, K1; all going well
• next time add I-K1 to rotation

TicToc

15'

• didn't compare this to original ed.; do this next time w/ Barricades
• @50 rondeau & all of third couplet
• add another couplet next time

c# Prelude

15'

• p1 and p2, top landmarks
• add another next time?

c# Fugue

25'

• metro 65 away and at
• added 4.2

Reviewed

• Bell fugue: not so good
• Barricade: fine

7/9/13

D P&F

• played, even though not planned
• went well yesterday playing for JAM
• will continue to review this to keep it in the fingers

Barricades
15'

• will be ready to play for JAM this week
• did as planned, do same next time:
• landmarks w/ metro
• play for phrasing
• couplets need more expansiveness

Concerto

45'

S 1x

R 4x

Q 3x

P 1x

O 3x

N1 2x

N 2x

• worked I, M, K
• created I1 and K1
• next time, add L & M to rotation
• keep up same work till I, M, K fairly stable

Tic Toc

15'

• metro 50
• did rondeau, 3rd couplet
• next time: refer to 1st edition for errors (barricades, too)

Bell Fugue

15'

• did as planned
• just about in the same place as Barricades
• next time: 
• a tempo metro away from inst
• play slow landmarks metro
• play slow metro
• play tempo (no metro) 

c# Prelude

• established some landmarks
• work: top of p1 & top of p2 landmarks

c# Fugue

• metro 55, solidify landmakrs
• keep working on established sections till secure
• try faster metro next time

Didn't get to: Bell Prelude

New Repertoire

Adding:

• Couperin: Tic Toc Choc
• Bach: c# prelude (WTC I)

Semi-retiring

• Bach: D Major P&F (WTC I)

7/8/13

Concerto
45'
S 2x
R 4x
Q 3x
P 1x
O 2x
N1 4x
N 3x

• then worked I, M, K
• next time: do same

c# fugue

25'

• worked landmarks away & at inst., metro 55
• do same next time to solidify current landmarks

Bell prelude

15'

• did A, B D, added C
• good--review the same again, possibly add E

Bell fugue

15'

• landmarks away & at instrument, metro 120
• played with a tempo metro 2x and w/o metro 1x
• next time: play (not away) w/ and w/o metro only

D P&F

25'

• played 2x
• then worked landmarks away w/ metro
• played 2x
• will play at end of today's session and later for JAM

Couperin

25'

• did landmarks away & at, metro 85
• worked to crystallize landmarks
• next time: 15' only, away w/metro & play for phrasing

D P&F

• played 2x

NEW PLAN for next time:

• Barricades: only 15'
• D Maj P&F: let rest next time, then bring back, just to review (no more than 10'/day)
• add c# Prelude
• add TicToc

7/7/13

D Maj P&F
25'

• metronome landmarks- away & at inst.
• they played a few times for phrasing
• will play this for JAM tomorrow and (hopefully) be done with it for a while

Couperin

25'

• did as planned (landmarks away & at @ 85)
• played 2x for phrasing/memory
• landmarks & memory needs to crystallize
• next time: do same thing

Concerto

45'

• did as planned (played each landmark @60)
• instead of grading each, made chart listing # of times played (higher number = less known)

T 1x

S 3x

R 4x

Q 2x

P 1x

O 4x

N1 3x

N 2x

H 2x

G 1x

F 1x

E 2x

A-D 1x

• worked on M & I, introduced K
• this week: 
• solidify N-T
• learn I, K, M
• should be good to go by end of week

Bell Prelude

15'

• worked A, B, D
• add C next time

Bell Fugue

12'

• landmarks away & at instrument, metro 120
• played a bit, too
• do same again

At this point, Bell Fugue & Couperin should be ready to play for JAM by start of next week.

c# Fugue

25'

• worked landmarks away & at inst., metro 55
• added 3.2
• (current landmarks: 1.1, 1.2; 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1)

7/3

I need a day off!

Couperin
20'

• visualize w/ metro 85
• play landmarks metro 85
• do same next time

Bell fugue

12'

• visualize w/ metro 120
• play landmarks metro 120
• do same next time

Concerto

45'

• work B & C grads @ 60 (see last time), about 3x each
• added LM, IJ w/o metro
• next time, play each landmark in reverse
• grade each one
• repeat low grades

c# fugue

• visualize
• work landmarks
• next time do with metro (away & keyboard)

Bell Prelude

15'

• good progress
• next time add another landmark or to

Skipped today: D Maj P&F

I need a day off (or two)!

7/2/13

D Maj
20'

• play landmarks w/ metro a tempo
• no away from inst
• then play for phrasing/interpretation
• next time
• do mem work away w/ a tempo metro
• then play for phrasing
• not quite ready to play for JAM

Couperin

25'

• just played, no memory work
• next time
• back to visualization w/ metro
• need to confirm landmarks away & at instrument

Concerto

35'

• at 60, working landmarks in reverse order

section - times played - grade

T 2x A

S 3x C

R 3x B

Q 3x C

P 2x B

O 3x D

N1 3x C

N 3x B

H 3x B

G 3x B

F 2x A

E 3x C

D 2x A

C 2x A

B 2x A

A 1x A

• next time, move to 45'
• begin work on all C and B grades
• add new section at each end

c# fugue

25'

• started second landmarks on pp1 & 2
• next time start away from score

Bell prelude

15'

• began work

Bell fugue

10'

• started away from inst
• played landmarks @ 120

7/1/13

Goals this week:

• perform D Maj P&F for JAM, then retire for a bit
• finish Couperin & Bell fugue

Concerto

30'

• started w/ O
• N-end @ 60
• reviewed (1x) A-H
• no new sections till those are solid
• next time: work landmarks in reverse w/ metro only

Bell

25'

• started away from instrument
• in really good shape
• did 120 eighth note by landmark
• next time: begin prelude

Couperin

25'

• started away from instrument
• played landmarks w/metro 85
• then played
• next time: work interpretation/phrasing only; just play, memory will come

c#Fugue

• slow and steady, worked pp1-4 landmarks
• almost ready to add more landmarks

D P&F

• 68/68 seems to be optimal
• worked memory and played landmarks w. metro 58
• almost ready to go; keep playing for phrasing

Next time: 

• minimize work on DMaj
• add Bell prelude, 20'
• Bell fugue, minimal as needed
• add a new piece?

6/30/13

6/30/13
C# P&F

• proportion: 72 (dotted quarter) to 72 (quarter)
• played for church service; will now drop from practice

D Fugue

• played for church service, went well

6/28/13

Bach c#
25'

• continue as w/ yesterday; added p.4 landmark

Concerto
30'
metronome 60

• A-H
• P-end
• both of above are fairly solid
• just started work on O

Couperin

25'

• pretty set
• start away from instrument next time
• next time: solidify everything

Bell

20'

• started w/ middle section, in pretty good shape
• next time: start away from instrument first
• almost good to go

Bach D & C#

30'

• metronome 60 away from instrument
• metronome a tempo playing landmarks
• C# needs new proportional tempo marking (quarter to quarter, instead of dotted quarter to quarter; this will allow faster prelude and slower fugue)
• D tried 68/68
• D is just about ready to go; finish early next week & play for JAM

6/27/13

Concerto
30'

• did everything with metro @60
• PQRST
• ABCDEF
• started O
• this is getting exciting! (working memory with metro is a really good idea)

Bell
25'

• contact composer for correct metronome marking
• worked landmarks 1-2-3 and last three; one section to go!
• b minor section: should be one or two landmarks?

Couperin
25'

• started away from instrument
• checked first edition for repeat signs
• worked entire piece/individual landmarks @ 50

Bach C# & D
30'

• slow metro w/ landmarks
• then play through with metro a tempo (see yesterday)
• 70 works for the D Maj (especially w/o metro to allow phrases)
• C# metric proportions may not be right
• next time: work away from inst. w/ metro

Bach c#

• p. 1: worked first two landmarks
• p.2: created/worked first landmark
• p.3: created first landmark, played a little

6/26/13

Couperin
25'

• start with last couplet
• next time, start by working away from the instrument

Bach: C# and D

set stopwatch to see how much time it takes: 54'

• work landmarks away from inst
• play landmarks w/metronome
• C# Prel: 60; Fugue: 60
• D Prel: 70; Fugue 8th note 70
• Play a tempo w/metronome
• rough tempo sketch:
• C# Prel 65, Fugue 86
• D: P & F @ 72 (fugue too fast? prelude too slow?)
• note: proportional tempo formula for C#
• 65/3 = 86/4

Bach c#

25'

• see yesterday's notes
• revert to two landmarks at opening, instead of one for all entrances
• all initial subj/answ semi-learned
• future work:
• do top of each page to start learning, instead of start/end/start/end

Bell

25'

• first two landmarks stabile; last two stabile
• began third from end

note: maybe this is a reason to put letters on landmarks...although I know what I mean...

Bach Cto

• ABCDEF
• PQRST

Current repertoire

• Couperin: Les barricades mysterieuses
• Bach: D Major, WTC I
• Bach: c# minor (fugue), WTC I
• Bach: d minor concerto, 3rd mvt
• Bell: 3rd Fugue

Review

• Bach: C# Major, WTC I (for church service this weekend)