What do you think of me?

Question

I practice the piano 6-7 hours a day. I have already exceeded my instructor's level. I have done a lot of study in classical music. I am also very talented and a fast learner. I have a big repertoire. In my home country, I was taught by a pupil of a pupil of a pupil of Franz Liszt. I am also a nerd at school. With all the explanation, Mamianka is still giving me the advice 'do some homework' or criticizes my skills without the smallest knowledge of my character. I am also a perfectionist.

Answer 1

Just ignore the answers that bother you by giving them thumbs down (they disappear then!) and post what you like. People always feel more free on the internet to speak in a manner that they may never use in public because they are "anonymous"
It sounds to me like you're doing great. BTW that makes Liszt your great great great-grandteacher! I have some famous g.g.g. grandteachers as well.

Answer 2

I don't know you, so I can be mistaken, however, based on this question, as well as many of your past questions, I would say that you have a few issues to resolve. Most obvious, is the fact that you clearly have low self confidence, and are probably self conscious as well. One who makes such an effort to boast, and "impress" others, is usually in need of a confidence boost. Add to that the fact that you do so over the internet (a place where facts are difficult if not impossible to verify), I would confidently venture a guess that you don't possess "Lisztian" technique, or for that matter any ability worth bragging about. Based on the collection of your posts, I have a hard time believing much of what you have claimed. Just curious, do you attend a performing arts conservatory, and if so, which one? It is quite understandable that Mamianka would question your MAGNIFICENT skills. I hope I didn't "push it", but I felt compelled to try and knock some sense into you. Of course, I am not infallible, therefore, I apologize if I am incorrect. That being said, in all probability, I am correct. Sorry!!
Steve

Answer 3

I applaud your work ethic! It takes great dedication to spend that much time practicing every day. However, I also hope that your 6-7 daily hours of practice involve some SERIOUS warmup time, or you're probably going to have a career-ending injury far too early in your life.

The "pupil of a pupil of a pupil..." doesn't say much, in my opinion. I've known some people who have fantastic teachers...that doesn't make them play well.

I think that all musicians are perfectionists, at least to some degree.

My advice is that, if you have already exceeded your instructor's level, you need to get a new instructor. Amazingly great piano players/teachers are a dime a dozen...go find another great one.

Glad you're enjoying the world of music!

Answer 4

I think that you are trying hard to impress everybody here. The question is "why"?

6 to 7 hours a day of practice is too much. You will damage yourself. Better to pracitce less and achieve more by planning each session with specific goals in mind.

There are plenty of teachers who you will find are at levels that you will find very difficult to exceed. Search them out.

Most serious pianists can trace their teaching lineage back to Liszt and beyond. I can, Mamianka can, CubCur can -- it comes with the territory. Stop bragging about it.

I do not doubt that you are talented and a fast learner. I think you are passionate about music and the piano, but that you should cease worrying about what people think of you, and focus on becoming the best musician that you can be.

Do some homework. Saying that is not a critique of your skills, since we have no idea what they are. Some of us here simply can't be researching potential repertoire for you. That is you teacher's job. That is all that Mamianka is saying. Of course she says it in her own inimitable style. You should not worry about her, or any of us. We cannot harm you, nor can we offer you any help except for the advice that we give.

Best of luck to you, and continue on your journey.

Answer 5

You wrote in your question "I have already exceeded my instructor's level."

This worries me, and I hope that you are putting considerable effort into finding a teacher who is actually going to be able to teach you. You are doing yourself NO favours by continuing to study with a teacher whose ablilities you have already exceeded. Your music will suffer as a consequence. Find an instructor that you can learn from. There are people out there that you can learn from, you don't know everything yet. No one does.

Also, I would like to re-iterate that 6-7 hours a day of practising is, in fact, too much. You will burn yourself out and you will end up hating and resenting your instrument, as well as increasing your chances of injury. Moderation in all things, I guess.

Answer 6

I think you should be proud of your acccomplishments. As far as doing homework etc. you have to keep up with your other subjects also. I think Mamianka is just trying to remind you that just because you do what you do does not exempt you from fulfilling your other obligations. It doesn't work that way. Just keep things in perspective and keep up the hard work and you will be successful.

Answer 7

Well, if you describe yourself as a perfectionist, then I can't understand what your problem is with "Mamianka". You seem to be driven far beyond what is "average" or "normal", which might be great in your field, but it may be that "Mamianka", whoever that may be, is simply the one instructor you simply have not exceeded in talent, and you simply have to work harder, or realize that you'll never be perfect, and the stress you put yourself through is simply not worth the return. God Bless you.

Answer 8

you have revealed much more about yourself than in previous questions ..... so many here are "want to be" without the drive without the having done the homework .... you are the exception .. do not be so critical of her opinion we/she can only know what we read ..........and I hope someday to attend one of your performances

Answer 9

needa find a girl friend...but nice accomplishments

Answer 10

you are smart person!!!

lucky you!