When Reading Over a New Piece
When studying a new composition, which is preferable: to practise first with separate hands or together?
When first looking over a new composition both hands should be employed, if possible, for this is necessary to obtain, approximately, at least, a mental picture of it. If the player's technique is too insufficient for this the deciphering must, of course, be done for each hand separately.
Practising the Two Parts Separately
When I am learning a new piece should the hands practise their parts separately?
Provided you have formed a general idea of the piece, it is well to practise the hands separately, because you can, in this way, concentrate your attention upon the work of each hand. As soon, however, as each hand knows its work the hands should play together in order now to pursue the musical purpose for which the separate practice was only a technical preparation.
Four Ways to Study a Piano Piece
Should a composition be studied away from the piano?
There are four ways to study a composition:
1. On the piano with the music.
2. Away from the piano with the music.
3. On the piano without the music.
4. Away from the piano without the music