It’s been almost 5 years since I started learning piano. I’ve learned many songs, but I’ve forgotten most once I stopped practicing them.
In my practice, I tend to choose one longer classical piece, one anime, game, or pop song, and one to two pieces from the ABRSM syllabus. Occasionally, the ABRSM syllabus gives me a chance to revisit pieces I’ve learned. The Chopin Waltz in the grade 6 syllabus was one of them. It was the first Chopin piece I played, and at that time my technique wasn’t good enough for certain passages. It’s easier to pick it up again, and I have fewer troubles with the techniques. But I feel I can still do better to achieve a better flow in the piece. Here’s the latest recording, and here’s my recording three years ago.
Initially, I didn’t like revisiting pieces I’d learned because there were many new pieces I wanted to learn. But as I have gradually played more pieces, I think it might be a good idea to revisit some of my favorites from time to time. This way, I might be able to play them more beautifully, understand the music better, and perhaps commit them to my long-term memory.
Ryu's Blog 