one of the most elating experiences a pianist can have, don't you think?

I've been struggling for a few weeks now to reach the point where I could play an entire movement at the MM the teacher had set as the goal. Even chunking the piece didn't help when I tried to put it together at tempo -- it would fall apart almost at the end where the timing becomes very tricky, even though I'd practiced that section over and over and over. This afternoon I finally did it and just couldn't help myself -- I broke out in a ridiculously silly grin, clapping my hands together and shouting YES!! It's the kind of excitement I used to feel when I got an A on a term paper or test -- or when I discovered Santa Claus had left me the one toy I'd wanted so badly but thought I'd never get.

Anyone else get giddy with a great practice?

Can't remember.

I received an A for a very important entrance exam in which I fully expected to get C. *That* was excitement. Never felt the same way about any piano practice, but I do have days of small but satisfying "Aha!" moments.

Yes, it happened today....it was a mini, but each little victory seems to keep adding up. SOME DAY......!!!!

Then you must be due for one to occur soon, sweetie darling!

When I finally have worked through a difficult passage (for me anyway) after countless attempts, I do usually smile and go "whew...finally!". It's a nice feeling of relief and satisfaction.

But when I am trying to play blues, and any variant of blues, it is when I finally get the rhythm right, that feel, that groove, call it what you like, that's when I shout "Yes!...that's it...oh yeah!". That feeling is much more elated and giddy.

88Keys,
I know exactly how you feel. I've been fumbling about with "The Entertainer" (sadly enough), trying to get the left and right hands together for some time now. Finally seems to be coming together - feels great when it finally does.


HM

Plays: I can totally relate to what you are saying. I remember working on an arrangement of Pathetique for a whole week. Every day was a struggle. Then, on the day before my lesson, the first time I tried the piece it clicked and I finished with a "yes!". It felt so good to play it in front of my teacher with the notes and rhythm perfect. She was blown away. It is definitely a great feeling when you get that break through.
Jon

This sounds silly, but now and then I get the urge to blow my teacher away during a lesson. So I practice like mad, and I show up for the lesson having practiced my brains out that week and blast through the most difficult stuff we're working on. She gets so stoked at my progress!

She even gave me a gold star on my music once, and it's still there!

Cindy -- who only got the gold star once in 5 years of lessons

Now I want a gold star! Or at least a Smiley Face.

I do get a minor triumph during a practice once in a while. I tend to learn in plateaus. I'll work on a piece without a lot of progress for quite a while, then suddenly one day it'll all come together. My theory is that the overnight rest between the practice sessions is almost as important as the practice itself. My brain seems to work at making the connections during the off time.