I am an older adult who returned to formal piano lessons about a year ago. I am playing at Grade 7/8. I feel that it is very important to me to continue being exposed to diverse repertoire, but I am also feeling the desire to dig deeper into the works of one composer. I would also like to research this composer in depth to develop a comprehensive understanding of his personal and cultural background. I think focusing on one composer would give me the time to really explore and absorb the stylistic features and help me to build a foundation for developing good interpretative skills. I don't want to sacrifice variety for depth though at this early level, so I would consider this as a separate project while continuing my normal course of study in the Alfred Masterwork Classics and supplementary pieces. If a highly motivated adult student suggested this idea to you, which composer would you select to teach in depth? Where would you see the most "bang for your buck," so to speak, in terms of furthering technique and musicality, considering my current level?

Thanks for your input
Gale Welden

p.s. currently working on:
Schubert's Impromptu Op.142 No.2
Chopin's Prelude in E Minor Op.28 No.4
Bach's Sarabande from Partita in A Minor BWV 827

Hi Gale,

I so far only teach beginners, and I'm not able to answer what music would give you the most "bang for your buck".

But my first question is: what does your own teacher recommend? And if you don't have a teacher, I would recommend getting one.

If I were choosing a composer for myself for in depth study it would be Chopin. I would recommend choosing someone whose compositions you love...after all you'll be spending a lot of time together! Good luck.

For many reasons, not least the which that J.S.Bach was foundational to many, many composers who followed, you might consider him.

Just because you're roughly at grade 7 doesn't mean that studying easier works isn't profitable. I would start with learning 15 dances from the Anna Magdalena Bach notebook; learn them very, very well, fully ornamented. This will help you understand Mozart and Chopin better. The Willard Palmer edition published by Alfred is actually a fantastic student study edition, not expensive, but copiously documented, accurate and easy to learn from. You might consider memorizing them, which will take you to the next higher level of playing ability.

I would go on learning some of the easier preludes and then French Suite #5 in its entirety. The Gigue is probably at or above your current level, when played up to tempo, so learn it slowly and accurately, and have your teacher help you with proper hand motions. Also, learn at least ten of the Inventions, although learning all 15 would be preferable, if you have the time.

From there, you can advance on to many of the preludes and fugues and the Italian Concerto.

All in all, this would provide you a wonderful foundation and will help you with Baroque, Classical and much Romantic repertoire.