I just went through a mild depression period (for various reasons unrelated to music or piano) and did not practice for 3 days. Tonight was my lesson so I decided to play, but only doing some sightreading of simpler pieces instead of working on my real pieces.

At the lesson, we worked just on my Clementi Sonatina #1 and my teacher said that this was the best she has heard me play, with more expression and continuity. Of course that's not for the whole 7 pages, but the first 2-3 pages.

Sometimes it really does help to take a small break! I feel better now, and can get back to serious practice.

Have any of you had this happen? Sometimes I've taken just a 1 day break from a piece, but never more than 2 days.

Sorry about going through some tough times but great to hear the plus side on the taking a break. I have seen this also on pieces I'm working on. It seems like the mind is still working out stuff in the music even when you're not at the piano actually working on it. I also will set aside a piece for a little while (a few weeks or more) and then come back to it and find I'm able to make additional progress on it faster when I come back to it.
There was a bit of a discussion on the taking short breaks in the pianist corner not too long ago on this thread...
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/2/5980.html#000011

Thanks cathys!

Looking back on that thread you mentioned, I remember reading some of it, but for some reason tonight, it completely escaped me! Glad you brought it to my attention!

Sleeping Cats - I believe Cooke talks about that in his great book.. He suggests setting aside a piece that you are planning on performing and just let it ripen in your mind (my words, not his). I am continually working through rhythms and tricky parts in my mind even when I'm not playing. SInce I have returned to the piano, I have not taken any complete breaks, but I have taken a couple of days where I didn't "work" anything - just played for relaxation, fun or exploration.

Thanks Teachum.........I have that little book by Cooke, but haven't read it yet. I have so many books I want to read! Right now I'm reading "The Inner Game of Music" by Green & Gallwey, and also "Clara Schumann, the Artist and the Woman" by Reich.

I find the Cooke book very inspiring. It is rare, expensive and out-of-print so take good care of it!