Hi,

I have two questions: When to memorize, and how to choose a piece.

Context: I took piano lessons from age 6-21 then let it go for 20 years (I'm 44 now). I picked up a couple of years ago, played around with Bach's Invention No. 8 in F major and Chopin's G-flat major waltz, then let it go again. Just started again about a week ago -- the Invention is on its way but the Chopin is completely beyond me. I played through the right hand and it's an absolute mess, I need something easier.

My first question is: When do you memorize?

The Invention is pretty solidly at quarter = 64 where the recommended speed is quarter = 112 . From what i remember of my lessons, I keep drilling passages with the metronome, syncopated rhythms, adding in expression -- all the things to keep it even and start giving it texture. But when do I memorize? My teachers always suggested to me, start memorizing it now. When is the appropriate time for self-teaching?

Second question: How do I choose a piece?

I was always given what to play, I rarely chose a piece for myself. And if I did, I often chose weirdly, like Chopin's waltz in F major.

The G-flat waltz is beyond me right now and I think I'm looking for something a bit longer form, maybe a sonata? I have no idea what level to pick though, probably something I played at around 14-15. Some Haydn? I played a bunch of him, I don't really want to repeat. I played a ton of Beethoven too.

Back when I was playing, I didn't know of any of these international scales or levels, and I wonder if there's a list somewhere that I can look at? But I'd need to know parallel pieces -- everything's a bit fuzzy of what I played in my early high school years and my guild cards are long gone.

That's all! Looking forward to some discussion. Feel free to comment or send me a message.