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"How Shall We Study?" by C. E. Christiani

"Act with yourself as if you were your own pupil. Tell yourself what is right to do; make yourself do it; and leave the rest to take care of itself." - Louis de Haas.

The above indicates that you must be your own teacher, as well as your own pupil, and this really is the most sensible way to study; for, if you are not able to know before you do, you never will be able to master anything. This is just the whole trouble with us, trying to do something of which we know nothing. Many hours are actually wasted by students in thoughtless, so-called practice. Most students have not the slightest idea of (1) the keys of their study, (2) the object of it, and (3) the meaning of the different signs of expression. Yet when asked about the time spent, they all assure the teacher of having practiced every day from one to two hours.

Now, the way to be your own teacher as well as pupil means this. (1) Find out how many sharps or flats there are, then mention these aloud to yourself several times. Then name the key several times. Do this each day before you start playing. (2) Find out the object of the lesson; namely, is it a study for legato, staccato, or what? (3) Examine the different signs of expression and master their meaning. Now, if you do this, you are your own teacher; and if you put in practice what you now know, you become your own pupil also.

In the above words: "You tell yourself what is right to do, and make yourself do it." If you will do this you will become a joy to your teacher; and if you keep it up you need never look for success - for you have it; or, better still, you are a success.

About this article

This article, written by C. E. Christiani, was taken from the May 1923 issue of "Etude Musical Magazine."

Emily Sigers
emily@thepianopages.com