Does Playing Many Pieces Matter?

When people enthusiastically begin learning an instrument, their first wish is to play something as soon as possible. Soon, playing favourite songs, producing sounds like the musicians they watch online and learning as many pieces as possible become their main goals.

This is why many learners see their music school as a source of new repertoire. My students often ask, “Won’t you give us another piece today?”

Instrumental lessons help you understand your instrument, read music and develop a clear, sound playing technique. Repertoire comes after these foundations. Your teacher will choose pieces that suit your level and help you progress.

Just as learning to read opens the way to any book, learning musical notation and the necessary techniques enables you to play the pieces you love independently. A teacher’s role is therefore to teach you how to fish, rather than simply serve you a fish.

“Less, but better” sums it up. What matters is not how many pieces you can play, but choosing worthwhile music and playing it well.

Onur Severgün
Rekor Sanat – Guitar Teacher