I was just thinking about this and i thought i would make a post about it.
For the past 2 years since i started releasing music, i haven't learned any new pieces from other composers.. i actually barely play anything other than my pieces or my new ideas when i sit at the piano..
what about you? do you still play music from other composers or do you even LEARN new pieces in a regular basis or you're also mostly playing your own stuff?
Do you think that it is important to play other music than your own either to simply enjoy playing the piano without any pressure or to maybe just to clear your mind?
I wonder if it can be beneficial in any way for composers to do so.
I work as an accompanist, so learning new music is part of the job. I also like learning new piano music (by others) for fun. I rarely play my own music in public, although I could not resist playing some of my pieces on a street piano a couple of months ago.
In my opinion every artists who creates music constantly should due that time: -Take lessons to that instrument -Learn other composer pieces -Discover different techniques, styles, genres. -Focus on posture etc. Yet again do I do these Things? Most often no. At the moment I dont take classes but I feel like I most definitely should. I think all these things would help me to compose and be more creative.
Not really answering your question fully but yes I think its important to learn other composers music and enjoy discovering beautiful melodies from others.