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Has anyone an opinion on "Practice and Performance" the companion to Masterwork Classics?

Birdgolf, I purchased a used copy of Level 1-2. I did not find it too useful. I barely opened it. In general, there are four sections for each piece:

1. Getting Ready to Play
- determine character and personality
- changes to rhythm
- dynamics
- hand position
- focal point of phases

2. Practicing for Performance
- slow practice
- dynamics
- emphasis on focal points

3. Finishing for Performance
- "ask yourself" questions
- all about listening to yourself and determining if you achieved the goals for the piece

4. To the Teacher
- character
- technique
- phrasing

There is one page per piece and the material is repetitive. And there are many open ended questions for you to think through. There are no answers in the book as this is suppose to be done with a teacher.

At the same time, you may find it helpful if you need direction. I don't want to completely dissuade you.

What I have learned, is that you need to really listen to the music, and feel what you play. If you can do that, then much of this stuff just happens. And this does take time too. (I realize I am making generalizations.)

I have the Level 4 and Level 5 books. I would say they are good to have, but not essential. They provide some useful information on the structure and phrases of the pieces. The practice tips are good, but probably not better than what you would have come up with by yourself or what your teacher would tell you.

Bottom line: if you can get them for a reasonable price, they're good to have. If the price is steep, there's not enough added value, imo.

Thanks very much for those comments / replies. I currently do not have a teacher and thought those might help. I get a big kick out of playing these pieces in the level 1-2. Masterwork Classics book.