u/Immediate-Leading338

I've been playing casually for about a month. I usually practice most days, but some days it's literally only 5-10 mins or so. I've just gotten a teacher recently, and have been doing Giuliani's right-hand exercises etc and playing some simple scales. I do have calluses, but I still feel pain on my left hand middle finger? Is this normal? It's like of the spot where the fingertip is fretting is different to the centre, it hurts. Appreciate any advice!

I finally started taking proper piano lessons after dabbling in various instruments since childhood and am really enjoying the process so far (2.5 months). But I'm starting to feel quite frustrated with my progress in one specific area - I can’t seem to reliably play pieces I've learnt and practiced all the way through without making mistakes, even ones I’ve spent a lot of time practicing.

For example, I’ve worked quite a bit on Satie’s Gnossienne No. 1 and Bach’s Prelude in C Major, and while I can play sections well in isolation, when I try to play from start to finish, it often falls apart or feels uneven.

I do practice scales, arpeggios etc and I try to work slowly and carefully at first, but so far it hasnt translated into smooth, consistent performances of a full piece.

Is this a normal stage to be at after a few months? And are there specific practice techniques that help bridge the gap between “can play it in parts” and “can play it fluently all the way through”?

Appreciate any advice!!