B777Captain wrote:Is it a good idea to start learning what one considers a complex piece by learning the keyboard only (all the way through?) and then after mastering the actual keynotes, then start learning the pedal and slowly but surely putting it altogether
I think the more usual advice is to learn the pedal part first. When that's thoroughly fluent add the left hand, and when pedal and left hand are solid add the righthand part(s).
This is what I try to do, though I'm nearly always tempted to add the new parts too early (ie before the lower parts are fully fluent) I think this is just a matter of discipline, which I probably don't have enough of. If the pedal part goes awry when you add the left hand, then it needs to be practiced some more.
As you say, much also depends on personal preference and your existing level of competence.
Nick