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I wrote an article and you can read it in its entirety below. I just finished looking through a music book I found at our local library and wanted to share this short blurb with you.
"If you memorize, go ahead and test out the strength of your memory. Most performers will tell you that a memory slip is at the top on their lists of things they want to avoid. Play your memorized pieces for anyone who will listen, and play in different places and on different pianos. Play the music a bit slower and a bit faster than you plan to play in the performance. If you find some weak spots, give them a little extra attention before the big gig."-- From Piano for Dummies
What I've learned about memorizing music.
Looking for tips on how to memorize music? Playing without sheet music is possible. Here are my own challenges and triumphs.
A group of us musicians were asked to play for an outdoor event at an amphitheater right by the ocean. The morning began with a huge downpour and we were frantically drying wet music scores with a hair dryer. Needless to say, it was quite challenging. What did I personally learn from the experience? Memorize your music! Yes, you can insert sheet music in plastic sleeves and that would be one way to succeed. However, it's fun just to go to Guitar Center and play a few memorized tunes in front of anyone who will listen.
1. So, why memorize music?
Playing without sheet music is very liberating.
Of course there's no need to memorize music if you don't want to. As a musician, I choose to memorize to avoid uncomfortable situations like music blowing off my stand when playing outdoors. Especially performing a night gig and the light bulb goes out on your music stand, surrounded by total darkness in the orchestra pit.
If you have been doing your homework during your practice sessions and you are familiar with the set of music, then you're not locked in to reading just the music notes with having to turn pages as well.
You will soon discover new ways of music flowing since you're eager to play without music.
2. Steps to help you memorize music.
If you're playing boogie blues or rock and roll, learn the various left hand patterns in the 12 bar blues form. Notice a couple of phrases and see if the second phrase answers the first.
When I'm reviewing a song, let's say it's a ballad, I first determine the keynote and play around and find the melody in that particular key.
If you're given a lead sheet, remembering chord progressions is the key to memorizing the song that is built on recalling the theory that you understand. Analyze the structure of the piece.
Now memorizing note for note is another ball game. Honestly, it can be more difficult for others than a youngster playing a memorized piece at a recital. In my opinion, the key to memorizing sheet music is through repetition. Also, try to remember if your hands are going in opposite directions or playing separately. Note tricky fingering as well.
I suggest taking small sections of music and repeatedly going over a few lines. We call this chunking and chaining. Please be patient. You may find recording or using flash cards to quiz yourself helps boost confidence in playing licks to a certain measure. I wrote an article on Practice Tips mentioning chunking and chaining. You can view it at: http://zone.hearandplay.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=162&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Laying down a rhythm pattern, programming drums, jamming in garage band or just using a metronome for a classical piece can keep you on track with skills to remember a song. Listening to a phrase of music indeed works the brain for short-term memory. Keep at it daily. In the beginning, I would open my music, then close it and try to play what I pictured.
3. Why these steps will help.
Practice, repetition and patience, a win-win formula, but truly there is no magic pill to take in memorizing music. Playing with other musicians for years and having that experience helps in knowing how to play certain songs well without sheet music. I'm thinking the biggest factor of all is choosing to memorize a song that you know and love will make it much easier for you to learn. You're on your way!
Looking for tips on how to memorize music? Playing without sheet music is possible. Here are my own challenges and triumphs.
A group of us musicians were asked to play for an outdoor event at an amphitheater right by the ocean. The morning began with a huge downpour and we were frantically drying wet music scores with a hair dryer. Needless to say, it was quite challenging. What did I personally learn from the experience? Memorize your music! Yes, you can insert sheet music in plastic sleeves and that would be one way to succeed. However, it's fun just to go to Guitar Center and play a few memorized tunes in front of anyone who will listen.
1. So, why memorize music?
Playing without sheet music is very liberating.
Of course there's no need to memorize music if you don't want to. As a musician, I choose to memorize to avoid uncomfortable situations like music blowing off my stand when playing outdoors. Especially performing a night gig and the light bulb goes out on your music stand, surrounded by total darkness in the orchestra pit.
If you have been doing your homework during your practice sessions and you are familiar with the set of music, then you're not locked in to reading just the music notes with having to turn pages as well.
You will soon discover new ways of music flowing since you're eager to play without music.
2. Steps to help you memorize music.
If you're playing boogie blues or rock and roll, learn the various left hand patterns in the 12 bar blues form. Notice a couple of phrases and see if the second phrase answers the first.
When I'm reviewing a song, let's say it's a ballad, I first determine the keynote and play around and find the melody in that particular key.
If you're given a lead sheet, remembering chord progressions is the key to memorizing the song that is built on recalling the theory that you understand. Analyze the structure of the piece.
Now memorizing note for note is another ball game. Honestly, it can be more difficult for others than a youngster playing a memorized piece at a recital. In my opinion, the key to memorizing sheet music is through repetition. Also, try to remember if your hands are going in opposite directions or playing separately. Note tricky fingering as well.
I suggest taking small sections of music and repeatedly going over a few lines. We call this chunking and chaining. Please be patient. You may find recording or using flash cards to quiz yourself helps boost confidence in playing licks to a certain measure. I wrote an article on Practice Tips mentioning chunking and chaining. You can view it at: http://zone.hearandplay.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=162&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Laying down a rhythm pattern, programming drums, jamming in garage band or just using a metronome for a classical piece can keep you on track with skills to remember a song. Listening to a phrase of music indeed works the brain for short-term memory. Keep at it daily. In the beginning, I would open my music, then close it and try to play what I pictured.
3. Why these steps will help.
Practice, repetition and patience, a win-win formula, but truly there is no magic pill to take in memorizing music. Playing with other musicians for years and having that experience helps in knowing how to play certain songs well without sheet music. I'm thinking the biggest factor of all is choosing to memorize a song that you know and love will make it much easier for you to learn. You're on your way!
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King
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3 comments:
That is something really genius for me! But it is nice to learn that.
I find that playing a piece really slowly and singing along really helps too!
For beginners, it's really acceptable to play with a music sheet. But as you progress, you must get rid of the music sheets and start playing by ear.
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