Music Memorization Tips

If you play any sort of musical instrument, you will probably at one point or another need to memorize a piece. Here are a few pointers to make the process less stressful.


If the piece happens to have a crazy amount of runs, always be sure to take it slowly at first. Don't try to rush through the music just to say you've played it all. If there is a certain run you can't seem to get into your fingers keep going over it - slowly increasing speed every time. If the runs are really giving you problems, try working backwards. Take the last four sixteenth notes. Once you have those down, tack on the previous set of sixteenth notes and repeat the process until you can play all notes. While doing this, never allow yourself to make mistakes. I vividly recall my high school band directors constantly telling the band that to correct one mistake you have to play the music the correct way 30 times consecutively. Do yourself a favor and play the music right the first time.

Sometimes, all you have to do is listen to the piece. By knowing how the music is supposed to sound, you increase the likelihood of your fingers pressing down the right keys at the right time. Try to get a recording or make the recording yourself and just finger along. Additionally, try just singing and fingering. This can be a time saver because you can practice anywhere.

Just like an athlete, musicians will perform at a much higher level if they can visualize what they need to do. Take a look at the music without your instrument a couple times. Go over the notes and rhythms in your head. This method can help with finding patterns in the music whether it be repeating notes or the same melody in a different key signature.

Finally, just relax. Don't stress out or over-practice the piece. If you're practicing and your playing just gets worse, STOP. Take a few days off and come back to the music at a later time.