How to Memorize Sheet Music
Practice the music., Recognize phrases., Begin repeating the last part of the song., The length of each section depends on how well you know your memory to have been in the past; if you know you remember things well, extend the length, but if you're...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Practice the music.
You obviously won't be able to memorize your music when you don't even know how to play it! -
Step 2: Recognize phrases.
This will not only give you a better understanding of the music, but when it comes time to actually start memorizing it, it will be easier to divide it up.
Most phrases are four to eight measures. , The music will be more secure in your memory if you learn it from the end toward the beginning than if you learn the beginning first. , Keep reading off the music at this point. , Go as far as you can. , Find what you did right and what you did wrong.
If you need to, play something that you missed. , Continue to alternate between eyes closed and eyes open until you know the piece well. , This not only secures your memory, but also helps to minimize the chance you might habituate yourself to a wrong note. , This will, again, depend on your memory.
Repeat the process you used with the first chunk, but play this chunk by itself. , Play from measure one to however far you memorized.
Keep repeating this until you can play it from memory five times in a row. ,,,, Don't be embarrassed to sing or hum it, because the more familiar you are with the music, the easier memorizing it would be. -
Step 3: Begin repeating the last part of the song.
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Step 4: The length of each section depends on how well you know your memory to have been in the past; if you know you remember things well
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Step 5: extend the length
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Step 6: but if you're forgetful
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Step 7: make it shorter
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Step 8: even if it's just a phrase or two.
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Step 9: Play it once from memory with eyes closed.
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Step 10: Look at the music again.
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Step 11: Play it again without looking at the music.
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Step 12: Even after it is memorized
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Step 13: it helps to continue looking at the music in alternate cycles.
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Step 14: Move onto a different chunk.
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Step 15: Link the two chunks together.
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Step 16: Continue this process until you have memorized the song.
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Step 17: Start at the end and play the last measure
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Step 18: play it by memory
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Step 19: go on to the second to last measure
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Step 20: and repeat the process till you can play the whole song.
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Step 21: Use a metronome while practicing and learn to count the measures of rests
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Step 22: you don't want to be the one person who plays during a rest.
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Step 23: Sing the music you're trying to memorize.
Detailed Guide
You obviously won't be able to memorize your music when you don't even know how to play it!
This will not only give you a better understanding of the music, but when it comes time to actually start memorizing it, it will be easier to divide it up.
Most phrases are four to eight measures. , The music will be more secure in your memory if you learn it from the end toward the beginning than if you learn the beginning first. , Keep reading off the music at this point. , Go as far as you can. , Find what you did right and what you did wrong.
If you need to, play something that you missed. , Continue to alternate between eyes closed and eyes open until you know the piece well. , This not only secures your memory, but also helps to minimize the chance you might habituate yourself to a wrong note. , This will, again, depend on your memory.
Repeat the process you used with the first chunk, but play this chunk by itself. , Play from measure one to however far you memorized.
Keep repeating this until you can play it from memory five times in a row. ,,,, Don't be embarrassed to sing or hum it, because the more familiar you are with the music, the easier memorizing it would be.
About the Author
Raymond Morris
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in home improvement and beyond.
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