Memorization Tips

It's the competition season and students are working on their memorization skills! It really helps to have multiple 'life lines' and strategies when working by memory. Finger memory is important: carefully learn a piece correctly, so wrong notes are never an issue. Play slowly and also up to tempo to experience the relaxing, correct technique you have learned. Recognize patterns (scales, arpeggios, chord structures).  Keep the form of the piece in your mind: is it binary, ternary...where are the major sections? These are important landmarks. Try to 'see' the notes in your head as you play which will help get you back home if there is a tiny glitch in passagework. Sing along with the piece in your head...knowing what comes next is an important skill. Lastly, practice by memory often! Perform for family at home to simulate the performance. Enjoy every moment of the experience.