Tips On How to Memorize a Piece

Another way to test your memory is to record yourself on a tape recorder. It's the next best thing to an audience. When you listen back you will hear any hesitation or mistakes, indicating that you need to concentrate on those sections.

Here's a challenging game for you, to help you memorize a piece. Start playing the piece in the middle. Think of a place where you want to start, and don't look at the music. Just try to begin the piece in the middle. The first time you try to do this, you may not be able to do it. In that case, go to the music and pay close attention to how that section begins. Paying close attention will help you remember the next time you try to start from that section. Try this with several sections of the piece. In fact, it's a good idea to formally commit a few starting places to memory that are in the middle of the piece. That way, if you're in the middle of your performance and you "blank out," you will have a starting point other than the beginning of the song.

Finally, if you have a background in music theory or music compostion, or even if you just understand chords, you can do a harmonic analysis of the song. All you need to know is what the first chord of the main sections of the piece. This will help you remember the notes when you get to those sections.

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