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Post by digby on Jun 1, 2006 10:30:52 GMT
What happens if you make a mistake in playing when you've memorised like that, though? Or do you simply not make mistakes? I find that I get motor memory - my fingers know what to do, but only if nothing goes wrong. If that happens, I am unlikely to be able to retrieve the situation, whereas if I'd done whatever magic it is that the natural memorisers do, I'd be able to carry on - as I can if I make a mistake when I have the music in front of me. This is why it is absolutely vital to have anchors where you know you can pick the music back up. Motor memory is the first thing to go if you are nervous, one of the classic errors is starting a piece too fast, which means the motor memory is already out of synch when you start. Also make sure the first few outings you do playing from complete memory are not vital ones, so you start to know how you will react when you're nervous before it really matters.
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Post by anacrusis on Jun 1, 2006 13:52:47 GMT
That's interesting. I already practise in small chunks, usually around difficult passages, so may play four bars over until it's right, then another four. I'd need some way of remembering the first note of each chunk, then, is that right? I have been trying to see what happens when I play one of my pieces from memory - the one my teacher had suggested I might like to try memorising - and it can go swimmingly for quite a time now. Trouble is, it's a set of variations, and each one quotes from the one before in its middle section, so I suddenly find myself off in the previous one.... ;D
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Post by digby on Jun 1, 2006 16:56:53 GMT
Yes that is exactly right, If you have an anchor at the beginning of each chunk of bars you should be able to pick back up again.
Variations are a nightmare, you need to take each similar section and play them after each other.
Another really useful thing to do, which isn't always possible because of time restraints, is to learn a piece, memorise it, perform it in a low pressure family and friends type of environment then put it a way for a few months then relearn it. Each learning the overall performance and memory gets stronger.
I hope this makes sense, I've just got out of hospital and am feeling a bit wobbley.
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Post by anacrusis on Jun 1, 2006 21:15:15 GMT
Yes that is exactly right, If you have an anchor at the beginning of each chunk of bars you should be able to pick back up again. Variations are a nightmare, you need to take each similar section and play them after each other. Another really useful thing to do, which isn't always possible because of time restraints, is to learn a piece, memorise it, perform it in a low pressure family and friends type of environment then put it a way for a few months then relearn it. Each learning the overall performance and memory gets stronger. I hope this makes sense, I've just got out of hospital and am feeling a bit wobbley. Thanks. I hope you're feeling better soon, too. Three weeks to go 'til the diploma. Think I'd better stick to the paper copy for that, at any rate! But I will keep trying to see if I can get any better at memorising.
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Post by digby on Jun 2, 2006 7:54:30 GMT
Definately stick to the paper for this one, but maybe arrange a concert of your dip programme in 6 months time or so, then you could perhaps do one from memory. Very best of luck for the dip
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Post by anacrusis on Jun 2, 2006 22:10:35 GMT
thanks.
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Post by princessmoose on Jun 2, 2006 22:11:21 GMT
thanks. Good luck, you'll be fab, and please organise a smaller recital, I'd come .
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Post by anacrusis on Jun 2, 2006 22:24:05 GMT
thanks. Good luck, you'll be fab, and please organise a smaller recital, I'd come . thanks! Just remembered, though - one excellent reason for not playing from memory - I have a lovely, big, very solid music stand, and it's wonderful for hiding behind... ;D
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Post by princessmoose on Jun 2, 2006 22:32:20 GMT
That is always good .
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Post by mikeski on Jul 3, 2006 15:47:34 GMT
I dont know how I memorise music, I just play... and tbh, I don't really wanna know how I memorise music, because if I find out how, then I'l probabily forget it... *rolls eyes*
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Post by princessmoose on Jul 3, 2006 19:09:14 GMT
Lol . I find when I am playing a piece with a hard passage or lots of leaps I have to memorise it so I can look at the keys when I play, but I can't memorise it..I need the music imprinted on the keys!
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Post by hoxie on Jul 3, 2006 19:36:21 GMT
Also make sure the first few outings you do playing from complete memory are not vital ones, so you start to know how you will react when you're nervous before it really matters. My exam is in 2 weeks (15th July) and I have to play a scarlatti piece from memory... have played in front of my piano teacher and a bit today in front of one of my music teachers, but I'm scared - I've still learnt it mainly by motor memory and I'm scared that it will go wrong the second I get nervous... Ahhh a few weeks and then it's over (but I really want to get a decent mark!!)
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Post by princessmoose on Jul 3, 2006 19:58:45 GMT
You'll be fine, worrying about it won't help .
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Post by digby on Jul 6, 2006 9:22:31 GMT
Also make sure the first few outings you do playing from complete memory are not vital ones, so you start to know how you will react when you're nervous before it really matters. My exam is in 2 weeks (15th July) and I have to play a scarlatti piece from memory... have played in front of my piano teacher and a bit today in front of one of my music teachers, but I'm scared - I've still learnt it mainly by motor memory and I'm scared that it will go wrong the second I get nervous... Ahhh a few weeks and then it's over (but I really want to get a decent mark!!) Good luck with the exam. Try and find a few more people to play it to before hand you've still got a little bit of time then you can highlight any areas that might need an hour or 2 spent on them at the weekend. they don't have to be musical people, just anyone different who you don't usually play to. Then just relax and enjoy it - loads of luck
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