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Suggestions
for Memorizing Music
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Learn the correct notes and rhythms before
you try to memorize. Check your notes with a piano, practice
tape, or performance tape.
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While
you are learning the notes, memorize the text. Study a translation.
Text with meaning is much easier to memorize than nonsense
syllables. Understanding the text also helps you sing more
expressively. If you don't speak the language, get a pronunciation
tape and try to mimic the tape. Write the text until you can
do so accurately. Speak the text as you write it. The aim
is to get the text memorized by your body rather than just
your brain.
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Memorize
in small sections, such as a page. Spread out the process
as much as possible. You can't eat a whole weeks worth of
food in a day and you can't memorize 95 pages of Brahms in
the week before performance.
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Memorizing the rests is as Important as memorizing the notes.
Memorize entrances and pay special attention to entrances
other than beat one and to offbeat entrances. Memorize the
number of blank measures and count them out silently: 1,234
2,234 3,234 etc.
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Don't
depend on the conductor for entrance and cutoff cues. These
cues may be omitted and in rare instances may be wrong. Don't
depend on other parts for timing; count for yourself.
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Look
for patterns in the music. If a section is repeated, carefully
compare the notes for differences.
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Once
you have a section memorized, reinforce the memory by singing
it at least once a week. One advantage of having the music
in your head is that you can practice anywhere: while washing
dishes, taking a shower, or even silently during boring committee
meetings.
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Memorizing
is hard work and requires time and determination. If you think
you can't do it, reflect on how many songs you already have
in your memory. The reward for your effort will be the joy
of being able to watch the conductor and recreate a piece
of music in its full glory.
Takashi
Yogi
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