A Short Guide to Memorizing Music

1. Read the Music

• Look at the key signature and time signature
• Look for sections that repeat

2. Find patterns

• Many phrases are often 4 bars
• Can you find phrases that repeat?

3. Listen to the song, if possible

• Read the music while you listen

4. Break the song into smaller parts(phrases)

• Notice, you have not even played your instrument yet

5. Practice each phrase slowly and carefully

• Striving towards perfect practice is good
• Any mistakes made in the beginning will only have to be corrected later

6. Memorize each phrase

• Use thoughtful, disciplined practice
• Ask your self, "Where is this phrase going?"

7. Put the phrases all together

• Do this one piece at a time
• Sometimes it is helpful to move from the end back toward the beginning

8. Practice the song all together

• Gradually increase the tempo

9. Pretend you are on stage and play your song

• Where did you make mistakes?
• Go back and work on these areas first

10. Perfect and play a real concert!