Memorizing music can seem impossible at first glance. Music memorization taps into a number of areas in the brain all at the same time. It combines visual, aural, and muscle memory; however, developing these skills to memorize music does not have to be difficult or overwhelming once you have the necessary mental tools at your disposal. There are a few tricks I like to do when I first receive a piece of music. Once I share a few of my aural, visual, and muscle memorization keys, it will make it easier to transition a piece of music from your hands to your eyes and finally to your ears.

First Look at Music for Memorization

Review the music you have to memorize and pay close attention to the following information:

• Time signature (the number that looks like a fraction at the beginning of the first measure of music)
• Key signature [a collection of flats (look like: b's), sharps (look like: #'s) or there may be none at all]
• Any passages that immediately look like they may be tricky (e.g., changing tempos, time signatures, key signatures, dynamic markings) and circle them.

Doing so will give you a valuable visual picture of what’s happening in the music.

Aural Memorization Strategies

Aurally memorizing music can be tough for beginners. It requires a strong aural memory, which usually develops over time. However, when memorizing music by ear, you want to pay close attention to the music. You want to listen for melodies and phrases that repeat themselves, while taking mental notes of the tempos.

Visual & Muscle Memorization Strategies

Visual and muscle memorization strategies go hand-in-hand because the goal here is to work through the melodies, phrases, tempos, and dynamics in small segments. Breaking down the music a few measures at a time at a slow tempo maybe.. (quarter note equals 60 is a good starting place to set your metronome) and then gradually speeding it up five beats at a time (i.e., 60 to 65), will help you develop muscle memory with your instrument and visually you will start to really read and connect with the music as the measures go by. You will move away from the page faster if you learn the music the aforementioned way. You’ll be able to see notes and phrases in your mind and your muscles will begin to ‘know’ where the notes are on your instrument.

These are a few of the strategies I’ve learned to master and have propelled me into and award-winning trumpet player. Given the time and a little patience, I have no doubt that these strategies will have you well on your way to your musical goals. For more help, contact Winslowdynasty and ask about our private music sessions.