Practicing Difficult Passages and Memorizing

q The fingers play what the brain demands (with developed technique), so first, understand and visualize the phrase you want to play.

q Divide and conquer. Learn one aspect and measure at a time.

1. Play the measure a few times.
2. ? Count and tap out the rhythm.
3. Determine the left hand fingering, pressing fingers into palm.
4. ? Determine the right hand fingering.
5. Visualize and know the chords that the left hand plays around.
6. ? Sing the melody or bass, to enlist your ear’s help, and to insure bringing out the important parts.
7. ? Do steps 3 and 4 together, while counting allowed.
8. ? Play the measure a couple times, while reading the notes.
9. Play the measure several times from memory, with no mistakes.
10. Repeat steps 1-9 for the next measure.
11. Play both measures several times from memory, with no mistakes.

While on one chord, think the next chord’s name and form.

12. ? Repeat step 11, using a metronome. Gradually increase tempo.
13. Memorize a whole line.

You should follow most of these steps (depending on what you’re playing) for mastering a song. To memorize the whole song, keep adding lines.

Daily practice routine

q 25% Play repertoire, so you’re always ready to play for people.

q 50% Learn new material, using the steps above.

q 25% Vocabulary: scales, arpeggios, chords, intervals

q Other aspects, periodically:

o Improvising

o Sight-reading notes or chords

o Ear Training

o Arranging or composing

o Listening to recordings and live music

Dan Anderson