Memorization

Does the word memorization strike a chord of fear in you?  Or, are you one of the lucky people who are able to easily memorize words, numbers, and music?  If you are not one of those lucky people, there is no reason to fear memorizing your music.  Some of us like to use the phrase, "You could eat an airplane if you broke it down into very small pieces".  That translates to: memorize in small amounts, such as measures or phrases.  It is also very helpful to have good recordings of the song or piece you are memorizing and to be listening to the recordings.  If you are a Suzuki student or parent, you know that having a digital device in different rooms of the house as well as your car is a great idea because you can flick a switch wherever you are and whatever you are doing and hear the piece you are memorizing.  This is a language approach to learning and the listening reinforces the memorizing plus you have the bonus of listening to lovely music all the time.

If you are the parent of a young music student and assignments for that child include memorizing, you may be able to help your child by being supportive in subtle ways.  Encouraging your child verbally is very important and I've mentioned in other postings that if you're able to choose words that are honest and specific, those are the best.  For instance, "Good work on getting that second phrase memorized today!"  Or, "I heard you working on repeating the ending to that song and it is sounding great!"  Also, if you are able to stay in that area of the house while your child is practicing (if you are a Suzuki parent, you will actually be involved in the practice session with your child), most children like the fact that you care enough to stick around and listen to them.  An even better action from the parent is if you give them your undivided attention and listening ears.

Memorizing is like any other activity: it gets easier with practice.  So, the sooner the better to get listening and practicing to start the momentum of this fabulous asset.  Once again, the study of music translates in a positive way to other areas in your life or your child's life.  Memorizing is a great way to keep a brain active as well as helping younger students work on words, numbers, and formulas.