P3 - D4

Memorise a variety of pieces from their repertoire of increasing length and complexity

Building on strategies suggested in Programme of Study 2, help learners to commit selected pieces to memory.

Once pieces are memorised, encourage learners to try them out in front of others.

Discuss problems and possible solutions in respect of playing from memory.

Provide opportunities for learners to play from memory in a group. Note any new perspectives that this brings, e.g. the opportunity to listen more acutely and to pick up visual cues more easily.

Aim to develop musical memory in a number of ways, e.g. automatic, aural, visual, cognitive, kinaesthetic. Remind learners that a performance is secure when it is learnt thoroughly from memory, but they should guard against it becoming mechanical. Beware of the tendency to increase the speed of the beat as pieces become more familiar.