Great that you used "pathways" - neural pathways and the myelin explanation plus necessity of processing in sleep rather than the misleading "muscle memory." Your credibility took a huge leap in my opinion when you explained things this way. You ARE good.
Great video as ever much appreciated! I started memorizing my pieces about 18 months ago and although it’s a huge slog the rewards are amazing, just the feeling of playing a piece without having your eyes glued to a score is really rewarding. One tip which works for me is memorizing small sections slowly hands separately to an extent that it’s really solid for each hand, only then starting hands together really slowly but without looking at the score. It’s difficult the first few times hands together but with some patience it comes and the the memorization is then quite solid.
Best advice ever on memorizing. She really understands it. She should put this in a book to capture it as very few understand to her level. Thank you LeCheileMusic. Good job 10+++
Thank u!! Thank u!!!! I’ve returned to piano after nearly two decades and while thoroughly enjoying it, I’m struggling with both performance anxiety & solid memorization. Thank u for all the information but specifically showing us how u analyze ur music. I’m excited to try this w a piece I just started working on. I have been getting very frustrated w myself and have considered that maybe I really can’t do this at my age (63)!! But you’ve given me renewed hope!!!! Thank u again!!!
That was absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much. As a rote-to-memory player from the outset, I found it easy in the past to memorise music but impossible to play and read because I had to watch my fingers constantly. Now, as a much older adult 'returner' I have been struggling to understand why I can still easily memorise certain styles of music (it takes longer now) but not others - and also why I can play nothing right through accurately...ever, no matter that the mental soundtrack is intact in my head. Baroque/classical style music has predictable patterns and modulations which have been familiar to me for decades - when I wasn't playing I was still an avid listener, so when learning music in those styles, it is often possible to predict the patterns and modulations, making memorisation easy. Music by Bartok has completely defeated my recall, and more recently, Improvisation 13 in A Minor by Poulanc has taken 3.5 months to learn and memorise. The patterns are predictable, the modulations definitely not. It is beautiful music though, so worth persevering for. You have also explained my inability to be 100% accurate. Age alone doesn't explain my memory fails. I can now see I have become too dependent on muscle memory, which I have had to develop to compensate for the fact that my fingers no longer reliably know where to locate the note that my inner ear is telling me to play (I have lost the perfect pitch I had when I was young, and this messes a lot with my brain). This video has helped me to recognise the elements I need to work at to improve the situation. Watching it was like having one epiphany after another! When lessons begin again after the summer break, I will be approaching things differently for sure.
You have revealed to me a great pitfall once again! I have learned most of my lesson songs primarily by developing muscle memory. Recently, I asked the pianist from my church for some advice and then arranged a lesson with him. I am used to playing alone and I got completely nervous and couldn't play the pieces that I have played countless times. He led me to a piece I hadn't played and while it wasn't very difficult I had a lot of trouble playing what was on the page. One hand at a time wasn't bad but both hands was a struggle. Thanks for letting me know why I still struggle to read.
Hi Leah, Banjo Mark from the Great State of Georgia USA here to give a thumbs up 👍 🪕 ! I commented about 4 months ago on your sight reading tricks video with the unforgettable Jibidy Face hint ( awesome !) I consider your teaching as a educated and articulate reality check in the sometimes reckless & raucous world of bluegrass banjo picking. These principles of memorizing pieces of music apply wonderfully to my chosen style of music. I like to think of them as bb’s of knowledge (as in a BB- gun) that I’m putting in my brain with the hopes of one day being able to load them up & shoot them ! You are a great BB manufacturer ! That’s about as good a compliment as one can get from a Georgia bluegrasser ♥️
Hello again, Banjo Mark! Great to hear from you 😄 I'm delighted to know that I'm having some impact in the world of bluegrass banjo picking - keep her lit, as we say here in Ireland!
I've wanted this sort of information for years! Many, many thanks. 'The Musician's Way' and 'By Heart' are now winging their way to me. Thanks for the recommendations.
Thank you! Lots of good tips here. I usually don’t play a lot of classical, but I have found that memorizing the chord progressions helps a lot. I’m playing a Disney tune that modulates twice so I’ve gotten in the habit of saying to myself: you’re on the I chord and going to the IV and then a V and back to the I. So if later when I’m in another key, I repeat the same progression and it works of course. The other thing that has helped and is new to me is improving my ear training. First I worked on intervals and now I practice major , minor , diminished etc. I am surprised how the little bit of work I have done has paid off immensely. Even after all your comments, I still cannot fathom how concert pianists memorize entire symphonies. They are a special breed that defies explanation. I definitely will have to test that NAP theory. Sounds like a great idea LOL.
Thanks for the workbook. Your suggestions were great. Loved the number trick for chunking as well as the sweet little dog sneeze! Can't wait for more vids.
I love this channel and series. Such great ideas and suggestions. Can you please do a video on improving hand indepence training 🤔. My hands seem to coopertate too much 😕.
Great video! I really like your teaching style (and I'm from Ireland too!). I've made some notes and hope to put this into practice. I'm currently trying to play La Valse d'Amélie from memory but I am yet unable to make a good recording without a small hiccup. The recording button puts pressure on me! I think slowing it down would be a good idea. The original is very fast but I'm guaranteed to make mistakes at this speed. I'm going to try and label each section and think about each section as an 'individual piece' like you said. When I mess up, I'm usually just playing a different part of the song instead!
Memorisation always worked for me. There was always a lingering fear of supposing I stumbled, would I be able to carry on? I have seen Daniel Barenboim playing a memorised piece and also fluently sight reading while playing a concerto. Stunningly he conducts the orchestra at the same time!! But he is perfect, and I m relearning at quite an age.,! Thank you Ms Murphy
Thank you for your great program on memorisation. You mentioned there is nothing you can do about getting nervous except that you can minimise its effects by being super well prepared, which is of course good advice. I am an organist and used to suffer horribly from nerves/stage fright, to the point where my hands shook so much that I was unable to continue playing, even pieces I knew well. This fear is of course a physiological response brought on by the hormone adrenaline, preparing the body for gross motor action, either fight or flight. This mitigates horribly against clear thinking and the fine motor activity required for keyboard playing. My stage fright was totally cured by taking a 10mg dose of a medication called "Inderol" which is usually prescribed for heart health. This is a "beta blocker" which blocks the body's production of adrenaline and hence avoids that fight/flight response. I take one tablet an hour or so before performance and have had no further problem with nerves. I still make mistakes of course, but no longer suffer the emotional collapse, and so am able to readily recover from them. Inderol is a prescription drug, but my doctor had no difficulty prescribing it for occasional use against performance anxiety. I suffer no side effects and heartily recommend it to musicians who have problems of this kind.
That’s interesting, Daniel, I’ve heard some musicians say they don’t use them because they feel they become nearly too relaxed and stop caring about their performance, but presumably that hasn’t been your experience?
@@LeCheileMusic Correct. I guess it is a matter of dose. If you get too relaxed, try half a tablet. In my books, being too relaxed is certainly a lesser problem than shaking so much you can't put two notes together! 😂
Cut your learning time in half with these piano practice techniques! Download your free workbook here: mailchi.mp/bccb1e32807f/practice-workbook-giveaway
@@Deb0424 Hi Deb, sorry to hear that! If you go to my website www.lecheilemusic.com and send me a message with your email address I'll forward it to you directly.
at 18:48 you mention some musicians have a hard practice and then take a nap. And earlier you stated that sleep helps solidify (my word) what you've been working on. Therefore, I was going to ask the question, Would it be a good idea to practice before going to bed? I think at 18:48 answers that...Yes.
Yesterday I played a 4 versets hymns. I missed a note and was lost after the 4th bar of the 3rd verse. I don't play by ear, I read the score but somehow when I play in front of a crowd, I starre at the score but can't see anything. The chorister continued, the congregation was suddendly quiet and a bit lost but I managed to pick it back at the line below and concluded with the 4th verse good. I knew it would happen someday. Not every measure are easy to jump in. Especially in the middle of a pattern.
In one of your videos you give advice on how to learn piano if you have adhd. Do all these strategies that you mention here apply for those who really struggle with a delicate short therm memory? I'm asking this 'cause I remember playing various Chopin's waltzes, mazurcas and nocturnes and it was really easy for me to suddenly forget what was supposed to play next no matter what strategy I applied... Anyway I loved the video
Great question, though I’m not sure I have the answer! I have a course on memorisation in my membership - there’s a 7 day free trial with no obligation if you just wanted to check that workshop out: www.Lecheilemusic.com
Teacher Leah ,I was taught by a friend to read music from hymns and some theory then play a hymn. I can play afew hymns.l have learned that there is music for singers and piano. Normally I sing silently melody notes as I play what remed do you prescribe for me. John Manyali from Kenya 🇰🇪
Hi John, playing hymns is a great way to learn to read music and heading the melody in your head is very helpful! My advice to you would be to just keep playing as much new music as you can at an easy level and be patient, it takes times to master the piano. Best of luck!
I think this was a class too advanced for my level. My repertoire consists of Twinkle, twinkle, little star and scales. But I watched since I am a real sucker for an Irish accent. With patients with nervous problems I'd encourage them to get essential oils with Omega-3 and Omega 6 (both together, not either/or), Vitamin supplements (especially B & E), and I'd recommend a hard-boiled egg.
Hi Jeffrey, great question. I would start by playing just the top note in each of the chords in the right hand, as this will most likely be your melody line. Once you get to know this well, then see if you can analyse the full chords to find any predictable chord progressions, e.g I-IV-V etc. Finally, take small sections at a time at practice slowly, doing 5 or 6 repetitions; you'll find that you start to notice little patterns and landmarks that help you along. Above all, frequent practice and lots of patience! Good luck!
My natural tendency is to memorize. This due to my dyslexia. This is so helpful and reassuring. Thank you for again this helpful video. Hope to see you soon Leah! 😊🙏🏼🎶🎼
I was doing good until you went to tonic, dominant, subdominant, etc., but thanks for stretching my limits.... I've heard of those things before....🥴 I'll just have to run 🏃♂️ faster to catch up to where you are. Great lesson!
Not true the signals are not in the brain they are in the spinal cord, which is where the muscle memory is. the brain is like a juke boxes computer telling which record to load. I learned that 40 years ago before we had computers
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
Glass -clear teaching in detail not sparing time . Thank you.
You are an effective teacher with a good pace, great examples, and encouraging ways.
Thanks so much, glad my style resonates with you 😃🎶
You are the best and the most beautiful teacher in the world. You are a musician and a memory expert.
Many thanks for your time.
Great that you used "pathways" - neural pathways and the myelin explanation plus necessity of processing in sleep rather than the misleading "muscle memory." Your credibility took a huge leap in my opinion when you explained things this way. You ARE good.
Thanks Jane, I studied psychology alongside music for my degree and am fascinated by the way the brain handles learning and skill development! 😊
Great video as ever much appreciated! I started memorizing my pieces about 18 months ago and although it’s a huge slog the rewards are amazing, just the feeling of playing a piece without having your eyes glued to a score is really rewarding. One tip which works for me is memorizing small sections slowly hands separately to an extent that it’s really solid for each hand, only then starting hands together really slowly but without looking at the score. It’s difficult the first few times hands together but with some patience it comes and the the memorization is then quite solid.
Great tip, Michael, thank you! 😊
Best advice ever on memorizing. She really understands it. She should put this in a book to capture it as very few understand to her level. Thank you LeCheileMusic. Good job 10+++
Thank u!! Thank u!!!! I’ve returned to piano after nearly two decades and while thoroughly enjoying it, I’m struggling with both performance anxiety & solid memorization. Thank u for all the information but specifically showing us how u analyze ur music. I’m excited to try this w a piece I just started working on. I have been getting very frustrated w myself and have considered that maybe I really can’t do this at my age (63)!! But you’ve given me renewed hope!!!! Thank u again!!!
63? You’re only a young thing yet - you can definitely do this! 😊
Very useful - Thank you - Will keep up with it... 🎵🎶🎵
That was absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much. As a rote-to-memory player from the outset, I found it easy in the past to memorise music but impossible to play and read because I had to watch my fingers constantly. Now, as a much older adult 'returner' I have been struggling to understand why I can still easily memorise certain styles of music (it takes longer now) but not others - and also why I can play nothing right through accurately...ever, no matter that the mental soundtrack is intact in my head.
Baroque/classical style music has predictable patterns and modulations which have been familiar to me for decades - when I wasn't playing I was still an avid listener, so when learning music in those styles, it is often possible to predict the patterns and modulations, making memorisation easy.
Music by Bartok has completely defeated my recall, and more recently, Improvisation 13 in A Minor by Poulanc has taken 3.5 months to learn and memorise. The patterns are predictable, the modulations definitely not. It is beautiful music though, so worth persevering for.
You have also explained my inability to be 100% accurate. Age alone doesn't explain my memory fails. I can now see I have become too dependent on muscle memory, which I have had to develop to compensate for the fact that my fingers no longer reliably know where to locate the note that my inner ear is telling me to play (I have lost the perfect pitch I had when I was young, and this messes a lot with my brain).
This video has helped me to recognise the elements I need to work at to improve the situation. Watching it was like having one epiphany after another! When lessons begin again after the summer break, I will be approaching things differently for sure.
That’s wonderful, Allison, I’d love to hear how you get on when you start to apply it - keep me posted! 🥰
You have revealed to me a great pitfall once again! I have learned most of my lesson songs primarily by developing muscle memory. Recently, I asked the pianist from my church for some advice and then arranged a lesson with him. I am used to playing alone and I got completely nervous and couldn't play the pieces that I have played countless times. He led me to a piece I hadn't played and while it wasn't very difficult I had a lot of trouble playing what was on the page. One hand at a time wasn't bad but both hands was a struggle. Thanks for letting me know why I still struggle to read.
I really love this video. Your videos in general are great, thanks so much.
I'm so glad I found your videos so much information I've been looking for. Thank you
Now I finally know how to memorize-thank you!
Bravo! This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on analyzing a new piece.
Thanks John 😊
Thank you for your new video,and all explained in such velvety Irish voice 🥰
Aw shucks, thank you!🥰
Hi Leah,
Banjo Mark from the Great State of Georgia USA here to give a thumbs up 👍 🪕 !
I commented about 4 months ago on your sight reading tricks video with the unforgettable Jibidy Face hint ( awesome !)
I consider your teaching as a educated and articulate reality check in the sometimes reckless & raucous world of bluegrass banjo picking.
These principles of memorizing pieces of music apply wonderfully to my chosen style of music.
I like to think of them as bb’s of knowledge (as in a BB- gun) that I’m putting in my brain with the hopes of one day being able to load them up & shoot them !
You are a great BB manufacturer !
That’s about as good a compliment as one can get from a Georgia bluegrasser ♥️
Hello again, Banjo Mark! Great to hear from you 😄 I'm delighted to know that I'm having some impact in the world of bluegrass banjo picking - keep her lit, as we say here in Ireland!
This is gold!
My teacher and I just started looking at this more in depth structure yesterday. I’m terrible at recognizing chord names but am hopefull it will come.
I've wanted this sort of information for years! Many, many thanks. 'The Musician's Way' and 'By Heart' are now winging their way to me. Thanks for the recommendations.
You're very welcome. Happy reading! 😉
Excellent video, thanks!
Thank you! Lots of good tips here. I usually don’t play a lot of classical, but I have found that memorizing the chord progressions helps a lot. I’m playing a Disney tune that modulates twice so I’ve gotten in the habit of saying to myself: you’re on the I chord and going to the IV and then a V and back to the I. So if later when I’m in another key, I repeat the same progression and it works of course. The other thing that has helped and is new to me is improving my ear training. First I worked on intervals and now I practice major , minor , diminished etc. I am surprised how the little bit of work I have done has paid off immensely.
Even after all your comments, I still cannot fathom how concert pianists memorize entire symphonies. They are a special breed that defies explanation.
I definitely will have to test that NAP theory. Sounds like a great idea LOL.
Thanks for the workbook. Your suggestions were great. Loved the number trick for chunking as well as the sweet little dog sneeze! Can't wait for more vids.
I love this channel and series. Such great ideas and suggestions. Can you please do a video on improving hand indepence training 🤔. My hands seem to coopertate too much 😕.
Great suggestion - it's now on the list! 👍😄
Thank u.i could hum the melody but cannot play.with ti ta thank i learn a lot from that thank u very much
That was a great lesson, thank you Leah. I can’t wait to start to memorise a piece of music using your suggestions.
Glad it was helpful!
My gift to you! Click in the description to download your piano practice workbook and cut your learning time in half 🤩
I love learning with this channel! thanks Leah :)
I am new to your channel, but I'll tell you what -I am so glad I found it!💙
Your videos are very helpful 🥰
Welcome aboard 😃🎶
Thanks!
Thanks a lot.
Really useful! The reading list is much appreciated (I've read the last three on the list - 'Play it Again' is my favourite.)
Mine too - I'm due a re-read soon, I think! 😄
AWESOME 👌 👏
Very helpful tutorials. Thank you. Have you done one on modulations?
Not yet, Amanda, thanks for the suggestion! 😃
Great video! I really like your teaching style (and I'm from Ireland too!). I've made some notes and hope to put this into practice. I'm currently trying to play La Valse d'Amélie from memory but I am yet unable to make a good recording without a small hiccup. The recording button puts pressure on me! I think slowing it down would be a good idea. The original is very fast but I'm guaranteed to make mistakes at this speed. I'm going to try and label each section and think about each section as an 'individual piece' like you said. When I mess up, I'm usually just playing a different part of the song instead!
Thanks Brigid, good luck with Amelie, great piece 🥰
Thanks
Memorisation always worked for me. There was always a lingering fear of supposing I stumbled, would I be able to carry on?
I have seen Daniel Barenboim playing a memorised piece and also fluently sight reading while playing a concerto. Stunningly he conducts the orchestra at the same time!! But he is perfect, and I m relearning at quite an age.,! Thank you Ms Murphy
He is amazing, isn't he? 🥰
@@LeCheileMusic 😍😍
Best explanation ever! 🎶
Thank you for your great program on memorisation. You mentioned there is nothing you can do about getting nervous except that you can minimise its effects by being super well prepared, which is of course good advice. I am an organist and used to suffer horribly from nerves/stage fright, to the point where my hands shook so much that I was unable to continue playing, even pieces I knew well. This fear is of course a physiological response brought on by the hormone adrenaline, preparing the body for gross motor action, either fight or flight. This mitigates horribly against clear thinking and the fine motor activity required for keyboard playing. My stage fright was totally cured by taking a 10mg dose of a medication called "Inderol" which is usually prescribed for heart health. This is a "beta blocker" which blocks the body's production of adrenaline and hence avoids that fight/flight response. I take one tablet an hour or so before performance and have had no further problem with nerves. I still make mistakes of course, but no longer suffer the emotional collapse, and so am able to readily recover from them. Inderol is a prescription drug, but my doctor had no difficulty prescribing it for occasional use against performance anxiety. I suffer no side effects and heartily recommend it to musicians who have problems of this kind.
That’s interesting, Daniel, I’ve heard some musicians say they don’t use them because they feel they become nearly too relaxed and stop caring about their performance, but presumably that hasn’t been your experience?
@@LeCheileMusic Correct. I guess it is a matter of dose. If you get too relaxed, try half a tablet. In my books, being too relaxed is certainly a lesser problem than shaking so much you can't put two notes together! 😂
Thanks for sharing.
It’s helpful.
New subscriber.
Welcome to the channel 😃🎶
Cut your learning time in half with these piano practice techniques! Download your free workbook here: mailchi.mp/bccb1e32807f/practice-workbook-giveaway
I clicked and typed in my email address as requested but didn't receive the workbook.
@@Deb0424 Hi Deb, sorry to hear that! If you go to my website www.lecheilemusic.com and send me a message with your email address I'll forward it to you directly.
@@LeCheileMusic Thanks, I just did sent you a message on your website.
at 18:48 you mention some musicians have a hard practice and then take a nap. And earlier you stated that sleep helps solidify (my word) what you've been working on. Therefore, I was going to ask the question, Would it be a good idea to practice before going to bed? I think at 18:48 answers that...Yes.
Yes, exactly - practicing a section last thing at night and then first thing in the morning will really help to memorise it. Good luck!
Yesterday I played a 4 versets hymns. I missed a note and was lost after the 4th bar of the 3rd verse. I don't play by ear, I read the score but somehow when I play in front of a crowd, I starre at the score but can't see anything. The chorister continued, the congregation was suddendly quiet and a bit lost but I managed to pick it back at the line below and concluded with the 4th verse good. I knew it would happen someday. Not every measure are easy to jump in. Especially in the middle of a pattern.
Well done Michel! 👏👏
Btw your haircut is very flattering.
Aww thanks 🥰
In one of your videos you give advice on how to learn piano if you have adhd. Do all these strategies that you mention here apply for those who really struggle with a delicate short therm memory? I'm asking this 'cause I remember playing various Chopin's waltzes, mazurcas and nocturnes and it was really easy for me to suddenly forget what was supposed to play next no matter what strategy I applied...
Anyway I loved the video
Great question, though I’m not sure I have the answer! I have a course on memorisation in my membership - there’s a 7 day free trial with no obligation if you just wanted to check that workshop out: www.Lecheilemusic.com
Teacher Leah ,I was taught by a friend to read music from hymns and some theory then play a hymn. I can play afew hymns.l have learned that there is music for singers and piano. Normally I sing silently melody notes as I play what remed do you prescribe for me. John Manyali from Kenya 🇰🇪
Hi John, playing hymns is a great way to learn to read music and heading the melody in your head is very helpful! My advice to you would be to just keep playing as much new music as you can at an easy level and be patient, it takes times to master the piano. Best of luck!
I think this was a class too advanced for my level. My repertoire consists of Twinkle, twinkle, little star and scales.
But I watched since I am a real sucker for an Irish accent.
With patients with nervous problems I'd encourage them to get essential oils with Omega-3 and Omega 6 (both together, not either/or), Vitamin supplements (especially B & E), and I'd recommend a hard-boiled egg.
Do you have tips for melodies that are harmonized in the right hand by a series of chords and intervals as opposed to individual notes? Thanks!
Hi Jeffrey, great question. I would start by playing just the top note in each of the chords in the right hand, as this will most likely be your melody line. Once you get to know this well, then see if you can analyse the full chords to find any predictable chord progressions, e.g I-IV-V etc. Finally, take small sections at a time at practice slowly, doing 5 or 6 repetitions; you'll find that you start to notice little patterns and landmarks that help you along. Above all, frequent practice and lots of patience! Good luck!
Thank you so much for your great teaching and work. I tried to donate but it keeps rejecting me. do you know why? I tried in Paypal???
Thanks Ruben, I appreciate that! You can try using the Superthanks button below my videos instead?
if I know the piece of music before hand, it is 80 % easier to noteread that sheetmusic
Learned new stuff but am a lower level, nice chat.
My natural tendency is to memorize. This due to my dyslexia. This is so helpful and reassuring. Thank you for again this helpful video. Hope to see you soon Leah! 😊🙏🏼🎶🎼
You're welcome, Mon :-)
I have a digital piano and once I put my headphones on I play for hours and absolutely bother no one lol
I’m learning moon river 🥰
I love Moon River - definitely one I want to memorize 🤩
Okay. Step one. Pick a piece you don't know with the idea in mind that you are going to memorize it. Thank you
Really informative! Thanks!
On your Muset in D, I cant see any bars just the notes so that lesson is useless
The lesson is on memorisation, not a specific piece of music.
I was doing good until you went to tonic, dominant, subdominant, etc., but thanks for stretching my limits.... I've heard of those things before....🥴 I'll just have to run 🏃♂️ faster to catch up to where you are. Great lesson!
Hi Mereese, they're explained more fully in this video, hope it helps: ruclips.net/video/21X9rlxwE80/видео.html
Not true the signals are not in the brain they are in the spinal cord, which is where the muscle memory is. the brain is like a juke boxes computer telling which record to load. I learned that 40 years ago before we had computers
Good for you.