Memorizing Music "Tips" | Tiffany Talks

How I memorize music and 8 "tips"/ FYI about it :)
Background Music:
Improvisation No.1
Scarlatti Sonata in D Minor, K.9
Scarlatti Sonata in C Major, K.159
~~~
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[@jshcalebchang]

I had a teacher who lasted only a month (he was expensive xd). He played for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and one of the things I'll never forget : For performances, or just in general, section any piece of any length into phrases. memorize from the very last section. Then memorize the second to last Play through from that section to the end. Then the third to last. And so on to the beginning of the piece. If you ever have that mental boom moment in a recital this method of* practice allows you to not depend solely on muscle memory and "momentum" to recall the next section. The same can he applied to complex runs of short to moderate length. Playing it forward is great to learn the notes, but to make it an organic run that becomes a part of the music, being able to play from any given note in the middle to the end is one of the many marks of a pianist who puts their all into the craft. I love your videos, Tiffany.

[@yuenlee8031]

장성환 Yes,in fact relaying on muscle memorizing merely is dangerous.I remember that when I started to learn Bach,my teacher required me to play from any place of the piece.That was difficult at first cause I can only start from the begining(or the beginning of a sentence)but after several weeks of practicing ,I found it was really useful both in memorzing and feeling the structure of a piece.

[@loxosceleslaeta7880]

This is the best tip that I hear in the all my life about memorize....

[@Surfcub95008]

I think you are just naturally very gifted! I have a hard time memorizing music, but it's worse if I look at my hands playing, so I usually have to look at a wall or something.

[@louisromao7183]

My own instructor, Richard Provost, told me that we have three types of memory when we learn music: Aural (what we hear), Visual (what we see), and Tactile (what we physically do). If our visual memory of the written music, our memory of what the music sounds like, and our muscle memory agree with each other, then the piece is memorized. If, for example, what we hear is memorized but the tactile approach does not produce what we hear, that indicates a gap in the memory that needs to be addressed. Check out "The Art and Technique of Practice" by Richard Provost. Although he is a guitar instructor, there may be ideas that can transfer to the piano. Love your videos!

[@clamayaceo]

This vlog was very well executed and presented. I do believe that teaching others how to memorize is one of the most challenging subjects especially for you and other gifted musicians. There is really no true single method unless you use one. For me, the piece is automatically memorized into my brain and fingers when I have practiced enough and I don’t need the music. It just doesn’t come to me as quickly as for you, because you are born that way (like what Lady Gaga sings about 😄) and also probably because I don’t have time to practice as much as I’d like. Like anything else, the more passion you have for music, the faster it is recorded in your brain. I have heard of pianists who say to first approach a piece of new music by doing one read-through from beginning to end using your sight reading skills. Then, you mark off chunks that are comfortable for you and you play these chunks 10-15 times, taking on new chunks daily until the entire piece is done. Then you put them all together and practice as much as you can everyday rather than 4 hours a couple times a week. But again, that’s also not how I learn a new piece either. As you said, methods are different from person to person and each person needs to find what works. Your important take away points are to enjoy the music, enjoy the practice, repetition is key and avoid comparisons with other pianists. Thank you Tiffany Poon for taking time to post another informative vlog!

[@juanitacusack707]

Thank you!! I studied music intensely from age 8-18 to grade 9. Then stopped due to some bad life experiences. I am now 50 & just came back to piano in the last just over 2 years. I’m doing my grade 9 exam April 23rd! I’m really excited, however, I’ve been having a hard time memorizing. I was like you when I was younger. It was just easy!! Your video REALLY helped. When I was younger I would tape myself and then listen over and over!! And I haven’t been doing that!! I haven’t been listening to recordings at all!! Haha!! Not sure why. Anyways!!! Your tips helped BIG TIME!!!! I’ll let you know how my exam goes!!

[@MrBirzer]

Wow! I love the way you put hours of information and tips inside 12 minutes and 21 seconds. This vid is so very interesting and packed with very useful information for memorization of almost anything, and I enjoyed your good background music which fit your topics perfectly, and the ordered music bookshelf in your background also fit your talk perfectly as order seems to be a primary key of memorization, especially when the music being memorized has less order. That's a wonderfully efficient tool because it allows your grouping the disordered portions of music into something more ordered for your memory to grasp by essentially organizing what appears to be chaotic disorder into beautiful order. Your pizza analogy was great and your summary emphasis on the enjoyment of music was beautifully conveyed. Thanks so very much for sharing these tips with us! You're an excellent teacher! I always love you and your vids! Thanks again for another wonderful video, Tiffany! :-)

[@bgates275]

7:00. I'd agree with this point. In psychology, this maleability is known as synaptic plasticity. This plasticity, and the ability to learn new information (known as long term potentiation) declines with age.

[@freezecamproduction]

Really great video, I agree with you music isn't just about memorizing, learning the music and playing well regardless of how much you have memorized is how music is, but memorizing music still is great. I love the feeling I get when I can play a piece without music!

[@Mrmmm88]

This is a wonderful and insightful video. I cannot wait to share it with many of my students. I often watch your Vlogs for my own motivation and inspiration. Thanks again Tiffany :)

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

Yay! Hope I can help more people with my videos :)

[@biffii5568]

Having tunes on never-ending looops like that, to the point where It interrupts sleep is common with ppl with perfect pitch. Blessing and a curse.

[@Adrian-cg7jc]

I constantly have that, but unfortunately I don’t have perfect pitch, I try to go to sleep but can’t because my brain is so actively singing/playing songs/pieces

[@ArthurAgamenon_]

I don't have perfect pitch, but wrong notes get stuck in my head!

[@kongwingchuen3787]

Sleep well is really important

[@bgates275]

It's amazing how quickly you can learn or memorize something when you push your limits. I honestly think your brain becomes optimized to process more and more information. Of course, that only works for a while, and then you burn out, but I think most people rarely test their full capabilities.

[@petertarsio7168]

Analyzes of the score, the form, the harmony, melody, bass and textures. Improvise on the chords contained there in. Sing everything and mental practice. Break it down in phrases and then to small sections and practice beginning at the end. Practice very slowly and feel the keys and listen to the sound critically.

[@nadja3963]

Thank you! Love hearing you talk 😀😌

[@tombufford8659]

Very nice smile Tiffany. Thankyou for this and look forward to hearing again, you are often mentioned in other musical videos.

[@ananthd4797]

Hey Tiffany, I'm not sure you'll see this comment, but I wanted to thank you for making this video as well as the one on your practice "routine"! I tend to learn in a similar way as you do, where bits and pieces of music (and not just music!) get stuck in my head. And your honest depiction of how you memorize feels like a breath of fresh air. It gives me confidence that there's nothing wrong with what I've been doing all along, and that I should strive to get better at that as well. Thank you so much, I mean it!

[@aprilpong_]

Love you Tiffany 😇

[@MHyFavorites]

Thank you for this video. You gave some really helpful tips. Seems that memorizing is quite easy for you.

[@mariahbecerra7555]

I’m just like you ! I pick up melodies very easily and from that point on I just remember the piece ! When I run into a piece with a hard melody I just listen to a record of it and then I have it down.❤️

[@slvewaksvik6767]

Good tips Tiffany👏🎶❤ Enjoy what you do Love what you do and don´t give up❤

[@kellyoris6563]

I’m not great at sight reading, so if I want to get anything up to speed I have to memorize it. I usually play the piece through, slowly, then break it down phrase by phrase or measure by measure. And your suggestion to listen to a recording of the piece repeatedly is a key component for me. With that said, I’ve been working every day on improving my sight reading skills, so I hope to get to a point where I don’t have to memorize anything any more! But I’m not a performer, I’m old and only play for my own enjoyment. :) Thank you for your wonderful videos, Tiffany.

[@swedeNat]

I have always had the exact opposite problem, I have always had a hard time memorizing music, I have no problem with muscle memory though, but because of this I had to become really good at sight-reading :D My son has perfect pitch and I notice he memorizes pieces really (really) quickly, he told me that he gets music "stuck" in his head too.

[@manuel-et4he]

Hi Tiffany. How many pieces you work at the same time?

[@johnkiunke4508]

I like reading the score with the music and without the music and imagining my hands playing the music, it helps a lot with memorizing and with the sound of the piece. And you don't rely on muscle memory in your hands, you end up actually knowing all the notes.

[@alisonngu8626]

Hi Tif, new video yeahhhhh!!!

[@LDubya-xn8ou]

You're funny and awesome! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and advice. Love your videos!

[@L.M1792]

New city, new location, new. Still as cheerful and instructive as ever. Good luck.

[@robertgrey5993]

You have mastered the art of making videos very well.

[@karolszymczyk8170]

Next great video! I really like the way you are speaking :) I can watch it all day :D

[@biteme8905]

thanks for sharing...P.S you look very eye catching in that shirt, the color scheme really sets you off...

[@sheryllee673]

thank you Tiff for sharing tips on memorizing music pieces. One more thing, guess need to have music talent also just like you . Tks.

[@HidekazuOki]

Memorization just sort of happens for me too..although for me, it takes a *much* longer time! I have found it helpful to practice tiny sections slowly and repeatedly..and to block arpeggios though!

[@smesaric]

It only takes me 1.5 to memorize a piece of piano music 1.5 years

[@rece9151]

Have you memorized a piece yet?

[@MadisonHalla]

how about now? Have you memorized a piece?

[@DavidishkaPiano]

How about now

[@sanhitasaha7439]

Just fab as usual. Loved the part where u said that it's not essential to "memorise the pieces" for being a good musician. Music should be heart felt! :) Could u pls suggest any piano theory books for intermediary students?

[@sunnyy...]

Thank you for posting 💕☀️

[@moxigeren50gabe23]

I usually learn naturally and memorizes while a playing but sadly I tend to forget if I don't play the piece for a couple weeks especially if is home work pieces that I don't like like Shuman work

[@orrchull8]

Sooooo like you, I started playing when I was 5, and now I’m 14 training for a competition and a bit nerves... may you do a video of tips to performance.

[@PianoDawg1620]

Very insightful!

[@lardyify]

I always imagined concert pianists had a kind a photograph of the music in their heads which they read as they played. How else to explain how they could memorise long and complicated pieces such as the Beethoven sonatas? I am glad to hear your view on this topic; a revelation, I should say. I am 64 years old, I started playing when I was nine and I can’t memorise what I myself have written!

[@paulix9960]

It's strange. I don't need to memorize, my brain just absorbs the piece while practicing

[@alessicoli]

Same

[@mariahbecerra7555]

Mine does to !

[@sebastianzaczek]

Glad i'm not the only one

[@kenturner9034]

"My brain just absorbs ... while practicing" sounds like muscle memory. When you mess up, do you sometimes have difficulty finding a recovery point?

[@sebastianzaczek]

@@kenturner9034 sometimes, especially in fast pieces or pieces with a lot of Notes or a lot of pauses... Yeah

[@tdreogluap3729]

Hey, thank you for your tips! Do you have any advice for how to study music theory in self study? 🎶☺️😅

[@MysticalGB]

Thanks for this. I don't have any friends that are musicians so I always thought it was normal to memorize a peice in a day. I started putting myself down if I couldn't memorize it in a week.

[@l.mrteera]

Omg, you look so cute when you hum the song >

[@francisrfawkes142]

HI Tiffany, I think that your way of memorizing a piece is the best way. I also think that the forced method of memorizing bar by bar or phrase by phrase is not the natural way. After you have learnt a piece the natural way, then you may analyse it into intervals, chordal progressions or other patterns to reinforce it from memory.

[@kiaraeijo]

I’m not good at sight reading.. For example, the Poulenc Sonata I had the whole thing learned in about a month. I’ve been working on Nielsen for three years and I still struggle with it. The Borne Carmen Fantasy I learned like in 3-4 months. I love your videos by the way 😃❤️🎶🎼

[@sebastianzaczek]

How is the "Caténaires" by Carter going? You were practicing it in a previous Video, but i can't remember which one... and do you Plan recording it somewhen?

[@ananthd4797]

Love your videos, Tiffany! I wonder if you'll see this comment since it's a pretty old video. I used to have the same thing you describe where parts of songs would get stuck in my head, and I would "memorize them" automatically. I didn't play piano at the time (in fact, it was one of the reasons I started, since I had all this music 'itching' to come out!). I've realized that music hasn't been getting stuck in my head as much it used to over the past year or so. Also, back then, pieces once stuck in my head would stay there for years, but that seems to have changed. Have you had a similar experience?

[@miemie2769]

omg thanks I'm working on a chopin study and this is best jelpful

[@kangarooboxing3855]

Tiffany cutieeee, I really wanna know how do you get on with a new piece? How do you start to learn it? Like single hand, or doing it slow?

[@adrianovs1]

I've started to play piano when I was 28 years old and I've never did any classes. My reading is very bad. So, I always have to memorize. From what you've said, I agree that is very important to repeat a lot. I usually break the song into some pieces and I repeat until I start to play that part without thinking what I have to play. And for me, It's not possible to learn the hands individually, it must have to be always the both hands at the same time. I also have some troubles when I need to play one memorized song in another piano, I need to pratice in it for a few minutes. I guess it something relatad to some references that my sight makes in my piano and it lacks in another one. And, do you think is important to being able to play the piano without looking to the keys?

[@tombufford136]

You are a trained Concert Pianist and as such have many advantages over me and others. Mathematically analysing wave forms and then digitally synthersizing them using mathematical techniques was once within my scope. So we have different skills . Perhaps our paths could cross in the technical requirements of the Virtuoso performer with accoustics, instruments and recording facilties. Perhaps we should recognise each other when needed.

[@leecherlarry]

Can you maybe talk about how fast you have forgotten which piano pieces? There is no way that someone can memorize all pieces which he/she had once memorized in the past, like years ago.

[@davidjgburnett]

Definitely found it easier to memorise pieces when I was younger.

[@markE946]

I'm memorizing Tchaikovskys piano concerto Bb minor, getting there albeit slowly

[@AlexSuns]

i seem to have very good results playing right after showering, because my circulation is better or muscles more relaxed or something

[@maxaudibert5793]

Great, Thank you. About the fingership, is it important to keep the same pattern/combinaison from the begining?

[@mskiasu7137]

share your practice routine!!!!

[@andantecantabileandantecan4147]

I also have a vacuum cleaner brain for music....now my question is: when you are sick do you get a piece of music stuck in your head until you are better? It happens to me consistently. And can we have an apartment tour?

[@l.mrteera]

❤️

[@juanitacusack707]

Question ..... i notice that evening when I do have something memorized well, I get really affected by the people’s energy around me. There’s a Fazioli in the lobby of a building and when I sat down to play yesterday, I couldn’t remember ANY song all the way through!!!! I kept going anyways, and I’m going back today. Also, I was really hungry and had just eaten some candy, which I don’t normally eat. Thoughts??? I really want to feel free to express my music!! Not just in the privacy of a practice room!!!!!

[@michel85002]

Show us your library and good music books

[@Nala-Potter]

Thank you

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

You're welcome!

[@70194tanner]

Do you have any pieces of music that helped take you from beginner to intermediate, and from intermediate to advanced?

[@scolhs]

i watched a video that said babies have are programmed to learn, even develop perfect pitch if taught! got to keep that in mind haha

[@stephanieferdinandz8994]

Can you please tell when you are playing classical piece do you use peddles?

[@ashkane3674]

in my experience, doing cardio ( jogging) helps increase focus before a practice session

[@Roescoe]

Melodies and instrument timbres go in and out of my head very often. I find it hard to keep any single one in my head for an extended period of time.

[@migxartimation8504]

Passions , passions is very important for us to memorize a piece , if you don't have passions towards a piece , you can't memorize it since you have 0 interest in it ;) Anyway good luck to those who are memorizing a piece right now !

[@klauskasprzik7675]

Tiffany, you liv now in YALE. What happens to your Steinway in the New York appartment. Still there??

[@DihelsonMendonca]

*I find easy to memorize Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin, but I´m struggling to memorize Scriabin´s music, and it´s the most I like.*

[@mmoon9473]

Very helpful thanks(:

[@tombufford8659]

Your standard is very high so many of us prefer to remain modest in our comments.

[@Penguren]

Me : watching Tiffany’s videos when you feel demotivated 😌💗 Okay I gotta go practice again byeeee🙃

[@PeterSchlueer]

What are your thoughts on the Gieseking method of memorizing music away from the piano, developing the "inner piano"? How important is playing the ideal version of your interpretation on your inner piano?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

I don't think there needs to be an "outer" separate from "inner" - it should be a unity

[@PeterSchlueer]

Agreed, except when you play away from the piano, in your mind. I think its a useful augmentation that reinforces the imagination, and tests the accuracy of memory...

[@davederrick9431]

Hi Tiffany, I'm nearly 70 and have only ever been able to memorize 1 piece of short music.

[@cricket62200962]

Tiff, have you ever thought about playing backwards or memorize?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

Nope, quite pointless in my opinion 🤔

[@teodorafilotti7336]

Nice video! Who is the composer of Improvisation no 1, played in the first part of your video?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

Me, I was improvising

[@sandaruwaniperera6481]

can you please tell how long you ready a new piece?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

I tell you in this video already 🙂

[@rjlee818]

Don’t do that “Dut Do Do Do” thing at the opening again. It’s just too cute.

[@sebastianzaczek]

Dut don't don't don't?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

HAHaha I grew up watching/listening to Singing in the Rain :D

[@jz3102]

I know this is a far fetched call but by any chance would you be able to perform Rach 2 on you channel some time. Maybe even broken up between movements and uploaded over 3 videos :D

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

I need an orchestra first 😂

[@jz3102]

Even solo this piece is amazing and in our minds we will be able to visualize the orchestral component 😊 In the first movement the way how the melody interchanges and blends in so majestic This piece is truly a work of art consisting of both power and elegance to tell its story, from its power opening to its forceful midsection and its gracious ending 😄

[@kennyr1161]

@@jz3102 nah man you need an orchestra for the full effect I mean would you ever listen to rachmanioff concerto no.2 without an orchestra

[@JeremyRaden]

How’s Yale so far?

[@haretztj4682]

*me over here memorizing pieces with synthesia*

[@tombufford8659]

You do what you do and we are sanctioned to accept you.

[@bryanbarajasBB]

😄

[@philsipad]

I have no problem memorizing, it's all just scales and chords and progressions. My problem is if I don't play a piece often enough I would forget it and have to pick it up all over again. Considering I can go through periods of non-practice it can get really annoying sometimes when I play a piece and get lapses.

[@pianosenzanima1]

i usually memorize left hand, right hand, then put together xD

[@MegaFern4ndo]

Tipically Bach lol

[@JitinMisra]

dude put some new videos man!

[@stuart_skinhurts_official]

What if it's not an orchestral piece?

[@thomaspick4123]

Tif, if you are interested in other Asian lady musicians. Just Another Flutist- she graduated with a Masters in flute from San Francisco. Is a music teacher in Seattle, a KZbinr. If you pass through Honolulu, see Ginny Tiu. From Hong Kong, started piano very young, gifted. Does not read music, learns by ear. Plays at hotels. Currently playing a Fascio piano. Ginny is in her early sixties and has performed for many years, you might enjoy visiting and exchanging ideas with her. You like cats, Ginny loves dogs.

[@hanskung3278]

I wish I could have music to stick in my head .

[@modernmozart813]

How about some pieces you really don’t like ,how to deal with them ,I have no problems to memorize my favourite pieces (of course I have passion for it) but not the composition which I don’t like.

[@ThatBoomerDude56]

So ... what you're saying at 6:58 is that, if I'm 63 years old and I'm getting back into playing piano, I should be as childish as possible ... right?? :)

[@PianoTortuga]

Rach 2, Rach 3, Prokofiev, Liszt, Shumann, Grieg memorized in a couple months! makes me wanna quit lol

[@romantickeys2822]

The more I play the piece, several times, the more I memorize it without trying hard. The secret is to play it over and over again and your brain will just memorize it naturally!

[@modernmozart813]

B7th chord goes to E major?

[@niovioikonomou8449]

Yess

[@niovioikonomou8449]

Noooo * E flat major

[@modernmozart813]

Niovi Oikonomou Bflat 7th chord from Eflat major tonic (level 8 RCM technical requirements)😋

[@niovioikonomou8449]

Wait I was confuse I thought I saw Bflat 7 what’s why I changed my comment.

[@l.mrteera]

[@TipoQueTocaelPiano]

3:03: Which Prokofiev did you play?

[@TiffanyPoonpianist]

3rd Concerto

[@TipoQueTocaelPiano]

I hope you record the second concerto as well, one day. Thanks for your reply.

[@nyc0053]

It was helpful.😏

[@lizs.6061]

They are called “ear worms”- tunes that get stuck in your head repeatedly and it’s hard to get it out.

[@tbnspiano2661]

Put the caption in portuguese.. 😀😁😁😁 I'm from Brazil.

[@gjeacocke]

When you eat a pizza you say to yourself there are too many of this, could have let the dough rise a bit more. You analyse it. I can’t eat a pizza, otherwise i would be insulting my tastebuds. But then you could argue, be thankful for the food you have likewise however bad the music is be thankful for it. As someone slaved over it.