How I Memorize Every Piece I Play [5 Steps in 5 mins ⏰]

Now that you’ve learned how to memorize, practice your memorization techniques on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/practice-together 🎵
I use it all the time and it’s been so helpful to make my practice sessions more efficient and effective.
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - Step 1
1:29 - Step 2
1:57 - Step 3
02:43 - Step 4
03:50 - Step 5

[@RayChenViolinist]

Hope this helped you too! Try it out by practicing on Tonic now: tonicmusic.app/practice-now 🎉

[@MishaSkripach]

THANK YOU RAY!!! THIS IS SOOOOOO GOOD!

[@benitaghorbani1550]

Thank you❤❤

[@lurker782]

can you stop promoting tonic every video please

[@jonhh6918]

This video is sponsored by Ray’s Australian accent !

[@rachelbatson2308]

Loved this video! When I was in high school my orchestra teacher made us watch a solo violinist performance (it might’ve been the bruch violin concerto can’t quite pinpoint it) and I rlly enjoyed watching it. Once the video was done I was noticed he didn’t have a music stand. I went up to my teacher and asked “did he memorize all that??” And she replied “When you’re that good, that’s the least of your problems.” 😭 wow I edited to make this shorter

[@heylookitsnana]

I like how every video by Ray Chen, he slips deeper or falls out of his Aussie accent. It's very cute. It's like, "oh he went home or spent time with Australian friends/family recently."

[@kelleyforeman]

I'm always excited to see which Ray shows up in a video. Will it be the Aussie or the American?

[@kristintripp967]

Today it was both! 😆

[@nancyjfs]

Maybe he made this video in Australia!

[@larrypholbrook]

Aussie showed up from the jump in this shoot. Caught me off guard. Does he have an American translation?

[@lawsuifun]

You are truly generous and committed to promoting music. Not only performing well, but do your best to help others.

[@sabrinai]

Ray sharing soloist's super power? So down for it! I'm so amazed by how much music Ray and any musician, but soloists in particular, I guess, can memorize! Props to everyone pracitising the craft! I'm also wondering, if it depends on the instrument one plays if memorizing pieces comes easier or not...

[@MishaSkripach]

it comes down to perfect pitch and to knowing all the concerts by heart from childhood just from listening to thrm for fun for years and dreaming of performing them

[@christaherwig0404]

It's really interesting to hear from Ray about how he learns. He is a soloist and always surprises me when he uses his knowledge and skills. Talent and hard work. Sometimes I'm proud when I know smaller pieces by heart. Thank you for these insights and tips!😊

[@piano.is.a.language]

This is very interesting. In my first year of learning piano I learned to play (very different than memorising) 2h of music. You have memorised hundreds of hours and always have them fresh 😮 As a passionate learner, I also love that you “calculated” it takes you 1h to learn 1 minute of music. 😊

[@ModusVivendiMedia]

The double bassist Mikyung Sung said this in a recent interview on the "Meet the Artist" website: "When I’m not performing, the pieces I’m about to perform or the pieces I think are important right now are in my head almost 24 hours a day, as if I were afflicted by some disease, and I visualize playing them in my head, changing the fingerings and checking my bowings. This is the reason why I can memorize all the pieces I play and not look at the sheet music when playing."

[@M_SC]

I’m no one at all and whatever piece I’m learning plays in my head half the time

[@selgeaus]

This method can also be applied in non-music scenarios such as learning a new language, drama performance. Very good advice

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

I study classical violin since 2016. I am by no means an expert. But I do have amazing memory. The first point - listening to the piece A LOT - is extremely important indeed. In my case, I listen to several interpretations while awake, select my favorite, then make a playlist and listen to this playlist on repeat while I sleep.

[@joyceyang6976]

That was so generous of Ray to share, very helpful, thank you so much!! 👍😄💕

[@ellainesalvador4729]

Thanks Ray! You have made it very compact, yet packed with super helpful tips. Will now try not to jump to steps 3 & 4, before doing steps 1 & 2!

[@kristintripp967]

*Thank you!!* I’ve been wishing for this video for *years!* 😄♥️♥️♥️

[@nickuhland7148]

I love a new Ray Chen video because I like guessing whether he's going to have an Australian or an American accent!

[@antonvf9619]

i love it when you share your experience! it's so helpfull! many thanks!!

[@christinegrossi4430]

What a great video. I have been guilty of too much time at the piano and not enough on the listening or recording myself. I’ve been changing my ways, but Ray’s teaching gives me ideas for a more complete approach.

[@m.caterina7137]

Thanks Ray for making this video. I am terrified to perform anything using my memory. I failed sometimes forgetting some bars and this created inside me like ...a prison fo fear I was not able to face. Listening to you, sharing your ways to learn, talking in a calm and friendly tone... you encouraged me to try again! Thanks so much!!

[@starros1]

Love your work. I will definitely get Tonic. Thank you.

[@davidgraham3681]

Very astute. Involvement of multiple senses (aural, tactile, visual) helps make memory connections in the brain. Including the step to understand (and even analyze) the piece also helps your ability to improvise (and maybe even improve) on the score during your performances.

[@darksaber5437]

Is it just me or is Ray’s accent and voice…different?

[@michelleobamafootcream9292]

right, doesn’t he talk in an American accent in his other videos?

[@CousinMothball]

I thought I was going crazy 😂

[@doglady9847]

He is Australian, but I imagine it changes depending on who he talks to or where he's located. It influences the way he talks naturally (unconsciously).

[@jeannette-N-evangeline]

I think this is common when people travel and live in a different area(s) for years at a time. Madonna had a British accent after she married Guy Ritchie and lived in London. Ray grew up in Australia and then went to Curtis in Philadelphia. Around certain environments or people sometimes I will speak "Tex-Mex" (mix English and Spanish vocabulary in the same sentence) and have a Mexican accent.

[@joyceyang6976]

I don’t feel any difference 🤣

[@davidlowther8886]

Thanks Ray! I’m always looking for ideas. I’m really enjoying Tonic. I’ve met some really nice folks there. 🎻

[@sparklingmagnolia]

Thank you Ray!! This is the answer to the question I’ve always wanted to ask you!😁😁 Btw, love your Aussie accent❤

[@hei7586]

I am always in awe to see how much complicated music you guys are able to memorize so perfectly!

[@TheSparshofMusic-wn7de]

Thank you! This video was really helpful!

[@christianemichelberger8245]

Brilliant explanation, thank you!

[@JoJoBeanqueen]

When starting a new piece l, memorization is always something I’ve struggled with. This video was so helpful!

[@MishaSkripach]

Ray gives tHE BEST advice! 300% right!

[@eugenievanzyl]

👏👏👏$$$$$ I listened carefully now how you described how you memorise etc etc and immediately I contribute a few $$$ into @Thanks - Thank you, Mr Ray Chan, for encouraging us in so many ways to keep us going with our violin practice! 🎻🎻🎻

[@southpark4151]

Excellent vid Ray! I didn't know you are an aussie too! Your music brain function and power is like level 1000000000, but definitely know that you work really hard as well to memorise. Those steps you showed us are definitely going to be super helpful, and very important. Thanks Ray!

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you,Ray. Great info.🌹🌹🌹

[@JSB2500]

Thanks very much Ray!! ❤

[@dailystaryt]

THIS, I NEEDED THIS

[@FutureRN-25]

Learning 'Eine Kleine, Mozart Concerto' right now, and have been running into some issues getting the right notes/way memorized. Excited to try this method! Thank you!

[@JoshuaAnthonyYT]

Oh hi Ray. Loved your Sibelius with the BSO.

[@vishvakgurram]

Thanks Ray! Now I can perform well in my school concert! 😊

[@robinthomsoncomposer]

Excellent advice Ray

[@frankgustafson1905]

Great video Ray. Very informative. Thank you for sharing. ❤👍😃

[@user-vl5nm3if8j]

Brilliant tips I will start to use this thank you 🙏

[@jochebedcantony9299]

Thank you Ray!!❤

[@rmatson]

Great, inspiring video. Thanks!

[@darksaber5437]

Very helpful as always Ray :)

[@user-de9fh7ed4b]

Thanks so much for the tips!! :)

[@fortissimoX]

Thanks Ray!

[@Outwalking]

Thanks for the tips

[@Sam-nz9yn]

The aussie accent threw me for a loop. I was like... who is this guy?

[@TaniaFerri]

Thank you!!💪🏻🎶😄

[@GLBinNP]

Thanks! I wish I'd used this approach for a J.C. Bach triosonata I recently performed - especially listening and studying the score

[@vivianidelacerda9708]

Respect... for your memory!

[@GabrielPGluch]

Ray Chen coming in with the Ali abdaal editing! Love it hahahah

[@ajsorensen2585]

Great tips Ray, this is perfect I'm working on Mendelssohn concerto and some other pieces, I think this will really help speed up the process and make it stick - one thing I've noticed is I get stuck when I'm really tired and practicing, so sometimes you physically and mentally need a break from playing when you are working super hard

[@MishaSkripach]

Don't forget to play the whole concerto on the open strings as well!

[@Ilcannone1743aficionado]

Thank you!!!

[@robertpadgett4192]

Another unforgettable tutorial!

[@kryzak123]

Great tips!

[@vitakhan307]

I love your playing........

[@libertangowu-8117]

Thank you so much❤

[@vistastructions]

We need more of your Australian accent!

[@Skinny_Karlos]

When I was a student studying at Conservatoruim level I would play in front of anyone and everyone. People learning/hearing that I played classical guitar and violin would ask for me to play for them. I'd agree but say that once I start I can't easily stop and if they accepted this, I'd play... often for hours, playing my performance pieces and get used to playing in front of an audience as such as they were. The talking and noise of the people helped me to concentrate on my music rather than getting distracted by these extraneous noises. I'd even busk, not for the $$ but for the exposure to an audience. Do whatever but don't have your first audience be your important ones in front of examiners or proper recitals. Just my experience of over fourty-five years ago.

[@dancover4593]

I'm studying in conservatory and really like your method. I think I'll use it in the future)

[@agnesv1937]

I always wondered how professional musicians get to memorize and play a long repertoire for a concert. Just amaxzing!

[@johnalexander301]

Thank you Australian Ray Chen!

[@nataliaurda]

Thank you❤

[@ShlomiShahaf_2006]

2:15 my favourite part of Bazzini 😁

[@vilegacy]

Thanks ❤

[@PKLevel99]

Great! It helped

[@lucienazario2786]

You are truly God's gift to the world because you do not only play beautiful music but you help musicians by teaching/ coaching them on how to improve their skills. You are amazing!!! 👏

[@Haoxuan0816]

He’s very good at it

[@FranzSeth]

Thanks for this, as a pianist I have trouble looking at a score and the keyboard without getting lost.

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

So generous to help us. When is he going to play in Australia again?

[@angeladale-powell5263]

Epic teaching

[@antine1279]

I read once that "an amateur practices until he gets it right, while a professional practices until he can't get it wrong". I felt that was pretty apt! Thanks for the video

[@notmyrealname6272]

I say this to all my pupils. They ignore me 🙄🙄🙄

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

I suffered from this issue of mind going blank and getting incredibly nervous in the middle of a piece. It basically stopped my interest in performing live as a solo artist because I didn't want to subject myself to this issue until I'd fixed it. I finally realized I had been learning music totally wrong my entire life. I place most emphasis on memorizing everything so that I can play without the aid of the score, internalize an aural map of the music. Then I build up slowly trying not to go past parts of the music until I can play them well. Also playing slowly for a long time to establish a base level performance on which to build and only once I have that base and the music memorized do I start working on performance level production, ie speed and expression. I now no longer play live in a professional context but I still teach and perform with my students at annual events and also I have to teach them the process and show them that it works. I play classical, but it wasn't my career, jazz, then pop/rock. I transcribe by ear a lot and this aspect is integral simply to learning to become a musician and learn an instrument. Very interesting video, thanks for sharing your process.

[@jaek6706]

from the comments im glad to see i wasnt the only only who was startled by his change of accent 😂

[@the_changing_point]

Yes, very good indeed

[@eugenievanzyl]

Thanks

[@kosame3236]

Wonderful

[@celli_ec._.]

Once I had a cello recital, and I had a bad memory slip. I had to say my name when I went on stage. But I forgot abt that… and all of a sudden my teacher told me to say my name. I got startled and suddenly forgot what I had prepared. Then I had no idea what to do. I started rushing and then I stopped cuz I had a memory slip. I stopped and My teacher had to play the first note to remind me. That was my most embarrassing recital 😂

[@user-jj8kg5ef2t]

Interesting, maybe you can also incorporate recent research in psychology (particularly "learning pyschology" and "memory" to music practice.

[@dennisdeng3045]

4:26 30-minute concerto within 1 - 2 weeks? That's impressive.

[@evi218]

Ty for sharing! Sadly Step 1 cannot be applied on my current piece I´m playing since there isn´t a recording available or at least not a good one but I will remember it for the next piece :D

[@penguinlover2274]

Hi Ray, the video mentioned in the end, ranking concertos from easiest to most difficult, I can't find it? The link is for Trying every violin and searching KZbin didn't give any results either.. I wanna watch that one please!

[@tekii111]

Can you bring up the team behind Tonic the idea of adding a tuner into the app please? And a metronome too? I use those somewhat often while practicing and I have to keep leaving the app to do so which messes up stuff /:

[@saea58]

Yes I always listen first! 😊

[@pandasrtasty]

I was 100th like! I just asked a friend how to memorize a song and she gave me a flat look and said "practice" 😅

[@mcdonaldsonfire5849]

What app do you use for reading the music and annotating it? I see a lot of musicians using it but I don’t know what it is?

[@mbahgugel271]

Thanks for all your tips Ray. Ask you question Ray, watching your performances on your concerts which are really superb & topnotch, why are your name not as famous as cello player Yo Yo Ma or pianist Lang Lang ? Does it depend on music critics in the journals ? The pieces are all the same from famous standard classical music as well as the concert halls. You should stand the same level with those two performers in music world.

[@miriams.4341]

This is really interesting, because so far, memory has been my biggest stumbling block. I have severe ADHD, so my memory is a sieve at the best of times, but sometimes I just want to throw my music out the next window, when I stand in front of an audience and my brain’s just blank, after hours of practice over weeks. I’ll try your steps and see if it helps, as I genuinely hate having to always sing with my score in front of me, when I should know it in my sleep.

[@MishaSkripach]

Just don't do it, it is incompatible with ADHD, also better don't drive, it is dangerous.

[@miriams.4341]

@@MishaSkripach That’s a really weird take. Memory is trainable. There are scores I can do by heart, but simply not many. I’ve also been driving for over a decade and have never had an accident. Do you have actually any idea what you are talking about or have any sort of medical training?

[@MishaSkripach]

​@@miriams.4341 One cannot eat their cake and have it at the same time. Either one has a psychiatric disorder that means inherent INABILITY to pay enough attention to memorise and to be a safe driver, or one just has no talent for music or lazy, and their diagnosis is a fake and an excuse. Stop claiming some controvercial medical condition as an excuse for not being brilliant, or don't attempt things that are beyond reach of people with certain mental condition. One cannot claim being a good fireman and a one-legged person at the same time, choose your excuse and stick to it. ? Sorry for being frank. No need to do things you are not very good at. Relax and do what you are good at.

[@user-vd2md9je8f]

Severe ADHD is not compatible with success in anything that requires attention. ADHD people should not drive, they are death on roads. Nor can they be musicians. Unless they fake to get speed.

[@TwoSetViolinEdits]

as a proud twosetter, 40TH LIKE

[@AUE79]

thanks blud

[@bindak]

Ray must be in Australia at the moment 🇦🇺

[@annettenelson5321]

I memorize everything for the same reasons. Performance day though I still put the sheet music on the stand! Security blanket! I am a chicken. 😊

[@jodydickson5713]

What app do you use to get your music scores?

[@trabouliste1037]

How to get muscle memory? It‘s a miracle for me. And I am often playing totally unaware of what bar I am in in the moment.

[@MishaSkripach]

repeat each bar 50 times

[@ElsweyrDiego]

a concerto each couple of weeks... i am struggling to memorizing vivaldi's A minor and i'm studying it for about 3 months!

[@SkunkworksProps]

As someone with ADHD memorising music is an absolute nightmare. I have to know it absolutely inside out before I have a hope of playing it without the music in front of me.

[@jennathomas1354]

i’d really love to see the video ranking the concertos, but the link takes me to something different 😕

[@thepianoplayer416]

As a solo performer including with an orchestra in the back people would memorize pieces. People who play in an ensemble / orchestra they'd read off the score.

[@chuanyingyu8156]

How did your concert in Dublin go

[@JSB2500]

1 hour per minute - I've found the same on other instruments. It doesn't seem to depend on the number of notes (provided I can actually play them).