I find it very hard to memorize my music. Can you suggest any method that would make it easier?
To retain in one's memory what does not interest one is difficult to everybody, while that which does interest us comes easy. In your case the first requirement seems to be that your interest in the pieces you are to play be awakened. This interest usually comes with a deeper understanding of music; hence, it may be said that nothing will assist a naturally reluctant memory so much as a general musical education. Special studies for the memory have not come to my knowledge because I never had any need of them. After all, the best way to memorize is—to memorize. One phrase today, another to-morrow, and so on, until the memory grows by its own force through being exercised.
Memorizing Quickly and Forgetting as Readily
I memorize very easily, so that I can often play my pieces from memory before I have fully mastered their technical difficulties, as my teacher says. But I forget them just as quickly, so that in a few weeks I cannot remember enough of them to play them clear through. What would you advise, to make my memory more retentive?
There are two fundamental types of memory: One is very mobile—it acquires quickly and loses just as quickly; the other is more cumbrous in its action—it acquires slowly, but retains forever. A combination of the two is very rare, indeed; I never heard of such a case. A remedy against forgetting you will find in refreshing your memory in regular periods, playing your memorized pieces over (carefully) every four or five days. Other remedies I know not and I see no necessity for them.
To Keep Errors from Creeping in
I can always memorize a piece before I can play it fast. Do you advise practising with notes when I already know it by heart?
The occasional playing of a memorized piece from the notes will keep errors from creeping in, provided you read the music correctly and carefully.
[SIGHT READING]
The Best Way to Improve Sight-Reading