What is performing music from memory?
Q: What is performing music from memory?
A: Performing music from memory means being able to play or sing a piece of music without the written music.
Q: How do most people learn new pieces of music?
A: Most people who are taught to play musical instruments learn new pieces by reading the printed music which is in front of them on a music stand.
Q: Why is it important for singers to perform songs without using the written music?
A: It is particularly important for singers who are performing songs (Lieder) to sing without music because they can then communicate directly with the audience using the expression on their faces.
Q: What methods can be used to help memorize a piece of music?
A: Different methods can be used to help memorize a piece of music, such as memorizing a few bars at a time, studying the printed music away from the instrument, or "thinking" through the piece away from the instrument.
Q: Are there different types of memory that can be used when learning and playing musical instruments?
A: Yes, there are different types of memory that can be used when learning and playing musical instruments, such as photographic memory (seeing it in one's mind), aural memory (hearing it in one's imagination), and muscular memory (the fingers "knowing" what to do).
Q: Is it common for musicians playing from memory to make mistakes during performances?
A: Yes, even great musicians may make mistakes while performing from memory. It is quite common and can happen to anyone.
Q: Do famous musicians usually have large repertoires that they can play from memory?
A: Yes, many famous musicians have large repertoires (collections) of pieces that they can play from memory.
