Memorizing Music the Easy Way: Color Coding

Color Coding www.VogueViolin.com

Have you ever wanted to know an easier way to memorize music?  Me too!  Check out this super-easy and less frustrating way to memorize music by color coding.  Here’s what you do:

1.  Color coding:  Begin by stepping away from the music stand and make a fresh copy of your sheet music.  Next, grab a handful of different colored pencils; 5 or 6 colors should handle the task at hand.  Now, take a good look at similar music patterns such as repeating themes, variations of the theme, improvisation sections, show off sections, accompaniment sections, etc. 

Select a different color for each section type and start marking up your music!   If you want to take it a step further, name each color A, B, C, D, E…
Step back and look at the color patterns.  Wha-la, you have a color coded memorizing machine in place! 

2.  Mark your calendar:  Schedule one week (or a few days) to learn 1 or 2 colored sections (such as blue and green the first week, yellow the second week, orange the third week, and so on).

3.  Ready, set, repeat:  Make it fun by beginning and ending each practice session by singing or humming your piece in its entirety along with a YouTube video.  No cheating here, do not peek at your music during this exercise!   Remember to memorize only one colored section at a time, easy-peasy.  Rehearsing steps:

• Play your assigned colored section once through (with sheet music).
• Play it again without making a sound (hear it in your head or hum).
• Now step away from the music and try playing by memory. 
• Repeat these steps until you’re satisfied with your efforts.  Be sure to give yourself a break.  Everyone stumbles over it at first, but eventually, the music will be embedded in your brain. 

4.  Good to go:  Hooray, you’re ready for your performance!  Have fun and if you have a hiccup, just do a little improvising and catch up with your next colored section, no one will even know.  

"Memorizing Music the Easy Way - Color Coding" author:  Suzy, Violinist and founder of Vogue Violin www.vogueviolin.com

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