How to stop piano memorization stumbling?

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Question:

I have a piano examination in a few days and I've noticed that most of the playing on the piano feels involuntary!. Trouble is, at completely random times, I would suddenly have a brain lag and then actually start thinking about whats coming next, in which I completely forget what happens next and mess up!. This has happened very often during practices and I'm afraid it might happen during the exam!. And the songs I play are so fast and complex, it seems that memorization can diminish as easily as it came!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

hi Daniel, yup, I experienced the same 'brain lag' problem before when I was attending exams!. But I have a quick tip for you!. :)

As a (former) piano teacher I would say that this is usually due to all your music is hard coded into your "muscle memory"!. This means you remembers how your hands & fingers move instead of what notes your hands are supposed to play!.

In this case, I suggest that you:
1) listen to recordings of your exam pieces (tip: youtube is useful for this)
2) while listening, read the piano score!. Make sure you now knows the music sounds from head to toe, inside out!.
3) after that, repeat 1) & 2) but this type do a mental practice (move your fingers as if playing the real piano, but instead play on empty space while listening to the recording AND also reading the score)
4) this time, start practice on your piano - fix all your mistakes & practice the piano efficiently!.

I run a blog with piano practice tips (http://pianoguy!.wordpress!.com/)!. You might want to drop by for more tips on quicker piano practice!. Cheers!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I don't play piano but I'll give my two cents on memorizing music!.

Play it over!. And over!. And over!. And over!. And over!.

oh and in between those times, play it over and over and over!.

When you want to stop your thinking from bothering you while playing, just turn it into a habit!. If you play it enough times your muscle memory should carry you just fine!.Www@QuestionHome@Com