ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING PIANISTS’ MEMORIZATION DURING PERFORMANCE AND METHODS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF MEMORIZATION

Abstract

Pianists can often experience hardships associated with the memorization of musical works intended for the stage. Deficiencies in the efficacy of memorization have always seemed to plague pianists’ performance capabilities. The purpose of this research was to analyze the factors affecting pianists’ memorization during performance and attempt to explore more valuable and efficient methods to achieve adequate cognitive retention of material. Additionally, this research explores the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that have an impact on pianists’ capabilities to perform repertoire memorized. The intention is to locate the connections between particular stylistic traits in the repertoire and the celerity of memorization. An examination of these stylistic traits and the compositional era of given repertoire will aid in the discovery of whether or not these factors affect the overall speed of the memorization process. That will then lead to a survey of appropriate practice methods that may assist in pianists’ efficiency of memorization. In the end, specific practice methods will be employed through a pedagogical lens with the intention of enhancing the efficacy of memorization. This research will aim to serve as a guide to provide young pianists with the tools needed to avoid memory slips and practical methods to achieve effective memorization.