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Original poster

Tips for playing piano without sheet music

27 replies

GaraMedouar · 04/02/2021 08:53

Hi - I play a number of instruments (grade 8) so relatively proficient - and I have started playing a bit more piano again in lockdown which I really enjoy (again grade 8 level). I have only ever been able to play if I read sheet music (and can sight read anything within reason).

I understand it’s a different part of the brain that’s used but I would love to be able to play some pieces on piano off by heart - but I couldn’t even play /learn a grade 1 level piece. I just don’t retain it. Are there any tips as to how I can get the music into my brain. I’m early fifties by the way. I’d just love to be able to sit down at any piano and play without music.
My son’s ex piano teacher was amazing - could play hundreds of pieces without sheet music.

OP posts:
cautiouscovidity · 04/02/2021 19:45

For me it's as much muscle memory as anything. Once I've played a piece over and over, my hands just know what to do. I don't even have to think about it. But I do need to play the piece a lot for this to happen.

peapotter · 04/02/2021 19:30

I play half from memory, as my sight reading isn’t fast enough. You need to get worse!

Have you tried covering up part of the music, say starting with every second bar in the bass? Use post it notes.

Also to completely memorise a piece I have to write the structure down. Otherwise I end up going round in circles eg ABABA... instead of ABAC

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