Tips for playing piano without sheet music

[GaraMedouar]

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.

Probably true , as in I have lots and lots of books of music, that I just like playing through one after another if I’m sitting down at the piano for a session. I don’t generally repeat pieces. I just read through one after another. But ..... drum roll ..... I have managed to play Solfegietto through by memory - this was the only one of two that I could play from memory as a child (and this is now about 40 years ago!) . I’m chuffed . I’ll keep playing it everyday to keep it in my brain. It has come back to me. I’m still working on Prelude in C major , I’m up to about a third now by memory and then keep getting stuck and have to look at the sheet music but I will persevere.

Then I’ll go onto the musical theatre numbers I’m after learning off by heart. And yes definitely I’ll try to play over numerous times. But limit myself to one at a time, and I’ll start with one with the simplest accompaniment. This is definitely my lockdown challenge.

Hi. I have had loads of piano lessons over the years, passed Grade 7 but never really felt like I got it. Last year my lessons stopped in lockdown so I decided to try online learning. I tried Flowkey but couldn't get on with it - and the scrolling music made me soooooo dizzy. I then tried Pianote and I LOVE it. I have gone right back to basics and my playing has improved so much. I can now pick out tunes and accompany myself with chords. It has been a real boost to my playing. My teacher is now doing lessons again but tbh I am happy learning online for now.