Lora Staples - beginning violin and fiddle expert

Memorization - Part 1

How to learn the basics of memorization on the violin

In this video, Lora introduces the first basic steps to memorize music on the violin.

Released on May 7, 2014

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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Seamas on June 25, 2014 @1:04 pm PST
Addition to Memory 1 video. You might want to look at the work of Jacques Coquelin who documented performance learning techniques based on his experiences with the descendants of Moliere's company in France. They systems for learning gesture and voice and words all at once. He divides the performer into actor 'a' and actor 'b' where a is what the audience sees and b is the part that organizes and marshals the various resources the actor has.. This is very similar to your conception of the violin player.
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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on June 27, 2014 @5:08 pm PST
Seamas, this sounds very very intriguing! I like these concepts! I will look up Mr. Coquelin!
Seamas on June 29, 2014 @11:33 am PST
Lora, good! Ironically my memory of M. Coquelin's first name was faulty : it is Benoit-Constant. The pertinent book is 'Art and the Actor'.Pardon!. Do you know a source on the web for the violin parts to the Mozart symphonies? I want to play them while developing kinaesthetic memory, pillaring to the aural memory of 18th century styles while learning a 'modern' recorder. I reckon I could start at the first of those symphonies and work my way through with interpretations from disk to play along to.
Lora * VSM MEMBER * on June 30, 2014 @1:20 pm PST
try "imslp.org".
You will find lots of public domain stuff. But it won't be as clean as the virtual sheet music copies you find here.
Seamas on June 25, 2014 @12:52 pm PST
Thankyou Layra ...saw this one second .Your reading while playing exercise is similar to Peter Brooks theatre exercises for his cast for Carmen in France in the 1970's. Documentary on BBC perhaps. Brook was working from Pompidou Centre at the time.
Linda * VSM MEMBER * on June 3, 2014 @8:30 pm PST
Thanks. That helps a lot. I was not fond of the dark because of the stickiness. Now I know why. It is humid where I live. Good to know.
Linda * VSM MEMBER * on May 28, 2014 @4:53 am PST
Do you have any thoughts on bow rosin? I have a very dark rosin which is very sticky. I don't know that I am a fan. I also have a light one from years ago. I don't really hear a difference.
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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on May 28, 2014 @12:58 pm PST
Hi Linda!
As you get more sensitive to the response of your instrument and bow, you will develop a preference. Dark rosin is soft and sticky, Light rosin is hard and less sticky, more dusty. I prefer a nice medium Amber rosin like Salchow or Oliv. However, lately, in the dryness of this desert....I am tempted to find the BLACKEST rosin I can....as I am not getting good grip. (someone suggested Bass rosin!!!) Anyway, if you are in high humidity, go amber or lighter. If you are in an arid place, go amber or darker. Hope that helps!
Lauren * VSM MEMBER * on May 9, 2014 @7:23 am PST
I do a lot of performing as well as teaching. I have found that, as well as aural, visual, and kinesthetic (tactile), memorizing triggers rather than note by note memorization, is extremely efficient (as long as the aural memory is good). Triggers can include, shifts, certain intervals, accidentals, or even dynamic contrasts. They are the best memory safety net!
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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on May 9, 2014 @2:49 pm PST
YES, this is like what I call "intellectual", but the "triggers" thing is perhaps a better way to describe it. I call them "memory pillars". Excellent ideas!
Linda * VSM MEMBER * on May 8, 2014 @4:35 pm PST
What a nice reply. Thanks, Linda
Linda * VSM MEMBER * on May 7, 2014 @8:00 am PST
Hi Lora,
My husband and I were just watching you memorization video. Excellent, by the way. He is a professional piano player not concert pianist, Jazz, etc.. He added a 4th way that he uses. Visualizing the sheet music in his mind. I sometimes see when he is doing this. He stares into space and is eyes move. He says he actually sees the music. Thanks for your great videos. Linda Winter
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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on May 8, 2014 @10:24 am PST
Very interesting, Linda. I think you are onto something. As I reflect when I play by memory, I am totally picturing the printed page....I know what page I am on, and where on that page. I remember every coffee stain or smudge as well.

I do not have photographic memory, but this is something along those lines...where visual memory helps to prompt us, giving us little hints along the way.

You have revealed a FOURTH type of memory! We'll call it "visual". THANKS!
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