So for a fun memorization activity, follow these steps:
1-Identify and label the form of the piece. I typically have them write letters (A, A' B B' etc. above the measures in their music).
2-Choose a creative title for each section that reflects an element of the music (melodic line:slipnslide, rhythm:boomdadaboom, fingering:squish, dynamics: suprise supreeze or mood:creepy fingers) or something the music makes them think of. Depending on the piece, students could use the titles to create a storyline to match their song to make it even more memorable.
3-Draw pictures or select clipart to represent each section of the music.
4-As you play from memory, refer to your music art map as needed to visualize the form of the piece.
Following is an example that I helped my daughter with for her piece Bananappeal from Faber Gold Star Performance Primer Book.
She chose the following titles for each phrase:
A: Slip-n-Slide (because the notes in the melody go up like a ladder than slide down the scale)
A1: Slip-n-Slip (similar to slip-n-slide but with a little change at the end)
B: Creepy Fingers Boo! (minor sounding section with a "boo" sound at the end)
A: Slip-n- Slide
A1: Slip-n-Slip
Ending: Surprise Supreeze (a couple of notes played slow and soft followed by fast and fun forte open 5ths)
Just bumped into your blog & so happy about it. I love this idea--what a great way of helping memorization by naming each of the sections with a descriptive title & drawing a picture as a road map!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I am a visual learner and I know this would help me personally. I will try it with my students. Thanks.
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