Memorizing Tunes

[BenBrittonJazz]

Here is a blog post I just did on memorizing tunes:

http://everythingsaxophone.blogspot....ing-tunes.html

Additional suggestions are welcome.

[814jazzer]

Nicely stated in your post, Ben. Your suggestions are spot-on.

Do you spend much time playing chord changes on piano while humming the melody (as a tool for learning a tune)? It seems to help me.


best wishes—also from Pennsylvania,
~ Rick

[JL]

Additional suggestions are welcome.

Excellent list of suggestions. I would emphasize learning a tune by ear, without the written music (I think you do say that).

One more suggestion would be to play the tune with a band whenever possible. I find that I don't really know a tune until I do this and it seems to speed up the memorization process. Once I've played a tune 2 or 3 times in a live setting with a band, I retain it pretty well.

[BenBrittonJazz]

Yeah, I play tunes on piano, though I've never tried humming while I played the changes.

I also like JL suggestion of performing it. That can always help solidify your memory, a little more high pressured practice.