When I learn a new piece, I do 3 things:
- always start memorizing a new piece from the start of your learning process (see also my article “Efficient Memorization“)
- start not necessarily from the beginning of the piece, but with the most difficult passage first - because it will require more time to solidify
- always learn similar sections together - put them side by side, and learn them at the same time. Analyze any subtle differences in terms of harmony, texture, or other markings
For example, when I learn the Liszt Sonata in B-, I start learning from this passage which I know will take a long time to master:
Initially I allot 30 minutes daily on this passage. Gradually I decrease the amount of time spent as I am more solid with it. Of course, I do everything that all teachers say I should do: practice hand separately, in short phrases, slowly, rapidly in short bursts, use rhythms to scramble the phrase, etc…
I also dig through the score and identify similar passages, and learn them simultaneously:
Putting side by side allows me to notice that in Recapitulation, the 16ths figure in Exposition is transformed into triplets, and Recapitulation has the marking “Stretta quasi presto” which the Exposition did not have. Perhaps Liszt is asking that the tempo in Recapitulation shall be slightly faster, and hence he wrote triplet for greater speed? I am not saying this is necessarily what Liszt wants, but putting the passage side by side allow me to ask such interpretative questions.
Learning them side by side also make the memorization process way more efficient.
