Steps to help beginner pianists memorise their pieces.

My Points Mean Prizes scheme gives you 2 Bonus Points when you can play a piece from memory. Memorising becomes easier if you can sing and clap the piece, if you can explain all the signs and terms on the music, if you know what key or keys it is in, and what is happening when. Also if you practise pieces in sections, hands separately and slowly.

When you have learnt a piece and want to memorise it, try these steps:

1. Play the piece or the section with the music in front of you.

2. Play the piece with the music open at the side of you so that you can refer to it if you need to.

3. Play the piece with the music at the side of you but shut. Only open it if you get really stuck.

4. By now you're probably getting really good at memorising your piece so try it eyes shut- yes, eyes shut!

5. The final way which you may want to try, is a technique that athletes use- visualisation. Sit quietly with your eyes shut. Can you visualise your fingers playing the piece, playing the correct keys with the right fingers all the way through the section or piece? If you can then you are well on the way to memorising your piece.