Memorisation : an approach for the pianist

Date
2001-12
Authors
Engelbrecht, Petro Marietha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two of the most frequently reported performance problems amongst musicians are memorisation and performance anxiety. For the purposes of this study, memorisation is investigated regarding its importance in a musician's life; different faculties of memorisation are discussed; and practice methods are proposed providing the memoriser with maximum memory security and confidence. Performance anxiety, as a corollary of memory insecurity, is investigated regarding its symptoms, causes, and possible cures. It was found that memory insecurity and extreme performance anxiety result because of insufficient or inadequate practice and/or a lack of trust in the musician's own abilities. Musicians should prepare the best they can and then, during performance, they should put trust in the preparation that has been done. A healthy self-esteem, as well as good health, are requisites for success as a performer. It was also found that performers should concentrate less on the feat of technique and memory, and more on making music.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Memorisasie en verhoogvrees is twee van die grootste probleme wat deur uitvoerende musici aangemeld word. Die belangrikheid van memorisasie word ondersoek; die verskillende faktore daarby betrokke word bespreek; en oefenmetodes word voorgestelom die memoriseerder te vergewis van maksimum geheue-sekerheid. Verhoogvrees, as 'n uitvloeisel van memorisasie, word ondersoek ten opsigte van sy simptome, oorsake en moontlike oplossings. Daar is bevind dat onsekerheid betreffende die geheue sowel as ekstreme verhoogvrees die gevolg is van onvoldoende voorbereiding en/of 'n gebrek aan selfvertroue in die musikant se eie vermoëns. Musici moet bloot na die beste van hul vermoëns oefen; tydens die optrede moet daar dan vertroue geplaas word in die voorbereiding wat getref is. 'n Gesonde selfbeeld, saam met goeie gesondheid, is vereistes vir 'n uitvoerende kunstenaar om suksesvol te kan wees. Daar is ook bevind dat uitvoerders minder op die oorwinning van tegniek en geheue moet konsentreer, maar wel meer daarop moet konsentreer om musiek te maak.
Description
Thesis (MMus) -- Stellenbosch University, 2001.
Keywords
Piano -- Methods, Music -- Memorizing, Dissertations -- Music
Citation