Three Powerful Memorisation Tips for Adult Beginners

Hello fellow pianists!

As part of my commitment to helping you master the piano with confidence, I recently sat down with the talented Eleonor Bindman, a respected pianist and transcriber who specialises in making classical works more accessible for amateur pianists. As a special treat for the Adult Piano Beginners group, Eleonor has generously offered a free download of her Cello Suite 1 Prelude score, which you can access through the link below!

In our conversation, Eleonor shared invaluable insights about memorisation—something that comes up often in our adult beginner piano group. Whether you're struggling with memory slips during practice or trying to build a reliable long-term memory for your pieces, Eleonor's tips are a must-read.

Here are her top three tips, with a little added insight from my own experience and my "Adult Piano Beginners course", to help you improve your memory as you progress on your piano journey. Click on the video below to listen to the interview.

1. Start With Perspective: Understand the Music First

Before even touching the keys, it's essential to build a cognitive understanding of the piece. Eleonor's first tip is all about perspective. Instead of rushing to play, take time to analyse the music. Look at the structure, the time signatures, and the intervals between notes. Understanding the "big picture" of the piece, like its phrases and structure, gives you a roadmap.

For adult beginners, this could mean breaking down the piece into manageable chunks, such as understanding how many measures are in each section. This is something I emphasise in my "Hey Presto!" method—start small, assess what you're about to learn, and build your understanding bit by bit. Doing this helps not only with memorisation but also with building a musical connection to the piece. You’re not just playing notes; you’re understanding how they fit together.

Tip: Try to identify repeating patterns or familiar intervals that can make learning easier. The more you understand about how the piece fits together, the easier it will be to memorise.

2. Plan Your Practice Sessions: Focus on Sections

We all know that regular practice is key to progress, but what if you could make your practice even more efficient? Eleonor’s second tip is about planning your practice time wisely. It’s not about practicing for hours on end; it’s about being focussed and strategic.

This is especially helpful for beginners. Many adult learners often begin at the start of a piece and play through from the beginning to the end. Instead, focus on sections that need attention. Start with the difficult parts, as they will take more repetition to memorise. Keep a practice log to track your progress, making sure you spend more time on sections that challenge you the most. This focussed approach will maximise your efforts and help you avoid the frustration of feeling like you’re making no progress.

Tip: Keeping a practice log or notebook can be a great way to stay organised. Write down which parts you need to work on the most and how many times you’ve practiced them. This will help you see your progress over time.

3. Perseverance is Key: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

The third tip that Eleonor shares is all about practice and perseverance. It’s no secret—repetition is the cornerstone of memorisation. When we practice a piece enough times, our fingers begin to remember the movements. But this can take time, and it’s crucial to be patient with yourself. Eleonor recommends keeping track of your repetitions, which gives you a tangible sense of progress. This method can be especially helpful for adult beginners who might feel like they’re not advancing fast enough.

Rather than cramming in one long practice session, try to split your practice time into shorter sessions throughout the day. It’s more effective for memorisation and helps maintain focus. In fact, 15 minutes twice a day is far more effective than one long, drawn-out practice session. Your memory has time to process and solidify between practice sessions.

Tip: Don't be discouraged if you forget parts of the piece each day—this is a normal part of the learning process. Just revisit those sections and keep practicing. Repetition is what locks the music into your long-term memory.

Final Thoughts

Memorisation can seem like a daunting task for adult beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these three tips—perspective, planning, and perseverance—you can improve your ability to memorise and play pieces confidently. Remember, it’s not about playing the piece perfectly from memory right away; it's about building understanding, being strategic with your practice, and committing to consistent repetition.

A big thank you again to Eleonor Bindman for her invaluable contribution to this post. I’m thrilled that she shared her expertise and also provided the Cello Suite 1 Prelude score as a freebie! Be sure to check out the following links to explore more of her incredible work:

• ABSOLUTE Launch Concert at 1901 Club (March 23, 2025): 1901 Arts Club
• YouTube Channel: Eleonor Bindman YouTube
• Official Website: Eleonor Bindman Website
• Upcoming Recording Release: Absolute on Orchid Music
• Practice Tip on Making Hard Parts Easier: Practice Tip from Eleonor

Thanks again, Eleonor, for your generosity and for sharing your knowledge with us!

Stay Connected and Keep Learning

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out my piano method book, Hey Presto! Adult Piano Method, designed to help beginners and returning players master the keys with confidence. You can also explore my comprehensive Adult Piano Beginners Course, which offers a wealth of resources to support your musical journey.

For more tips, educational content, and repertoire recommendations, join me on this exciting musical adventure. Together, we can make learning piano rewarding, fun, and stress-free.

Happy practicing!
Marcel Zidani
Award-winning composer, performer, and piano pedagogue