Episode 5: Mastering Musical Memory

The Practice Project Podcast

In Episode 5 of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda, Bethany and Riki discuss the 2007 research paper 'Learning Clair de Lune: Retrieval Practice and Expert Memorization' by Roger Chaffin. They examine the concept of structural memory and look at how - alongside motor memory and auditory memory - building structural memory, when learning a new piece of music, can accelerate the memorisation process and also enhance performance.
Central to Chaffin's study is an expert pianist who learns Debussy’s ‘Clair de Lune’ while providing a step-by-step breakdown of the process. The research highlights the critical role of 'performance cues' - different mental anchors or landmarks within the music that play an integral role in learning a new piece and committing it to memory.
So listen now for key insights into the cognitive process of expert memorisation, and get ready to transform your music practice, teaching and performance.
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