Almost every musician has either had a memory slip or worried about having one at some point in their lives. So how important is it really to play from memory? Is it just one of those things we do for show, or is there real value in memorizing?
Pianist Stephen Hough weighs in on this question, and as you can imagine, the answer is rather complex and nuanced - but certainly a meaningful one for us all to think about!
Stephen Hough: On the Question “Is Memorizing Music Really All That Important?”
* * *
Want to perform up to your full abilities more consistently? Learn how, with evidence-based strategies that will accelerate your learning, and help you overcome performance anxiety, focus past distractions, quiet your inner critic, and play more confidently.
Check out the live online mental skills “Essentials” course which begins July 22nd, 2025: bulletproofmusician.com/essentials
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.