I’m always having to learn new music for gigs, recordings, rehearsals and so on, and I use each of these opportunities to experiment with different learning strategies. Here are some of the most effective tools I find myself using all the time:

1. Do the easy bits first.

For example, I’ve got a 7 page monster of a tune to learn. Some bits are quite difficult; some bits are simple. Where I can run into trouble is if there’s a hard bit at the beginning and I spend ages messing with fingerings and so on. Focussing on the easy bits enables you to make a lot of headway quickly. You’ll get more done and get more energy to push through to finish it.

2. See big sections.

Usually there are repetitions within a song. If I’m given a 32 bar standard AABA piece, I’ll look for similarities within the big sections. Looking for things like that means that I don’t divert my attention to three separate things that are the same. Don’t waste your time going over things you already know.

3. Learn the best bits.

Are there any bits you think are great? Learn those first. If you like what you’re doing you’ll have more energy to do it.

4. Learn phrases from the end to the beginning.

That’s a strategy for learning tricky phrases. Start at the end or the middle, mix it up. There might be a part of the phrase which can only be played one way, and that will affect how the rest of the phrase is played. Starting backwards means you’ll have a better idea of where you’re going.

5. Just listen.

Listen to whatever it is you’re learning until you’ve internalised it. Knowing how something should sound gives you a great frame for other modes of thinking. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? It is MUSIC, after all. But it’s easy to get caught up in other processes: intellectualising, reading, symbols, and on and on.

6. Learn by sight.

I find I can memorise things quickly if the structure is clearly laid out on paper. For instance, if the form is built in 8 bar phrases, it helps if the notation reflects this by laying it out 4 or 8 bars to a line. I just find it quicker to see structure that way and it helps me see bigger chunks of form.

7. Similarities and differences.

This relates to No.2. Are there similar phrases, structures, chords within the piece? Look then to the differences.

8. Write it out again.

I often re-write other people’s music so I can see it more clearly. Similarly, I’ll take a piece and transform it somehow. Transposition is one device I use to reveal those interstitial spaces, and that helps me make focus on the connections between larger structures.

9. Make it a habit.

Always be trying to memorise music. Especially if you’re reading from a chart. Every chorus is a chance to internalise the music and get it off the page. Use any of the above strategies whilst you do this, too. Try to get it so after one or two times round a sequence you’ve got it memorised. The more you do this the quicker you get. So make it a habit to ALWAYS do it. Even if you just memorise the 1st two chords, that’s a start.

10. Go to bed.

Sometimes, just leaving it for a while works. Maybe your mind needs a rest. Or, perhaps your mind is doing some kind of magic whilst you take a break or go to bed. Either way, I’ll often find something has changed after a break. Don’t think too much.

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So there are a few things that work for me. What has worked for you? Do you have a particular way of tackling a new piece, or a new anything for that matter? Also, what prevents you from learning effectively? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.