How often do you memorize the pieces you play?

Question

How often do you memorize the pieces you play?

Answer 1

I have to memorize everything play. Simply for the embarrassing fact that I'm a very poor sight reader.

Answer 2

I memorize pretty much every piece I learn but I do so pretty much by accident. It's actually easier like that, I can focus more if the notes are stored in my mind but that's just me. Always make sure you're memorizing the right notes though. A memorized mistake is a horrendous pain to correct

Answer 3

It depends on lots of things.  Are you reading from fake books, playing in school )stuff you will never play again) but on the other hand how can you really exhibit your full ability unless they are memorized?

Answer 4

I memorize everything, cant have sheets on the stage!

Answer 5

...once. And then it's memorized.

Answer 6

If it's for a talent show then I memorize it.  I also play for a mariachi in the high school.  We haven't yet been required to memorize it, so I haven't bothered spending time to do that.  But I've been in mariachi since my freshman year and the songs haven't changed so I've pretty much memorized it by playing it so much.

Hopefully, if the instructor is true to his word, we'll learn 10 new songs by this year.  

But I doubt I'll memorize them...

Answer 7

for marching band, its a must.

we use no music while were on the field, but the songs are pretty easy, or repetitive, so its not that hard. whereas in concert band, playing them over and over, i usually just train my fingers.