Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
DMA
College
College of Creative Arts
Department
School of Music
Committee Chair
Peter Amstutz
Committee Co-Chair
Lucy Mauro
Committee Member
Robert Chafin
Committee Member
Andrew Kohn
Committee Member
Bernard Schultz
Abstract
Memorization of piano music for performance has often been shrouded in mystery. A body of neuro-music research has emerged, mostly in the last twenty years, that addresses how musicians perceive, learn, and memorize music, and how these processes operate in music performance. This paper is a compendium of current research on music perception, learning, memorization, and performance, specifically focused on piano music and piano performance. It is intended to benefit both pianists (performers, teachers, students), and neuro-music researchers.
This research explains the operation of human memory systems and, from this platform, addresses aspects of music memorization such as multi-modal approaches and individual differences. A discussion of motor learning precedes current research comparing it with perceptual learning.
Further, this work discusses memory acquisition, stabilization, and sleep consolidation, supported by current piano-specific research. It considers the role of the original modality of learning, and reviews the significance of metacognition and attention. Additionally, this paper presents information on auditory imagery in practice and performance, and on methods for developing musical expressiveness.
A final section summarizes the most significant implications for musicians and important directions for future research.
Recommended Citation
Simpson, Amy M., "The Memorization, Preparation, and Performance of Piano Music: Cognitive Foundations and Current Neuro-Music Research" (2021). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 8297.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/8297