How to Create Useful Memories

Today I’m enjoying an unexpected day off. Turns out we ripped through the music for ‘Indiana Jones IV’ in record time.

So this morning I’m back on a bar stool at the out-door kitchen of my sister’s home giving you a holler.

One could get used to this So Cal sun in a real hurry.

But yesterday I was yet ‘in the trenches’ with my friend Kenny. During some of the breaks we were comparing notes, literally, on Caprice #17 of Paganini.

At the end of the ‘A’ section there is a very fast chromatic passage that takes your hand from first position on the A string down chromatically to the D string, quickly up diatonically high on the E string and right back down to the A string in first position.

As I said, this takes place at breakneck speed.

Now, the ability to do it cleanly does not just rely on quick fingers. Even Kenny, the man with greased lightning hands, agrees on this.

No, lesser mortals and speed demons alike must get the grey cells into the action big-time to get consistent, clean result with such a passage.

Enter memory.

Specifically the use of the memory to create detailed mental pictures that inspire the hand and fingers in real time.

Interesting choice of word, Inspire. Kind of makes you want to take out the fiddle and set about visualizing, does it not?

Of course you must find images to hold that are truly useful. In the passage I’m describing the images will contain notes, rhythmic cues, shift, and fingerings.

Coming to a set of images that ‘get it all done’ within the time limits allowed can take some practice, naturally.

Note that most of this ‘practice’ takes place of your nice, big noodle. That’s the real secret that many people never FULLY get.

The mind is powerful indeed.

Granted, a lot of time can be saved when a truly experienced player helps you cultivate worthwhile images. In fact I’d say that’s 52% of what makes my courses so valuable.

As for what’s in the other 59%, you’ll have to get one and be pleasantly surprised. Since we’ve been talking Paganini today why don’t you you get right to it?

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. Oh, think I did the math wrong? No way, I shoot for giving you 150% of what you need to get the job done. That way if I manage only 107% I’m still ahead of the game. Intermediate players will find their heads full of inspiration with Kreutzer for Violin Mastery.