Correct Learning Method

[xjerbearx]

Hey guys, this is my 2nd thread post and this time its concerning the correct practice method. Currently I'm self taught and have been playing for about 2 months.
Now, my concern is...
Ever since I learned the piano I learned music using this method
1) Learn a phrase
2) Practice that phrase
3) Practice the whole piece with the new piece learned
4) Repeat
My concern arises when I look at other musicians play, I see them flipping through their sheet music. When I play I have the song completely memorized in my head and I've played it enough to know the song without any assistance. I was wondering if it is quicker to learn music using both memory and sheet music in front of me.
I don't know if this affects how I should practice but I don't play classical music, I play music off video games, and pop artists. Some songs I learned/currently learning are:
Dearly Beloved II (Kingdom Hearts 2)
Eyes on Me (Final Fantasy VIII) - I'm currently learning this song
Both learned using my method of learning. It took me 3 weeks to learn and play half of eyes on me at a self-satisfactory level.
So can anyone give advice, or criticism of my practice method? I just want to make sure I'm learning the proper way...
Thanks~!

[end]

Hi,

I'm learning alone, like yourself. The only thing I'd like to say is that, if you memorize, you'll play the piece better, I believe. But it'll limit you on the amount of pieces you can play, because there must be a limit to your memory. I have this with the guitar. I don't sightread OK for the guitar, so, I have to memorize. It gets harder and harder, as my mind's full of music.

When I started with the piano, I decided to play reading, not to be limited by my memory. Same with the violin. At the end of the day, it's almost committed to memory, because you repeat so many times, practicing. But you're less under pressure, because you can read it while playing and see all the notes, dynamics, etc. With the guitar, because I rely exclusively on memory, if I forget the notes, that's it: it's either improvising, or simply stopping. Since I'm not good at improvising on the guitar...

Good luck to you!

[peterjmathis]

Yeah, it's okay to memorize a few pieces you really enjoy, but it'll take much longer to memorize everything. Not to mention that once you've moved on to other pieces, you'll start to forget how the old pieces go even if you've memorized them. It's also generally good to learn to read sheet music well, since this will help in understanding a new piece right from the outset.

I will say, though, that I find it alot easier to (accidentally) memorize video game songs than other music.

[sharflower1]

I don't think there is one "correct" learning method for everyone. It looks like you are on a good track though! What I would say is that, depending on your goals as a musician, that memorization should be used with care. If your goal is to become proficient at sight-reading, then you should try to practice with the sheet music in front of you, and be deliberate about reading the notes as you play them.

Good luck!

[xjerbearx]

I consider myself okay at reading sight music, as I've been playing guitar for 3 years using both tabs and sheet music. The biggest problem is: I need to look at my left hand and take quick glances at my right when playing the piano. Should i play slowly and not look at my left hand as much so i can focus on the sheet music and get used to it?
Also, I completely agree with end, sometimes under pressure my memory fails me, so i guess I should start learning to play without looking at the keys..
Any advice as to how i should start doing this?

[peterjmathis]

Like you said, you can practice phrases slowly, without looking at the keys. Don't worry if you're going really slow at first, you'll get better