Memorizing

[chopinlover96]

I always hear people talking about memorizing and saying how important it is but i'm nit sure why people say its so important. So my question is Why is it very improtant?

[49410enrique]

i'll give my short answer, because if part of your attention is diverted to reading the music, you're that much less able to focus on what you wish to express musically, that is you are still visually guided vs guided by your ear and your "mind/heart/soul/etc."

[beebert]

Also, it's more fun for you to have a piece memorized, and it gives a better impression on others.

[j_menz]

I don't believe it's important at all, if you don't find referring to the page impacts on your playing.

It's pretty much expected for performances, though (unless you're an accompanist, or in a chamber group).  It's all Liszt and Clara Schumann's fault - before them, no one much bothered.

Ultimately, if you play better once you've memorised it, then memorise; if you play better without then don't (unless it's an imposed requirement).