Digital Commons Network^™

A Survey Of Choral Ensemble Memorization Techniques, Margaret A. Alley

Phi Kappa Phi Research Symposium (2012-2016)

Choral ensembles memorize music for concerts and other performances. Previous research in memorizing musical material is mostly anecdotal and primarily applied to individual instrumentalists. Research in choral memorization is nonexistent. This study aimed to systematically find out what memorization techniques are used in choral ensemble settings and to examine them based on existing literature in music memorizing. A survey was sent to choral directors and teachers in Southeast Georgia, collecting data on whether or not choral ensembles memorize their music and why, specific memorization techniques, and the aspects of memorization that present challenges for ensemble members. Fourteen choral directors and …