How To Learn a Stack of Tunes

Ever felt overwhelmed by a stack of tunes you need to learn?

You're not alone. Many of us start a new year filled with the excitement of plunging into new music but quickly find ourselves buried under the pile.

What if there were a way to make learning tunes not just bearable, but thoroughly fun?

Here are three principles I use every time I need to learn a huge pile of new tunes.

1. Play All Your Tunes Daily

Does the idea of playing every tune every day seem daunting? It shouldn't be. Think of it as a joyful daily ritual rather than a chore. Don't get bogged down by perfecting one tune before moving to the next. Instead, sort your tunes by importance and play through them all as frequently as possible. Some might say, "But what about days when life gets in the way?" That's okay! Skip a day, then jump right back in without stress. By keeping your tunes in rotation, you'll find that they slowly start to stick.

2. Never Play by Yourself

Yes, you read that right. Leave the solo practicing behind and make playing a social event – even if it’s just you and a recording. Find a recording of the tune, whether it’s from your band’s pipe major, a YouTube performance, or a favorite CD. Play along, and let the music carry you. It's more fun and incredibly beneficial. You’ll learn the nuances of the tune just by osmosis – no need for agonizing over every note and grace note. It's like having a mentor right there with you, guiding you through the peaks and valleys of each tune.

3. Forget Memorization... Seriously!

This might sound counterintuitive. Isn’t memorizing the whole point? Not really. Memorization happens naturally when you're engaged and having fun with your music. Think back to the tunes you know by heart. Did you sit down and force yourself to memorize them, or did they become a part of you over time because you enjoyed playing them? Exactly. Know this: your subconscious is a memorization powerhouse – trust it. 

Instead of focusing on memorization, immerse yourself in the process. Enjoy clapping along to the rhythm, whistling the melody, or picturing yourself playing it. It's a journey, not a destination. And when you miss a day of practice, embrace it. You might be surprised at how much better you play when you come back with a fresh mind.

Making it Fun

At the core of all these tips is an essential truth: Playing music should be fun. If the joy isn’t there, change your approach. Integrating these practices will keep your sessions lighthearted and fulfilling. If trudging through tunes isn't your idea of a good time, mix it up. Play tunes you love, jam along to those lively recordings, and let the excitement of music guide you.

Check out this episode of the Dojo Conversations podcast as we tackle the best ways to learn a stack o' tunes!