Do you tend to play your work from memory, for exams, performance, and pleasure, or do you usually work from music?

From memory, without a doubt. I've never played from music for an exam, gig, or for pleasure.

Matt

I play from memory for most. I have the music at hand and try to follow it in case I forget where i'm at

When I'm on my own, mostly from memory. If I'm playing in front of the teacher, mostly from the music. I tend to mess up in front of the teacher - hands lose co-ordination and brain goes blank therefore I play from the music.

What do you tend to do and does it depend on the circumstances?

I play better from memory, but find it takes me a long time to get something to memory. My teacher's of the opinion that playing from memory is best for guitar.

I've always memorised music but had it with me anyway just in case, although I rarely need it. I'm a little too scared to just go for it.