Break it Down Part 1: Learning a New Song for Voice Lessons: A Step by Step Guide

Its a new school year, and a new time to learn!  Learning to sing a new song is sometimes daunting if you have just started lessons and are learning to read the music, been given a song in a new language or more difficult rhythms, or are singing in a different style than you are used to.  Take a second and break down learning the song into different parts, don't try to do it all at once.  Our brains can process the information to be successful if we take it step by step.   Think of it as a math problem, get the basics down and then add the other components. Here is a simple guide:

1. Listen to a recording of the song (piano recording of the melody or YouTube version)
  *If you play the piano, play through the melody yourself

2.  Listen again and follow along with the notes.  Note where the pitches move up and down.

3. Sing the notes on a neutral syllable such as 'la' or 'do'.  Lip buzz the melody.
  *This way you are focusing on matching the pitches and the rhythms only.

4. Repeat step 3 until you know the melody and rhythms.

5. Look at the words and mark in where you think you should breathe based on the text and how the composer wrote the melody.

6. Sing adding the words to the melody. Repeat it.

7.  Mark where you have troubles matching the words with the melody and work those specific parts.  If you still have difficulty, try it the next day and make a note to ask for help on those spots.

8.  Build on your knowledge of the song with each practice session and you will be able to sing the lyrics with the melody and rhythm soon.  Any trouble spots? Ask for help in your next lesson.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

* Longer songs

-Break it down into sections.  Allow yourself to focus on 2 pages one day, Chorus only, Verse only, Section A .
- Follow the steps above on one section at a time.
- Review those sections the next practice and then add another part to it.

*Song in a foreign language

- Get to know the song inside and out with the melody and rhythms.
- Speak the text in rhythm to get the nuances of the language (ask your teacher to review pronunciation and listen to reputable singers on the language).
- THEN  sing the text.  It may difficult at first.  Look at where each syllable falls (this should be helped by first speaking it in rhythm).
- Mark any places you have difficulty with so you can ask your teacher in your next lesson.

Just like learning how to do a complex math problem or writing a multi-page essay, learning to sing a new song is easier when you break it down into steps and then build upon it.  HAPPY SINGING and tune in next week for tips on how to fit more practice time into your schedule!