How to Learn a New Song: A Step-By-Step Guide
When learning a new piece, pianists practice playing with separate hands before they combine both lines of music. A violinist can separate their bowing from finger patterns, and a flutist can isolate their breath articulation from their melodic dexterity.
So, how should a singer prepare a song?
As a pianist and (former) violinist & oboist, I’ve developed my own procedure for learning new songs over the past decade. This process has emerged out of my own desire to practice with the intention, specificity, and efficiency that I found in my instrumental practice.
I offer these steps to you merely as suggestions, and, as you try them out, I encourage you to create your own recipe for successful learning.
Step 1: Speak the words aloud - First Impression
What sets vocal music apart from all other musical compositions? Words. A song’s lyrics provide the meaning and perspective that is central to a singer’s performance. More often than not, we jump directly into singing the notes and the words simultaneously. When we do so, we miss an opportunity to connect deeply to the text.
Take a few minutes to read through the lyrics of your song in a casual and conversational manner. Are these phrases we would hear in everyday conversation, or is the writing poetic? How do the words make you feel? Are the lyrics composed of short phrases or long sentences?
Step 2: Research the song’s background
Now that you’ve developed a first impression of the song’s meaning, let’s spend five minutes collecting more context on your song.
If your song is part of a larger work (musical, opera, etc.), research the plot and circumstances of this work. Who is your character? Where and when does this song occur? What has just happened and what will happen directly after the song?
If your song stands alone (pop song, folk song, etc.), explore information about the composer/songwriter and famous details surrounding the release and performance of this piece. Does the song connect to real events from the composer’s life? Are there any famous performances of this song? If your song is obscure, how does it compare to popular music that was composed at the same time?
Step 3: Speak the words aloud - Further Analysis
Armed with additional information, our impression of a song often shifts and deepens. A trite love song can become a selfless profession of loyalty, and an annoyed friend can become a betrayed lover.
Read through the lyrics once again with a natural voice and inflection. Stop after every line or so, and ask yourself “What am I really saying here?” Songs with more conversational lyrics will be easier to analyze, and poetic text will require more thought. Try to paraphrase each line, replacing the original words with phrases you would use when talking to a close friend. How has your interpretation changed?
Step 4: Speak the words gently in rhythm
Once you’ve developed a clearer understanding of the song’s meaning, you’re ready to integrate all of the musical elements that transform words into music. First up: rhythm.
Play a recording of the song (or a karaoke/accompaniment track), and gently speak the words in rhythm with the track. Repeat this until it feels quite easy to follow along with the recording. Be sure to hold out longer notes with your voice (even when it feels silly!) to match the timing of the music.
As you practice the rhythm, take note of where the timing differs from how you spoke the words in Steps 1 & 3. These moments become great opportunities to place stress on key words and highlight the unique aspects of the songwriting.
Step 5: Sing the notes on syllable sounds
After conquering the rhythmic pulse of the piece, it’s time to explore notes: the melodic flow of the piece. This is often the most challenging aspect of the learning process. Not only do we need to train our ears to anticipate and recreate the pitches of the song, but we also need to condition our voices to flow freely and easily across our vocal range.
Choose a syllable sound (ex. Ga-ga, Me-me, La-la, etc.) and once again, play the recording of your song or its accompaniment. Sing along to the recording using your syllable sound while aiming for precision of pitches as well as ease, freedom, and clarity of vocal production. At this stage, our objective is to access the freest sounds possible rather than an artistic interpretation (that’s coming soon!).
As you practice singing, be aware of any physical impulses to lift, stretch, or pull for high and low notes. Pause when you notice a particular strain, and explore how you can release tension in your neck, shoulders, tongue, back, etc. to find more ease.
Step 6: Chant the words with open articulation
With the notes learned, let’s return to the words and rhythms of the piece. This time, we want to place our focus on how to best articulate the vowel and consonant sounds for ideal freedom and resonance. (While some coaches may direct you to sing exactly how you speak, we believe that vocal technique should elevate your voice beyond your speaking habits.)
Try this exercise: release your jaw to a comfortable and open position and chant the words in rhythm with as little jaw movement as possible (without strain!). Notice that your lips and tongue will work more actively than normal to form the song’s words. By activating the articulators in this way, you free up pressure on your vocal mechanism and enhance the resonating space above your throat. A true win-win!
Step 7: Put the pieces together!
Bravo! You’ve learned and prepared your song with great patience, intention, and structure. You’re ready to sing your song with all of the elements! Because of the work that you’ve invested in your preparation, you can trust that your interpretation of the song is accurate and meaningful. Remember the analysis that you completed in Steps 1-3 and take risks to make the song your own.
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Written by Wesley Diener