How to approach learning a song.

The singer faces a difficult challenge compared to all other instrumentalists. Not only is our instrument entirely within us but we also have to convey a text.

Here I want to offer five basic introductory tips on how to best approach learning a song/aria both in terms of singing technique and how to convey its emotion and meaning.

1) Start with the text/lyrics of the song - This is arguably the most important aspect of any song as it holds the meaning and emotional content which underpins the music. Read the poem and interpret what it means and how you want to express it. Becoming familiar with pronouncing the texts also makes it easier to sing as you will be able to focus on your performance without worrying too much about pronunciation. 

2) The melody - sing through with a piano if possible. Understand how the melody responds to the words.

3) Sing the melody with vowel sounds only - this is a good way to make your voice at home with the melody, with the vowel sounds being used and how they move from one to the other.

4) Learn off by heart - I believe that you can only do a song justice if you know it from memory. Only then can you give a true performance of the song's meaning. Not having music also removes any barrier between you and your audience and allows you to truly perform. Whilst this might make you nervous, it is good practice and the audience will appreciate it much more.

5) Whilst it is useful to gain inspiration by listening to other singers singing the song on spotify/itunes/youtube it can be dangerous. Firstly, they do not have your voice - it is tempting to impersonate our idols but you should always, as the phrase goes, 'make the song your own'. You should always try to make a song original as otherwise it will seem forced and unnatural. Copying other singer's voices can also damage your own.