Question for those who sing

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 6:50pm

I really am not a singer, but I am going to perform in a musical piece. Anyway, my question is this-when learning a song, do you first memorize the lyrics without listening to the music, or do you memorize the lyrics along with listening to the instrumentals at the same time? Thanks for any help you can give me!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 7:10pm

It depends on the song. For me, I usually learn ballad lyrics with the music. For more complicated patter or upbeat tunes, I'll rehearse the lyrics rhythmically slowly and then build up to tempo to accomplish both memorizing the lyrics and enunciation. Then I'll add the music. But of course, when no piano or accompanist is available, endless looping of the cast recording is invaluable to learning lyrics if the recording uses the same version of the score.

PS - If the performance relies heavily on acting, when rehearsing alone, forget the music, forget the rhythm. Concentrate on the intent of the words as if they are spoken dialogue and apply the intent and stress to the music. Good songs have the emotionally stressed words naturally stressed in the music.

Updated On: 5/3/04 at 07:10 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 7:31pm

Thanks Matt, that makes sense.

[shira467]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 9:18pm

Yeah for me, it depends completely on the type of song. When I was learning the words to a french song for a classical voice audition, I memorized the words separately from the music. But for a "legit" belting piece, I go with the music and just listen to recordings.

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 10:41pm

I bet it's easier if you're trying to learn a popular song, or one that you're familiar with from a show. But this situation is different, and HARD for me. This is original music and lyrics, which don't follow a repeated rhythm, it kind of scatters all over the place. OY! But thanks for the advice!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 10:43pm

But don't try to copy a recording. You have to make it your own and rarely does sheet match the arrangement (or key, etc.) on the CD anyway.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 10:57pm

Words to live by JRB, I'm scrambling to get the sheet music for Good Man Charlie Brown, I should have it by tomorrow. I will get to see if Snoopy is actually in the original key on the recording. I just need someone to play the accompaniement for me. I have both the OBC and the Revival so hopefully that'll help having two different recordings until I hear it.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 9:04am

My acting teacher insists on learning any song as a monologue first - its truly helpful. You have to shake off the rhyme schemes and the feel of staying in tempo - just learn it and perform it as a monologue (this way you will truly connect with the material and make it make sense to you) then simply add pitch to the lyrics and let the song fly. It sounds much easier than it is - but in the end the results are wonderful if you let yourself go with it.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 2:19pm

I agree with making the song your own. I use cast recordings simply to memorize the basic melody and lyrics. I cannot stand to see singers simply copy the performance of the original singer. There's simply no point to it. Make the song your own and see what you can find in the song that may have not been previously discovered.

[~*Triple Star On Broadway*~]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 2:28pm

You definetly have to find a way that works for you. Different performers have different methods, and you have to find your own. So try everything to see what you think works the best.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 3:08pm

Matt and I studied with the same great teacher in Houston--Ann Ostrow, who is Stuart Ostrow's wife. (he produced Pippin, 1776, M Butterfly among MANY others). She was the BOMB!! =)

[HunterFosterIsMyGod]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 3:10pm

I usually go for with the music.

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 3:14pm

Thanks again you all! I guess as with anything else, you have to do what works for you~

[CJR]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 3:46pm

I've been told that I have a great ear for music -- not only can I learn a piece once and never forget it, I can also tell where the music is going.

Typically, I'll have someone play it for me and then I'll just feel it out... and work on it till it's my own.

That's just me though -- many people have told me I'm just plain weird for that. lol

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 4:49pm

I'll usually get the tune first -- I'm known for 'blah blah blah'ing when I have the tune down but don't know the words yet. But I'd rather get the music right and fiddle with words later.

Also be careful with cast albums because sometimes when you sing what you think you're hearing you'll find out it's not exactly what's written.

[dramaqueen]

Posted: 5/4/04 at 7:18pm

also-try not to listen to the recording before you make acting choices for the song-if u cant help it because of tune-whatever-but it shows when u make ur own choices

[wannabactor]

Posted: 5/5/04 at 12:09pm

It is easier for me to learn the music/melody of the song. If you can hum the melody sooner or later the words just find their way into your head and you know them.