Tuesday Practice Tips – How To Learn a Song Part 4: Putting It All Together

We’ve learned the text.

We’ve learned the rhythm.

We’ve learned the melody.

We’ve shaped every vowel as close to perfect as humanly possible.

Now, it’s time to bring it all together and make music.

As you begin singing the piece on the actual words, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep the sound flowing.

Support your tone with steady breath and aim for a smooth, legato line. Don’t let consonants interrupt the flow — they should shape the words, not stop the sound.

Then, clarify the text.

Once your airflow is consistent, focus on clear diction. Some consonants naturally block the breath, so in my students’ lessons, we explore ways to articulate clearly without disrupting the vocal flow.

Repeat until it’s second nature.

Sing it again and again — not mechanically, but mindfully — until you’re no longer thinking about every breath, note, or vowel. The song becomes second nature.

---

At this point, you are no longer just a singer executing correct notes and rhythms.

You’re an artist telling a story.

Step into the character’s world:

• What do they want?

• What’s in their way?

• What just happened in the story before this moment?

If the piece is from an opera or musical, consider watching performances on YouTube or purchasing DVDs for in-depth study. Read the complete script or libretto so that you know the whole story, not just your part, but the arc that surrounds it. Understand the scene emotionally, dramatically, and musically. Is your character confident? Nervous? Grieving? Elated?

Let all of that inform your performance, so by the time you walk onstage, you’re ready to transport your audience to a different world.