How to Prepare a New Song for a Solo

I’m asked many times to sing on programs and have to learn the song requested for the program or a new song for the worship service. For some of us memorization may sometimes be a challenge especially when the time is limited or the words are difficult. Here’s my plan:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Music
• Computer
• Printer
• Prayer
• Committed Time

1. The first thing I do is ensure the song is one that suites my voice range, style and a message that I speaks my heart or something fun but not challenging my faith.
2. The next step is to obtain the written music or a recording of the song. People learn music in various ways. I learn by ear, then by visual. So, I listen to the song, and if I have the score to see it as I listen it helps me to visualize it.
3. I have learned through the years what my handicaps are. One is memorizing my words on something brand new. So, if I don’t have the score, I use my computer to go on the web and obtain the words.
4. I place the words in a Word document and highlight those words or sections that challenge me. I make the size of the print large enough so that I can see it from almost any position then print them out to have with me at all times.
5. I take a self-made CD copy of the song and the printed copy of the words with me in my car, when I’m in a place without a CD, I use my iPod to listen to the music and always have the words with me. (I drive my family crazy because I put the machines on repeat and the song plays over and over and over til they have it down pat!)

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t box yourself in with limitations. If you learn by music only do what works.
• If you don’t have accesses to a computer go to a music store or bookstore to get what you need