If you want to become a singer, you need to know how to memorize songs. A lot goes into putting a song to memory, but it's easier than you may think.
Read on to learn some top tips to help you memorize song lyrics and melodies.
The first time you memorize a song, you should choose that song carefully. Ideally, you'd start with a song you already know and like. However, any song in a genre you like can be a good choice.
It's also important to choose a song that fits your vocal range. Then, you won't have to strain your vocal muscles to sing the song from memory or otherwise. You can transpose a song up or down as necessary, but it's easier to memorize using the original recording.
After selecting a song to memorize, the next step is to listen to that song a lot. Get the melody and instrumentals in your head. This will make it a bit easier to intentionally memorize the song later.
As you listen, you might start to memorize the song lyrics or melody subconsciously. Put the song on and listen to it actively while not doing anything else. However, it also helps to listen to the song in the background when doing chores in the house or driving around town.
The more you listen to a song, the easier it will be to memorize it later. Now, try not to listen to it too much to the point where you make yourself sick of the song.
Listening to the song can be a great way to start memorizing song lyrics. However, there are plenty of song lyrics that are hard to understand by ear. Maybe the singer is singing fast, or they have a thick accent that's hard to hear.
Look for the lyrics online and read them both with and without the song playing. You can print out the lyrics or read them on your phone or tablet. Pay attention to each of the words and how they flow together.
If you've misheard some of the lyrics, highlight those words. Then, you can take extra time to memorize them correctly.
A lot of popular songs have the same form. Many of them start with a verse followed by a chorus. A second verse usually follows with a similar melody to the first verse but new lyrics.
Then, the chorus repeats with the same melody and lyrics. After that, some songs have a bridge with a unique melody and lyrics. The song may end with another repeat of the chorus before fading out.
However, some songs have a slightly different form. Understanding the form can help you look for patterns overall, such as when the chorus appears. That can make it easier to memorize the entire song because you can focus on memorizing smaller sections.
It can be tempting to try and sing the song lyrics first. However, start by just singing the melody on a syllable, such as "la." This gives you the chance to work on the melody itself without worrying about the words.
Consider how it feels to sing each note in the melody. If you're having to strain to hit any of the notes, take a break to work on your vocal range. You may also want to think about transposing the song so that it fits your voice better.
If you have access to the sheet music, play the melody on the piano or another instrument. Listen to the notes, and sing along if using a piano or keyboard. That way, you can match the pitch correctly.
If you're having trouble remembering the song lyrics, especially which verse comes when, look into the meaning of the song. Look up interviews with the singer or composer and see if they mention a meaning or inspiration for the song.
Watching the music video can also be a good way to learn more about the story. A good example of this that comes to mind is the Cher Lloyd song "Sirens" which was inspired by the singer's life as a young child.
When learning a musical theatre song or opera song, you can also look into the overall story of the show. Consider when in the show the song appears and what character sings it.
A great option for how to memorize a song is to break it into sections. Separate the song into each verse and chorus, and work on one section at a time. Practice singing just the melody for the verses followed by each verse with the lyrics.
Next, work on the melody and lyrics for the chorus, and repeat the process for any bridge or other sections. Working on a smaller chunk can make memorizing song lyrics and melodies less overwhelming.
It's also a great option if you only have a few minutes to practice at a time. Dedicate one practice session to each section to help memorize the whole song.
After memorizing song lyrics and the melody, it's time to put your new skills to the test. Go back to the recording you used to learn the song. This time, sing along with the original singer and try to anticipate the melody and lyrics.
The nice thing about singing with the artist is that you can hear any lyrics you missed. If you forget something, just hum along or sing on a "la" syllable. Then, get back to singing the lyrics when you remember them.
To challenge yourself and see how well you've memorized a song, look for an instrumental version. This will give you a backing track, so you can listen for when the chord progression changes from the verse to the chorus.
However, it's up to you to remember all of the lyrics. The first time you do this, you can keep a lyric sheet in your peripheral vision in case you forget something. But try to sing without looking at the lyrics.
Using a karaoke version also allows you to get more creative as a singer. You can add riffs and other vocal techniques to make the song your own.
If you're a kinetic learner and still struggling with how to memorize song lyrics, consider adding some movement to it. You can make up your own choreography or try to learn the official choreography if there is any.
Another option is to add small movements, even just movements of the arms or hands. This can help you remember the words when singing. Your brain can start to associate the words with the dance moves.
You may do everything you can to memorize song lyrics and melodies, but it can be easy to forget them if you get nervous on stage. To help with this, practice singing in front of a small audience of people you feel comfortable with.
Maybe this is just one or two people at first, and you can grow from there. If you get nervous, you can find ways to remember the lyrics.
A classic option is to picture the audience in their underwear. This can help you feel a bit less nervous, so you may not forget the lyrics as easily.
The more performance practice you get, the easier it will be when you have to sing in front of a large audience. You might get to the point where you either don't get nervous, or your body starts to turn the nervous energy into excitement.
Learning to memorize music can take a bit of practice and time. In my experience, learning to memorize vocal music is easier than instrumental music.
However, you still need to listen to the song you want to memorize, and listen often. Then, take plenty of time to break the song into sections and practice each part.
The time it takes to memorize songs depends on many factors, including the song itself, your experience with memorization, and the style of song. I've found that I can memorize pop songs within a day or two.
However, memorizing classical music takes a couple of weeks. The first time you memorize a song, it may take a little longer, so be patient with yourself.
Using just a melody, you can memorize a song by singing on a single syllable. Use "la" or something else that you feel comfortable with to memorize the melody. If there are any lyrics, you can start to memorize them later.
Musicians can memorize a lot of songs by working on one at a time. After getting a song into one's long-term memory, you can move on to the next song. And to keep songs in your memory, be sure to sing through them at least a few times a month.
Learning how to memorize a song is a crucial skill when becoming a singer. You have to learn song lyrics and the melody. Be sure to start with a song you like, and take your time with it.
Then, you can repeat the process with each new song you want to learn.