How to (really) learn a song

Learning a song might seem simple: you just sing it, right? But every singer knows it’s not that easy. The real skill lies in breaking a song down, practicing it step by step, and putting it back together so it feels natural, expressive, and fun. That’s what this guide will show you.

This article is part of my How to learn how to sing roadmap. There, I walk through the entire journey of becoming a singer. Here, we zoom in on one crucial piece of that journey: how to learn a song efficiently. By mastering this method, you’ll make faster progress with any repertoire, from pop to classical.

In other words, I'll show you the formula to learn sing the song and really know it. Also memorize it, if needed.

The break-down method of song learning

Some of the learning methods are not sexy, sorry guys.

In a nutshell, you need to do it bit by bit. Then repeat. Booo! 

BUT, when you are in the process, it’s actually very satisfying to take things slow. If you know how to go about it, and the right methodology for you. 

How to determine what kind of "song learner" you are

The great Dr. Dan recommends to determine what kind of learner you are. And then use methods that work with that way of learning. I’ve also heard this concept from the superb power couple of Vocal Process. The different types of learners are:

1. The Visual Person: You might be a person who sees everything in their mind, imagine the way things look. When you look at something, it’s easier for you to remember. If that’s you - you are a visual person.
2. The Auditory Person: If you need to listen and hear before you pay attention to what you see. If you remember things more easily after hearing them - you are an auditory person.
3. The Kinesthetic/Tactile person: In order to really get something and understand it, you need to get busy with it. Do something with your hands. Or pay attention to a sensation in your body. This is easier for you to access than other stimuli such as visuals or sounds. If that’s you - you are a tactile person.

So let’s take a look at the different methods. Eventually, I recommend doing all the methods, but you can lead with the most effective one for you:

Visual song learners 

1. Write down all the lyrics of the song/ get them up on your device/print them on a paper.
2. Read one phrase, and repeat it out loud.
3. Do this a few times until you get it. If you want to memorize the song, repeat ech phrase and at some point lift your eyes off the lyrics and try by heart. Do that one phrase at a time until you have it.
4. Then move on to the next phrase and do the same. When you have learned 2 phrases, read both of them in a row and repeat until you go it.
5. After learning a verse or two, go ahead and listen to the music, and use the method for the auditory learners.

Auditory song learners

1. Start by listening to the song one phrase at a time.
2. Repeat the line after you hear it, then listen again and repeat until you know it.
3. After you have learned 2 phrases seperately, listen to both of them in a row and repeat until you get it.
4. Then enhance your memory of lyrics by going to the visual/tectile method.

Tactile song learners

1. Write down the song one phrase at a time. With pen and paper, and with your own hands (don’t borrow already written lyrics).
2. After writing, repeat the line out loud. Do this a few times until you know the phrase.
3. Then move on to the next phrase and do the same.
4. After you have learned 2 phrases, write down both of them in a row and repeat until you get it.
5. After learning a verse or two, go ahead and listen to the music, and use the method for the auditory learners.

For a more thorough finish: learn the connections

You can learn one phrase, then the other, or one verse, then the chorus. But sometimes you might find yourself getting stuck right in the transition between them. 

I notice that all the time in my choir rehearsals. We have to go to the end of the verse, and connect it to the beginning of the chorus. Especially if there is a big jump in the melody line, or a key change.

So whenever you see there is a difficult part - take some time and zoom in on it. Go one phrase before that and learn the connection.

Don’t skip steps 😉

We are all impatient. We want to be able to know the song NOW. We don’t want to wait until we know it! But hey, if you take it easy, I promise you it will go by faster than you think. And over all, your learning process will be shorter! It’s crazy, but true.

How to choose a song to learn?

Is a song even good for you? There are many songs we would like to be able to sing, but for now they are in a higher level than we are. Or maybe they are just in the wrong key! 

You should make sure you choose a song that fits your range and level. If you are starting out or if you are working on a certain vocal technique at the moment - choose an easy song. Check out how to do so in my post how to choose a song (for more advanced song, this post will also teach you how to adjust for the correct key). 

Let me know how this works out for you, and enjoy singing! Oh, and for those of you who play guitar or another instrument, I have an article about how to sing and play at the same time.

What's next?

Learning a song is just one part of the bigger journey of becoming a singer. Once you’ve chosen and practiced a song step by step, the next stage is to strengthen your technique and confidence so you can perform it with ease. In my How to Learn How to Sing guide, I’ll take you through the full roadmap: from removing mental blocks, to building vocal technique, to delivering your song on stage.