BUON CANTO REPERTOIRE:





HOW TO LEARN YOUR REPERTOIRE:

                              

1.  If in a foreign language, find the literal (not poetic) translation and write it word for word in the score.  Use the Resources: Diction Links page for help.

2.  Find some history on the piece/composer/songwriter to put it in context historically and stylistically.

3.  Rhythm: Clap and count.  Count aloud and articulate the rhythm by clapping.

4.  Pronunciation: Speak the language through with the proper diction.  Complete this step even if the piece is in English--it will familiarize you with the lyrics/poetry of the piece.  If in a foreign language that is unfamiliar, use the Resources: Diction Links page for help

5.  Speak the language in rhythm.  Opposite from Step #2, you will now be tapping the beat with your hands, and using your mouth/words to articulate the rhythm.

6.  Melody: sing the piece through on a neutral syllable or in solfege.  This type of sight-singing (after the rhythm has been determined, and before using the actual text of the piece) eases the vocal tension typically attributed to sight-singing.  It creates a relaxed melodic muscle memory in the vocal chords.

7.  Sing the melody with the correct words.  This is tempting as a first step for many people, but resist this urge as much as possible.  A quick run-through is fine to get a gist of a new piece, but hammering these new melodic components, words, and rhythms repeatedly, skipping Steps # 1-6, will create a tense muscle memory.  Instead, use Steps # 1-6 to create a well-rounded musical foundation.

8.  Apply the appropriate articulation markings.  Study the composer and/or editor's written dynamic markings and other articulations, such as staccato markings, portamento notations, tempo changes, etc.

9.  Apply the appropriate dramatic expression.  This requires an understanding of the lyrics/poetry, as well as the historical context and style of the piece.

10.  Practice a cappella and memorized.  Play the starting note on the piano, then walk away and sing the piece entirely.  Return to the piano and play the ending note--are you in tune? Did you remember all the lyrics? This is a wonderful gauge of how well you really know a piece.

11.  Practice with the accompaniment and all of the appropriate stylistic, dramatic, melodic, rhythmic, and linguistic aspects.  The accompaniment adds a whole new level of complication--different rhythms and melodic and harmonic components to play with your ear.  Make sure you are very familiar with the piece so you can now turn your focus to collaborating with your accompanist.

12.  Finally, listen to other artists perform the piece.  This is very tempting as an initial step; however, using only ears to learn songs is a crutch that prevents true musical development.  Not only will it stifle your music theory, ear training, diction, and keyboard development, but it also prevents you from making the song your own.  Give yourself the opportunity to craft a new piece with your own artistic abilities, and then listen to other musicians performing the same piece to compare what you like and dislike about your own interpretation.