In Michael Feinstein's book, Nice Work If You Can Get It, he offers some good advice about learning a song:
"As dull as it sounds, the first way I learn a lyric is by rote. Before I start working on the interpretation and meaning of the words, I have to get it in my head so it comes automatically. The reason for this is to allow for nervousness. If I memorize something in a calm state, that doesn't mean that I will know it when I'm onstage. I have to go an extra mile and remember it under pressure, which requires more work." |