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Good question.
I learn music BEST and FASTEST if I can access the sheet music--even if I'm just vocally performing it. I plunk it out on the piano as I sing. I'm a visual learner, so having the notes in front of me to look at is huge. As I memorize it, I'll put the music away and just hit occasional piano notes to make sure I'm not wandering away from the pitch, until I can do it a cappella.

There are radio/band songs I want to learn that I can't find the sheet music for, though, so I can't always do that. I've noticed that just because I can sing along perfectly and on cue with the radio on, DOES NOT MEAN I'm ready to take it out to an a cappella open mic! If I take myself away from the band performance, I'm lost again.

I *still* need to go to the piano, plunk the melody out by ear, and use the same methods as above to truly learn how to sing the piece.

I'll sit in the car (or drive) looping the song I'm working on, and lead the music with my hand to get the feel for the downbeats and timing. Without the sheet music, I don't automatically know "oh that's a whole note" or quarter notes or a triplet or whatever. I may be *feeling* it OK, but not labeling right.

Practice over and over and over is about the only way, though.
I do break it into sections, yes. Especially if I'm having a rough time with certain parts. I will go over a certain phrase as many times as necessary to drill it into my head.

The most frustrating thing of all is to think I've got it and try recording it, only to find out I still sound crummy or flat in parts. When I thought I had it down pat. Listening to a playback definitely shows me where to work, especially where phrasing and dynamics are concerned. I might be doing something I think sounds "cool" only to find out it's overdone or melodramatic on the tape. Whoops!

I can really get hyper-critical of myself in a hurry when I listen to my own voice. Not good. Eventually--with enough practice in front of a mic & recorder--I hope that'll get better.


Linda