How to learn new songs (Without Getting Stuck in Perfectionism)
Learning a new song can feel overwhelming, especially if you tend to get stuck on “getting everything right.”
Here’s a practical and human 👽 approach that’s helped me (and many of my students):
1. Start from the big picture
First, identify the structure of the song (intro, verse, chorus, bridge, etc.). Then begin listening to the melody of each section (ideally several times) paying attention to how they differ and repeat.
2. Use active listening
You can absolutely play the song in the background to get familiar with it (in between “studying” sessions, like in the car!), but for faster and deeper learning, make time to actively listen with intention. Focus your attention, follow the phrasing and details, and even speak or hum along silently.
3. Sing along with the original
Before jumping to a backing track (or playing), try singing along with the original version. This helps reinforce melody, timing, and style, and gets your ear and body used to how it feels in real time.
Repeat short sections, then gradually try singing a cappella (even just a few words at a time).
4.Work on lyrics + melody together
Once you’ve mapped out structure and melody, begin learning the lyrics in connection with the melody. Try to understand what each section is saying, both musically and emotionally. And yes, also continue singing short sections a cappella. This builds stronger memory and confidence.
Pro tip 1: Record yourself, even if it’s just short fragments. Listen back to check how well you’re internalizing the song. You’ll often notice things you didn’t realize in the moment, and it helps you track progress!
Pro tip 2: If lyrics tend to slip your mind (Dang I always struggle with lyrics!) I recommend trying an app like MemoCoach. You can paste your lyrics and practice them progressively using memory-based strategies:
-Hide everything except the first letters
-Hide entire words
-Show only first words of each paragraph
Then repeat the text several times in each category/exercise, slowly hiding more as you go.
It trains your brain in a smart way, and it works surprisingly well.
If you don’t have the app and can’t get it you can recreate a similar approach using a printed version of the lyrics and a sheet of paper to hide lines progressively.
BONUS TIP: as discussed with and , writing the lyrics out by hand (yes, multiple times) is also surprisingly powerful for memory!
5.Break it Down (Micro Work)
Once the structure, melody, and lyrics are in place, zoom in on:
-Registers
-Dynamics
-Sound elements (such as weight, closure sound color, energy, etc)
-Voice qualities
-Effects, overlays, special techniques
Tackle one section at a time, then narrow down to individual lines, or even words if needed. And of course here it’ll be even more important to sing lines and words a capella.
6. BONUS 1: Bring It Back to Expression & Meaning 🎭
All this technical and musical work? It’s ultimately in service of expression.
I think that music is communication. It’s how we share emotion, meaning, and connection, with ourselves and with others.
So once you’ve learned the structure, melody, lyrics, and details… take a moment to ask yourself:
· What does this song mean?
· What’s the emotion or message behind it?
· How can I relate this to something in my life?
The more personally you connect to the material, the more authentic your performance will feel. Then you don’t need to force drama. Just let your instinct out and your lived experience color the sound. And the more elements and ingredients your have in your voice, the better you will be able to express 🎨
😌 Note: Managing Perfectionism
Perfection is an illusion, and learning songs is a process, not a race.
Ask yourself:
“What’s my goal with this song? Do I want to copy it exactly, or make it mine?”
Let that guide your depth of work.
If you want help breaking down a song you’re working on, drop it in the chat, tag me or DM me! I’m always happy to explore music together!
Have fun!!! ;)