Lyrics on stage (Page 1 of 2)

Well, I think you should know the proper steps on how to memorize lyrics. That would help you on your problem. Good luck!

Heya Klapgeest,

When I'm trying to remember new lyrics, I'll often use tricks like this to help me:-

- Write the lyrics down on a piece of paper a few times.
- Keep going over the song in my head for a while, stopping and checking the piece of paper when I reach a point where I get stuck. I'll keep doing this until I no longer get stuck for the words.
- Think about the story of the lyric... if I can get caught up in what the meaning of the lyric is, this helps paint pictures in my mind which ultimately help jolt my memory.
- Leave the song playing on repeat while I'm doing my day to day stuff.
- Note the areas of the lyric where I'm having trouble remembering and just focus on those particular bits over and over again.

Hope that helps a little!

Best wishes,

Joey

You're very welcome Martin!

I'm sure you'll discover tricks of your own along the way (and hope you'll share them too as I can always use an extra trick when it comes to remembering lyric!).

Cheers,

Joey

Dont worry about remembering the lyrics. We have been playing live for years and I have a Musicpad to look at, and the girl singers have little 7" screens attached to the mic stands with the lyrics scrolling up. (We use Midimaestro with backing tracks and have the screens connected).
I have tinted reading glasses (we do a lot of outdoor shows) so no-one can see where I'm looking!

After a while you start remembering the lyrics anyway.

Also, remember the last word of the line... the next line probably rhymes, if you get the last word of the next line, you will probably remember the rest of the line. When in doubt... just phonate in the general direction (called "speaking chinese") of the lyric until you remember where you are... NEVER just go silent!

I use either PowerTracks or RealBand from PG music, both have the ability to scroll lyrics and chords on screen, and are full on DAW sequencers so they can control Synths, and TC products. PT is rather inexpensive as well around $50

you got very interesting problem over there..
here let me share you something...
though I don't know who the author is..
but been using it for long time already...
just read it you'll find ideas...

Learning the Words

It's important to understand that everyone has their own way of learning - what may work for one, may not work for another. There are several methods that can be used to help you learn the words to songs, try each method and combine one or more styles until you find what works for you.
Visual learners find it easier to have a printed copy to learn from and writing or typing out the words several times helps them to memorize the lyrics.
Auditory learners learn best from using practice tapes or practicing with an accompanist. 'Hearing' how the song is performed and singing along to the music provides a guideline for the singer which helps them to memorize the words.
Kinaesthetic learners find imitation, practice, touch and movement the best way to learn. Associating movements with the song can help to provide imagery, although more repetitions may be required as people who use this method have the most trouble memorizing music.
The best methods for learning the words to a song are repetition and 'Mnemonics' which is another word for memory tool. Mnemonics are methods for memorizing information that can be difficult to remember. A simple example is the '30 days hath September' rhyme. The principle of mnemonics is to use as many of the best functions of your brain as possible to store information.
Learning songs that are written in a foreign language can also be achieved by using the same methods. It also helps to hear the song performed by an artist singing in their native dialect. This aids the student in achieving the correct pronounciation and diction. Learning the meaning of the words will make them easier to recall and helps the singer to perform with more feeling.
Don't put off memorizing until the last minute! When performing there are lots of distractions and if you are dancing or moving its easy to forget the words you should be singing! At first you need to concentrate hard to recall the lyrics so the more you repeat them the easier it becomes. You should keep at it until recalling the words becomes automatic, then you will ensure that even if you suffer from nerves or are distracted on stage you will remember the song!

Lyrics Exercises

Choose a short phrase then talk and sing the words repeatedly until you can sing it without looking at the music. Repeat this with the second phrase then put them both together, repeating from memory, keep doing this until you can repeat the whole song. When a large amount of songs need to be memorised for a theatrical show or opera performance, learn the ones you like the least first!

1. Read and repeat the words in short bursts - little and often is more effective than trying to cram it in over several hours.
2. Make notes about the songs theme and imagery.
3. Make a tape of yourself speaking and singing the lyrics.
4. Speak and sing the rhythm of the song.
5. Write or type the words whilst repeating them.
6. Associate foreign words with ones you already know.
7. Learn the words whilst playing a practice track in the car or when doing odd jobs.
8. Learn the lyrics in reverse order (last verse first) and repeat the words at various times during the day.
9. Repeat the song every day, singing or saying the words out loud.
10. Use vivid, humorous and exaggerated images or symbols to help associate the words
11. Associate each word with an image, combining these to create a journey through the song.
12. Memorise the words without the music then put it together with the music.
13. Try to 'hear' the song and the words in your head whilst watching tv or listening to another song.
14. Your brain keeps working at night so run through what you have learnt before you go to sleep.
15. If you have a practice tape, play it at low volume as you are falling asleep.
16. When learning 'harmonies' or 'backing vocals' record a tape of your part alone and one with all the other singers parts. Practice to your part then along with the other singers parts.
17. Practice a verse whilst doing something repetative (like washing up!)
18. Keep copies of the song everywhere! In the car, bathroom, by the telephone and practice the words whenever you can.
19. Carry a portable tape player and headphones with you where ever you go - listen to it on the bus, during tea breaks and during lunch breaks.
20. Reward yourself with a treat when you have successfully memorised the words and can sing it through in front of friends without referring to the words.
Once you have learnt a song, review it often to keep it fresh and reinforce the memory.

Tips for Readers

There are some singers who have real problems memorizing lyrics, to the point that they just cannot sing the song without referring to the words. Perhaps the singer deputises for others and requires a larger than usual repertoire of songs.
Whatever the reason the singer feels they need to have reference material on stage, there are a few things that can be done to avoid appearing amateurish and unprofessional.
Learn to 'read ahead' of the music. Quickly scanning the words ahead of the point that you are currently at allows you to look at the audience whilst singing - instead of at the music!
Try not to look at the words or sheet music unless you are really stuck! If you only need to look at the words occassionally for reference, put the music stand or sheet music at the side of the stage. Wander over between songs to take a quick look, keep talking to the audience or take a sip of water whilst you do this so that it appears natural and not as if you are really brushing up on the words!
Learn to 'improvise' or replace the words with your own if you forget the originals - it's not as professional and if you are performing a well known song then members of the audience will notice, but singing something rather than stopping altogether is more likely to 'jog' the memory and help you to pick up the song at a point you remember (like the chorus).
When using a music stand, avoid putting it right in front of you. Place it as far away from you as possible to the side most comfortable for reference and angle it slightly towards you.
If you are short sighted and unable to avoid placing the stand right next to you, lower it so that the audiences view is unhampered. Write the lyrics out in large print and place them in plastic 'anti-glare' pockets. You can purchase ready made folders with these attached in most stationary shops.
Try using 'Cue Cards' - one singer I know writes the first word or line of each verse and chorus onto a large card that is placed at the side of the stage. Reading the line enables her to remember the rest of the verse or chorus.
Cue Cards can also be used for audience participation - if you have real problems learning the words - write them out in large print onto a card, place them on a stand angled slightly towards the audience and invite them to join in!!
Become a Karaoke Jockey - reading the lyrics from the screen is expected!

hope it's a help...

Last edited by DanieLLe0216 (2010-09-02 18:53:42)

Try to recording your song step by step... When you record it step by step , lyrics get unforgettable:)))

Its called a teleprompter, and they are quite expensive.  It also takes a dedicated computer, specialized software, and an addittional person (usually) to control the speed at which the words scroll across the screen.

Try getting an ipad or other tablet device and just attach it to your mic stand.

Jim

You can try also this on ebay it is 10$
Software PC-Songbook

http://pjesmarica.jimdo.com/english/

I'm curious -- for those of you using iPads or laptops to display your lyrics. How visible are they when you are playing outdoors in full sunlight?

I'm a full time working musician. If you have an IPad there's an app called 'onsong'.... It's perfect! And very easy to use.... And very cheap. You can get iPad stands. You'll never have problems with lighting. I use the 'airturn' pedal to scroll up and down (it connects to he iPad via Bluetooth). I bought the iPad just for the app and have used it at 100 's of gigs. No regrets! Just make sure you have a bit of shade in sunlight

Yep, I use the ipad with OnSong also its great!! I use it with the "lowlight" setting which turns the back ground black and the text white. works great!!

I am a solo guitar vocalist who struggles to remember lyrics and chords. I use a laptop with a programme called POWER MUSIC 4. You can enter lyrics and chord files, sheet music files, link them to mp3 tracks, and use a footpedal page turner. Have used it for 18 mths no problem.