The Johnny-One-Note Method

This is a terrific method for learning songs. I've been experimenting with it as I work on Liszt's Sonetti di Petrarca. If you didn't go to conservatory, or have studied music in a spotty way, you may not have come across such a systematic approach to learning new music. It will be a big help to you. The name "Johnny-One-Note" stems from the distinctive exercise of practicing the song-text repetitively on a single note.

The method requires a series of steps that may seem lengthy. If you're tempted to skip to the end, resist the temptation and do all the work! A good solid hour, for example, spent practicing a six-minute song as directed will prepare you well and save a lot of time and anxiety in the end.

Adapted from Tami L. Petty, Carol S. Webber, and a number of other voice teachers.

The pricipal stages are:
1. Translate
2. Speak/intone
3. Write
4. Melody
5. Perform

The step-by-step process:

1. TRANSLATE:
Write one line of original text with the literal, word-for-word translation directly beneath it. Repeat with each successive line of text.

2. SPEAK/INTONE:
a) Speak the text poetically; look for special qualities in imagery, word emphasis, rhyme or lack thereof, assonance, alliteration, etc.
b) Speak the text in rhythm observing all rests (under tempo is fine). Add a layer to this preparation by observing dynamics and articulation markings, as well.
c) Chant/intone the text on one pitch poetically: you may change the initial pitch periodically throughout the exercise, but aim for a comfortable tessitura.
d) Chant/intone the text on one pitch in rhythm as in step 2c).

3. WRITE:
a) Write each line of original text with its literal translation directly beneath, as in the translation step. Do this five times for each single line of text. If no translation is required, simply write each line of text five times before moving to the next.
b) Write from memory as much of the original and translated text as possible. Leave blank spaces on the page if you miss words or phrases. You may be surprised to find out how good your memory is!

4. MELODY:
a) Sing the melody on a neutral syllable in free rhythm omitting all dynamics, articulation markings and timbral qualities. Sing a syllable like “la,” “za,” “ah,” etc., at a comfortable dynamic: mp or mf. You are putting the pitches and intervallic leaps into your voice and on your breath. Give yourself time to incorporate this important vocal step before moving onward.
b) Sing the melody on a neutral syllable following all rhythms, rests, and articulations. Dynamics are not important yet, but the articulation markings are – they relate directly to the language and interpretation.
c) Sing the melody on its written vowels, omitting all consonants. You may need to look directly at the original text during this step: tricky! If you find any one passage difficult, go back first to intoning, then to steps 4a) and 4b). Some vowel modification may help.

5. PERFORM AS WRITTEN:
Having spent time on steps 1-4, step 5 should come easily. You may actually find that you are close to memorization by this point, as well. Continue writing your texts (with translation) as you work towards memorization!