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1. If the piece is from a larger work (opera, oratorio, song cycle, cantata), read the text of the entire work so that you understand where this particular scene fits in the drama.
2. Scan the entire piece quickly, noticing changes of key, tempo, mood, dynamics.
3. Read the text aloud. Look up definitions for words you don't know. If the piece is in a foreign language:
a. Translate it word-for-word.
b. Learn the proper pronunciation for each word
c. Speak the words over and over until they trip off your tongue easily.
4. Tap the rhythm of the piece. Make sure you are counting correctly.
5. Speak the words in rhythm.
6. Sing each phrase of the piece on "lah" or another syllable good for your voice. Check rhythms and pitches.
7. Study each phrase of the piece. How long is each phrase? Where does the phrase peak? Sing each phrase of the piece on "lah," working to shape phrases. Let the momentum build in each phrase to the resolution.
8. Practice the piece on each of the pure vowels, applying concepts of vocal technique that you are working on with your voice teacher.
9. Speak the text from memory. Use the memorization methods described in "How to Memorize Vocal Music."
10. Speak, in rhythm, the text from memory.
11. Sing the piece from memory on "lah" or another syllable.
12. Sing the piece, from memory, on each of the pure vowels, applying concepts of vocal technique that you are working on with your voice teacher.
13. Sing the words in rhythm on one pitch. Apply concepts of vocal technique that you are working on with your voice teacher.
14. Practice singing each phrase of the piece with the words.
15. Practice singing each phrase of the piece, shaping the phrases. Take great care to apply proper dynamics, colors of voice, and mood.
16. Memorize the piece. Apply memorization methods from "How to Memorize Vocal Music."
17. Practice the piece on each of the pure vowels, applying concepts of vocal technique that you are working on with your voice teacher.
18. Work on interpretation of piece. Apply methods from "Worksheet on Song Interpretation."
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