So here's how I do it:

1. Listen to the song, taking initial notes on the general form of the song, noting any major things that are happening. Hey, did you see that, I take notes! So whip out the chord chart so I can see visually what is happening in the song. Does it have a soaring bridge? Does it have three identical verses? Is there a tricky pre-chorus? Where do the harmonies come in? The next Fertilizer will explore how to learn melody and then how to play the accompaniment in such a way that supports the melody (chords, rhythms, and groove).

2.Listen again, this time making detailed notes on the melody. 

I'll often put slash marks over the words higher and lower to guide me as their pitch

rises and falls, as well as ^ over high points. I may make actual rhythmic notation or draw long lines with the overall curve of the melody, bu

t the point is to make a reference that I understand. It doesn't have to be technical, classical notation, or even understandable by anyone other than me.

3. NOW I sing along with the recording. This is the first time I even sing it! I may do this a few times, then I add my instrument. This is super important, especially if I don't play at an advanced level, because I'll tend to do two things: a) quickly adjust the song melody (i.e. sing it wrong) to match my playing style/rhythm or b) get confused because I'm trying to learn two things at once. Separate them. First get the melody learned, then learn the accompaniment. So if you need to, sing it a few times without playing it, then play it a few times without singing it, and then put the two together.

4. It's time to see if I'm learning it, so I sing and play it without the recording a few times, and this is when I realize where I don't know it and how I don't know how to "use" the song...let's see, what do I play after the chorus? How many times should I repeat that bridge? How does the intro go? How do I end this song?

5. Then I turn the recording on again and check myself. I'll often find that I've learned a note wrong or am singing some words with the wrong phrasing. "Oh, that melody goes down at the end of this line." But this step is critical, because if I don't go back to verify that I've learned it well, the mental cement starts to harden...

Bonus:

I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you learn melody? Share with us on the blog!

We're going to be planning for Christmas at the end of 2012...in what will feel like tomorrow. How will you have grown in that time? What nagging issue will still be nagging you then, staring you down like an old student loan on your to-do list? Are you lonely in leadership? Charles "Tremendous" Jones once said "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." Your growth requires intentional investment. 

So you want to develop into a more effective leader, but where do you start. Well, imagine if you could spend time one on one with an experienced worship coach who will pour into you, be a mirror for you, and help you know what to ask and what to do. And what if there were three or four other worship leaders also focused on growing in their leadership that you could have breakfast with where you would breathe strength into each other. And what if your worship coach would lead worship for you so you can have a break (and worship with your family "from the pew"). Or if you'd rather, he would tailor a training (or two) for your worship or tech team in place of leading worship. Plus, you'd get all the latest information on local training events, be privy to special opportunities and events, and have unlimited access to support from your coach via email. 

Dive into "The Year of Worship Leadership Development!" Instead of "Shady Mapling" your training by going to the next big conference in Texas, spread the training out over the whole year and grow like never before. This Leadership Development package is limited to the first 10 participants and the cost is $2,500 plus travel for the full year of growth. 

Here's the specific breakout: 

A "Coaching Moment" each month, typically 1-3 hours, in person (or via Skype if you're out of range)

A "Coaching Group" that meets every other month (or every month if the group prefers)

Two "Guest Worship Leading" dates or "Worship Training Events" at your church

Email info@adlibmusic.com or call (717) 468-6428 and we'll set up a time to either meet face to face or over Skype. 

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Ánimo!

Dave Helmuth
Ad Lib Music...coaching and resourcing for the worship arts
962 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone - 717.468.6428
www.AdLibMusic.com