My struggle with Song learning
For a long time, I had a real battle with learning lyrics. I would forget my lines halfway through a song during rehearsals and need a cue; it was so embarrassing.
Then one day, after a particularly forgetful session, I had enough of using my brain the wrong way and from a bit of research realised that the problem wasn’t my brain, it just just the way I was using it.
The importance of taking advantage of your favourite style:
It is really easy to compare yourself with others when it comes to learning things. How many times have you heard of some ‘genius’ who managed to pick up some skill, memorise a song or do something incredible in a really short space of time?
What they have done is strategise their learning so that it is most effective FOR THEM.
They have realised that they are great at using a style or two, worked on it really hard and got outstanding results. I wouldn’t say that they were a genius, just learning in a directed and structured manner in order to most effectively get the outcome that they wanted.
Now, these strategies may have suited that person really well, but the reason why it is not okay to compare yourself with them is that your learning style(s) may be completely different to theirs.
You need to look at the resources that your brain and tap into their power for yourself.
WHAT song LEARNING STYLES ARE OUT THERE THEN?
According to Gardner (1983), there are in fact seven different types of intelligences/style that we all have in varying strengths as shown below:
- Visual
- Aural
- Kinesthetic
- Verbal
- Logical
- Social
- Solitary
And, when someone who uses their favoured style or a combination of those styles that they suit best, they will achieve get optimum results from their learning strategy.
what song learning style best suits you?
For many of you, it will be no surprise as to what style you are after reading this list above and will want to head on straight to looking at exercises to use it best.
For others, you may want to have a read through and see if you are different to what you may have previously thought.
VISUAL LEARNERS
If you are a visual learner, you will likely be the kind of person who is often caught day dreaming; people will ask you: “what are you thinking about?” all the time.
And, their is nothing wrong with that at all. You are just using your imagination which is a great tool and one that we will go into using some powerful exercises a bit later on.
The key thing about visual learners is that they prefer to SEE or VISUALISE things in order to take them in. That means the exercises which we will heavily involve the use of imagination, pictures, drawing and colour.
5 most common learning traits of visual learners
- Take lots of notes when learning things
- Like to look at charts, graphs, maps and images to better understand what is going on
- Would rather read a story than listen to it
- Prefer to study in a quiet room
- Ask lots of questions to clarify details
Famous Visual Learner:
Leonardo Di Vinci
One of the greatest minds to ever exist. Is it any wonder that he is a visual learner with masterpieces like this one:
EXERCISES IN VISUALLY LEARNING SONGS
Aural LEARNERS
Aural learners are the type of people who find that listening to music whilst studying helps them concentrate.
On your right is what I was listening to while writing this.
They often listen to audiobooks instead of reading books to get their stories.
LISTENING is the key ingredient to their success. Having the sound element of their brain light up whilst learning is really important to engaging with them.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Aural LEARNERS
- They tend to have a good rhythm
- Enjoy music
- Reads slowly
- Good with names
- Enjoys acting and being on stage
FAMOUS Aural LEARNER:
Cher
One of the most successful musicians of the 20th century, she wrote in her autobiography: “The only way I learned was by listening to the teachers in my classroom.
Kinesthetic LEARNERS
Kinesthetic learners find it very difficult to sit still. They aren’t fond of reading and will tend to fidget whilst doing so.
They like to be on their feet – pacing whilst trying to remember things isn’t uncommon. Everything needs to be accompanied by movement in order for things to ‘sink in’.
The most important aspect for Kinesthetic learners is that they can TOUCH and FEEL what they are learning about.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Kinesthetic LEARNERS
- Find it difficult to sit still
- Skilled athletes
- Easily distracted unless movement is involved
- Enjoys working with tools
- Enjoys dancing
FAMOUS Kinethetic LEARNER:
Jim Carrey
If you have seen any of his movies or stand up comedy performances, you’ll notice how physical he is.
Verbal LEARNERS
People who are verbal learners tend to get more out of words. They are great at expressing themselves, tend to read and write a lot.
They know what most words mean and enjoy playing with these meaning through little puns or rhymes.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Verbal LEARNERS
- Excellent Speakers
- Prefer to work in teams
- Like to read aloud
- Fascinated by art and creativity
- Good at picking up other languages
FAMOUS Verbal LEARNER:
Sir Ken Robinson
A tremendous orator, Ken is able to convey his argument on education systems that will capture your attention. When you’ve got a spare 20 minutes, give him a watch.
Logical LEARNERS
Logical learners prefer to base their understanding of something on reason and systems and are good at understanding the bigger picture.
When arguing a point, it will be backed up with logic and facts. Strategy type games are their favourites.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Logical LEARNERS
- Good at Maths
- Like making lists
- Like to see things being proved
- Likes systems and the idea of things ‘working’
- Tends to follow the rules
FAMOUS VERBAL LEARNER:
Bill Gates
One of the richest men in the world after founding Microsoft, he spent much of his early years building the first software programs which require a huge amount of logic.
Social LEARNERS
These people enjoy learning in teams. The feeling of being involved with others and communicating concepts with others allows things to sink in much easier.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Social LEARNERS
- Like leading groups and committees
- Stimulated by dialogue with others
- Very sensitive to the opinions of others
- Well liked in company
- Enjoy team sports
FAMOUS Social LEARNER:
Sigmund Freud
Known as the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud was known for his ability to understand human personality traits and what goes on in people’s minds.
Solitary LEARNERS
Ever find that when you get some peace and quiet you suddenly begin to take loads of information in? You are most likely a solitary learner.
5 MOST COMMON LEARNING TRAITS OF Solitary LEARNERS
- You like your privacy
- You like reflecting on past events
- Your hobbies don’t need others
- You feel very independent and have read plenty of self-development books in your time
- You make plans and set yourself goals
FAMOUS SOCIAL LEARNER:
Albert Einstein
Easily one of the most famous scientists of all time. Einstein liked to keep himself to himself.
Conclusion
As you have read, there are many different styles of learning. Some of these styles may fit you more than others. Following this, we will begin to go into how to use strategies for each of these styles.
Note: If you are still unsure as to what learning style you are, then you can take this quiz.
Don’t forget, in addition to these helpful tips and techniques that I publishing here, I also provide one-to-one vocal coaching and singing lessons in Glasgow that really can take you to the next level by following a fun programme that I have developed.
See here for more information on singing lessons in Glasgow