Tips for Sopranos

Always be aware of the beat (the “pulse”) of the music, whether it’s with tapping your foot,
slapping your leg or watching the director.

For some songs the beats are in groups of 3, like a waltz. Count: 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, etc.For most other songs the beats are in groups of 4. Count: 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4, etc.

For more on how to count music, see Nick Page’s “Music Reading Tips” lines 14 and 18. You may also find his “Singing 101” helpful.

How To Read a Roadmap

Soprano lyrics are in boldface; other lyrics, if they appear, are in parentheses.

Dashes — — after words indicate how many beats to hold that note, counting the word or syllable itself.

Dashes in parentheses (——) indicate how many beats of rest, beats of silence.