I have probably shared this tip before - it's my own system but not patented so you are all welcome to try it!

When I am learning or have just learned a song, I take a little card, the size of a credit card. On one side I write the name of the song and the key that works best for me. On the other side I write the first few words of each line, as well as whatever other prompts may be needed: how the second half of the verse starts; any names of places/people that I may forget, any tricky phrases, etc. The act of doing this is part of the learning process.

This can be refined any way you like, e.g. different coloured cards, or symbols on the front, for songs with accompaniment, songs with choruses, etc.

You may think there isn't enough room to write much on a card, but if you go through any half-learned or half-forgotten song, you'll probably find there are only a few potential sticking or stumbling points. Once those are noted on the card, you're sorted.

Then before I go out to a club or session, I select a group of suitable songs that I feel like singing, and put the cards in a little cardholder in my bag (reading through them first). I hardly ever need them while singing, but do sometimes use them beforehand, to remind myself what songs I have, and check my notes if I'm unsure of any bits. I may just keep the card in my hand for security while I'm singing, and if I do need to glance down at it, it doesn't interfere with communication as a wordsheet can.

Works for me.


Marje