Using Learning Tracks

Barbershoppers have always relied on learning music by listening to learning cassettes. The digital age has taken this to a different level. This includes learning CDs and the latest entrants on the scene, learning tracks created by great singers such as Tim Waurick and Chris Arnold. One of the best things you can do to accelerate the growth of your quartet is to use high-quality learning tracks as much as possible - even if you read music. It will help you:

• learn the correct notes and words, right the first time!
• learn the other musical aspects - breathing plan, entrances, exits
• unify the interpretation of the piece across the quartet

As a bonus, you can use the tracks to record yourself singing against the other tracks. We have used this tool with great success at the Granite Statesmen to take our contest package to the next level.

All you need is:

• learning tracks
• recording software such as Audacity (free, open source software)
• a USB recording headset that connects to your computer, such as this

You will be amazed at the growth of your ensemble once you start using this approach.