I’m learning a bunch of songs for a show later this week. Here’s my process:

1. Listen to the song I need to learn once through.

2. Listen again, but this time write down the outline of the song — the form.

3. Listen again, this time listen for the ups and downs of the song. Identify the most important moments, words, and musical ideas.

4. Listen again, and figure out the harmonies — the underlying structure that makes things happen.

5. Write out what I think I know.

6. Play it back with the recording to see how I did.

7. Realize everywhere I failed, go back a few steps and try again.

I’m learning other subjects that way too.