Sam,

I have always learned other people's music by transcribing the lyrics. I have a good enough grasp of theory that by the time I do that I have pretty well sussed out the chord structure. I then write that down on the transcribed lyric sheet. Although I am primarily a guitarist, I use the piano to figure out any chords or changes that I don't have down after going through the first two steps.

By the time I have done all that the song is just about memorized. I opened a show one evening with two songs I had learned that way just that afternoon.

I go a step further with songs that require dramatic interpretation. A great example is Mickey Newbury's "American Trilogy," which includes spoken word. I have developed a notation for where to breathe and how to emphasize parts of the text in different ways. (I did this when performing "Trilogy" before a large church congregation whilst also being broadcast live. I DEFINITELY used a lyric sheet for that performance and would recommend that others do also.)

This does require that I have a recording of the song in question. Downloads from iTunes or elsewhere are likely cheaper than sheet music. Why not give it a go and let me know how it works for you.

Richard

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."