Don’t just listen to an opera, study it!

In the easy world of Youtube or Youku, it is a few simple clicks away to listen to an opera, an aria, or some famous singer.  

This is all well and good, if you are doing it for enjoyment or musical background. 

What is also necessary when listening to the music is to study it:    

1. Look at the words
2. Stop the recording when you don’t understand something
3. Research the word or phrase
4. Continue listening

How about having a score in front of you while listening?

Another thing to do is sit at the piano while listening:  

1. Stop the recording when not sure on note values
2. Play the note values on the piano
3. Stop and understand why the chord progressions or accompanying line are written the way they are.

If you simply listen to a recording, you can miss many details which will not only give you a richer understanding of the music, but you can also pass this understanding on to your audience with a more informed performance.