Why Use Music To Learn Spanish?

Once we begin to study a new language, we use different tools to improve our understanding and measure our progress.

It is important to use different learning methods to acquire new words and phrases in a second language.

There are people who practice Spanish by posting notes around the house, watching foreign films or talking to themselves in the mirror. These are some of the most common techniques.

But have you given any thought to what might be the best method? And what is the funniest method? Many students have been successful in learning Spanish through music. But where is the best place to start?

Bolero

A genre of music that you might want to initially experience is called “bolero”. These songs are characterized by a slow rhythm, they are clear in their lyrics and most importantly, they have the type of rhythms that touch your soul.

The main instruments are the guitar and the piano, which make sounds that can be easy to listen to. Now, what bolero singers should you try? There are so many great bolero singers that are very hard to choose just one. However, you might want to get started by exploring the music of Armanzo Manzanero, Alejandro Fernández, or Agustín Lara.

Another singer you might like if you are looking for slow songs is Susana Harp. Although she is not a bolero singer, her songs will also be easy to understand if you are a beginning student.

Rock/ Pop

Once you’ve mastered slow songs you’re ready to take the next step into more complex songs with more instruments and electronic arrangements.  These will give you a greater challenge since it can be sometimes difficult to understand the lyrics of the songs.

This is where I recommend listening to pop music artists.  In this category, you might want to listen to CD9, Belinda or Paty Cantu.

These songs deal with love and life problems, so you can feel very connected to the lyrics.

But if you are not the type of person who likes romantic melodies, then maybe you can try rock music in Spanish. Here you will find different options according to taste. However, you will probably want to at least listen to rock group Mana.

No matter what songs you use to practice Spanish, always pay attention to the context in which the words are used. It is always helpful to decode words of the new language you are studying in connection to the different moods and situations described in the song. This challenge will be fun!

Bandas Gruperas

If you want to know the use of trendy words or “slang” (jargon) in the language you are studying then you can try listening to music that is more connected to Mexican culture.

Yes, this is when you hear “bandas gruperas” that talk about beer, jealousy, fights, and dreams.

Mexican culture is weaved into all those songs, so do not be surprised if you find stories of people who grew up and went to America to fulfill his dream or even legends of important people who did something for their people. One of these bands is Los Temerarios.

Want to raise the level of challenge and listen to faster songs? Then dare to listen to some rap songs or hip hop, which combine trendy words with all kinds of criticism in a quick and fun way.

If you can understand at least 50% of their songs, congratulations! You can say you’re on your way to being a master of the language.

Mariachi

Whatever your preferences you can’t leave out the traditional mariachi groups that put a very Mexican touch to any song. It doesn’t matter if the original song genre was rock, pop, or bolero.

The mariachis make their magic with their trumpets and guitars and give a unique touch to their songs. Listen to Mariachi Divas of America if you want to venture into this genre.

Final Thoughts

The main advice we can offer when you begin listening to these songs is that you use earphones and that you do it when you are resting and can be relaxed to listen. Don’t go too fast and try to understand everything to perfection. Try to repeat the words as you hear them and if necessary write them down on a notepad.

As you take on the challenge of learning Spanish through music, keep in mind that you will probably not understand everything you hear. So don’t feel bad if you have to guess the meaning of most of the words. Just see if you can memorize the lyrics and have fun singing along.

Having a hard time?  Do not worry! It’s part of the challenge and adventure of understanding a new language. Just be patient and willing to keep trying