In this post, I’m sharing the exact 7-step process I use — and recommend to my students — to actually improve your French using songs. You’ll also find my Spotify playlist of favorite French songs linked at the end. 🎧

But first…

💡 Why Music Works for Learning French

Before we get to the method, let’s talk about why this works so well.

1. Repetition Makes Things Stick

You’ve probably heard of flashcards, spaced repetition apps like Anki, etc. But guess what? Songs do the same thing — and in a way that’s actually fun. You hear the same lyrics over and over again, and before you know it, you’re singing full French sentences without even thinking about it.

2. Pronunciation Practice Without the Stress

Singing out loud helps you get used to the rhythm and sounds of the French language. Even the scariest words get easier over time when you sing them 50 times without shame (preferably while dancing around your kitchen).

3. It's Low-Effort and Chill

Lazy learners, unite! 🙋‍♀️
Music is perfect for when you don’t feel like studying. Whether you’re walking, cooking, or just lying on the couch — you can pop in your headphones and get that sweet French input without touching a textbook.

4. Cultural Immersion (Without a Plane Ticket)

Want to “immerse” yourself without moving to Paris? Songs are a shortcut to the real rhythm, slang, and emotion of the language — and they’ll introduce you to French artists, genres, and perspectives along the way.

🎯 My 7-Step Process for Learning French With Music

Ready to go from passive listener to active learner? Let’s break it down:

STEP 1 – Just Listen 🎧

Start super simple. Pick a French song and just listen — no lyrics, no translations, nothing. Let the sounds wash over you. Focus on the melody, rhythm, and overall vibe.

🎵 Pro tip: If you hate the song, skip it! If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re not going to learn.

STEP 2 – Listen Again (and Again) 🔁

Repetition is where the magic happens. Listen to the same song a few times. You’ll slowly start to distinguish words — even if you don’t know what they mean yet.

At first, it’s all mushy sounds. But by the third or fourth time, your ears will pick up familiar words like “arbre”… okay maybe not “arbre,” but you get the idea.

STEP 3 – Read the Lyrics While Listening 📖🎶

Now it's time to bring in the lyrics. Use Spotify's karaoke mode or check out lyrics on Genius. This is where your brain starts connecting sound to spelling, and you’ll recognize more than you think.

STEP 4 – Translate Key Phrases (Not Every Word) 🧠

No need to translate the whole song. Just look up phrases that you’re curious about or that repeat often. Focus on meaning and feeling, not word-for-word perfection.

Bonus: You’ll often learn everyday expressions and slang you won’t find in textbooks.

STEP 5 – Sing Out Loud (Yes, Really) 🎤

Don’t be shy! Singing out loud helps you internalize pronunciation and flow. You’ll also build confidence speaking French without even noticing it.

Even if you’re tone-deaf or singing into a hairbrush — it counts!

STEP 6 – Shadow the Song (Repeat After) 🗣️

Play a line of the song, pause, and repeat it as closely as possible. This is called “shadowing,” and it’s amazing for improving your accent, rhythm, and speed.

Try mimicking the singer's tone, pauses, and emotion too. It’s like acting class... but French.

STEP 7 – Add It to Your Daily Routine ⏰

Make French music part of your life. Add it to your gym playlist, your commute soundtrack, or your morning routine. The more you listen, the more you learn — passively and joyfully.

🎁 BONUS: My French Music Playlist

Ready to put this into action?

🟣 Check out my curated Spotify playlist of favorite French songs — these are songs I love, use in class, and personally sing along to at full volume. 🎶

🎵 My 7-Step Process to Actually Improve Your French With Music

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