Guidelines for Music with Lyrics
I. Place ABOVE the staff:
Dynamics; Tempo markings; Articulations; Expression indications.
II. Center BELOW each note:
Short words, up to five letters; Syllables in a word;
SLUR the notes when words are sung on two or more notes.
III. Use a HYPHEN between syllables:
If they are widely separated, use more than one hyphen.
IV. Use an EXTENDER LINE after one-syllable words sung on multiple notes:
Start at the end of the last letter and extend to the last note of the group;
If the last syllable is sung on two or more notes, add an extender line;
Use no extender if the last syllable is sung on one note.
V. Place PUNCTUATION marks in the text before an extender line.