Re: lyrics to music

[Kieren MacMillan]

Hi!

> when setting lyrics to music, is it ever acceptable to join eighth notes 
> across syllables or even across words?

As both singer and conductor, I can say without qualification that it is better 
to join the beams (i.e., beam according to the beat structure, like every other 
instrument). It's definitely easier (and thus faster) to sight read and 
teach/direct.

Hope this helps!
Kieren.