When you are writing for voice that includes lyrics, slurs are usually used only when there is a melisma: 2 or more notes assigned to the same lyric. Slurs in instrumental parts are used to indicate phrasing. However, in vocal music, the text is the phrasing.

For more information on entering slurs, see my other blog posts:

Both Finale and Sibelius include plug-ins that will automatically apply slurs to melismas so long as they are properly entered in the score.

Sibelius Plug-in: Add Slurs to Lyrics

After entering the notation and lyrics, run the plug-in. The plug-in only applies to lyrics entered in Lyrics Voice 1.

Select a portion or the entire score.

  • Choose Text > Plug-ins > Text > Add Slurs to Lyrics

Add slurs 1.png

Add Slurs 2.png

After running the plug-in, two slurs were added:

add slurs 2.png

Finale Plug-in: Auto Slur Melismas

Enter the notation and the lyrics.

  • Choose Plug-ins > Lyrics > Auto Slur Melismas

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http://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/Finale2014Win/Content/Finale/Auto_Slur_Melismas_Plug_in.htm

Finale add slurs to lyrics.png