1. some say that one must recite the Shema with the correct musical notes, like one who reads the Torah, and others say that this is not the custom. It is nevertheless necessary to be careful to pause at the correct places, so that his words will be with reason and understanding, as sometimes the whole translation can change according to the pauses and tunes of the reading. (Shulchan Aruch and Mishne Berurah 61)
2. One who wants to be stringent and read it with the correct music, must be extra careful to concentrate on the meaning, as one who is not familiar with the music and concentrates on reading it correctly will find it difficult to concentrate on the correct translation. (ibid)
