Singing is a talent that each of us potentially possesses. Some are obviously more gifted than others, but the potential can also be developed with dedication and constant practice. Even if you are content with humming in the shower, there are some things you could do to improve your voice. Follow these steps!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Lay the Foundation
Step 1. Choose your style
The style you choose greatly influences how you sing. You have to understand the basics of style, but learning techniques of different styles will only improve your performance. This article deals with the various techniques, but then you can also explore particular styles such as:
- Pop
- Rock
- R&B
- Jazz
- Country
- Rap
- Beatbox
- Psychedelic or “shoegaze” style. If you want to take some risks with your performance then this might be the style for you; it is a somewhat dreamy and "new wave" style of singing, which many people follow almost religiously. Styles like that, if you get really good, will make your fans become true adepts!
- The "indie" style is very popular today, and there are numerous opportunities for creative growth in this area, especially if you are a songwriter.
Step 2. Find your voice extension
This is essential, as singing songs written in the wrong extension could strain your voice until you look like a bear with a cold.
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Your range depends on the size and shape of the instrument: your voice. The shape and size of the larynx are the primary factors. You can also push the limits, but the extension is roughly stable. Here are guidelines to help you find your range:
- Sopranino: at maximum range, a sopranino can sing from D6 and beyond.
- Soprano: a soprano sings from C3 to A4 or even higher.
- Mezzo soprano: the range of a mezzo-soprano goes from A2 to F4.
- Tall: the extension is approximately from Mi2 to Mi4.
- Alto: the lowest female voices are called "contralto", with extension below E2.
- 'Countertenor: male singers with a very high vocal range, between the female vocal range of alto and soprano, or with a loud and clear falsetto.
- Tenor: we approach the highest part of the male vocal range. A tenor sings with ease from C2 to A3.
- Baritone: the baritone range extends between F1 and E3.
- Bass: The range for a bass extends from F1 to E3, with a smooth range that normally extends between G1 and A2.
- Double bass: If you can sing from C1 to even lower notes, then you are classified as a double bass, or deep bass.
- People will love or hate your voice based on its sound, not just based on how many notes you can make. Your range can be developed with the right training, but make sure you use proven techniques that don't damage or wear out your voice.
Step 3. Get started for free
There are hundreds of voice training videos on YouTube, from amateur to professional videos. It can be tricky to find a good voice coach on the internet, but think of it like this: it's a great way to find out if you like someone to teach you to sing, and most importantly, if you're ready to take lessons.
Step 4. Take lessons
Find a qualified vocal coach or singing teacher who can help you become a good singer. Ask at a music store or the school's music teacher.
- If you are determined and really want to become a singer, taking lessons right away is the best way: Poor playing techniques can ruin your voice and singing, forever!
- If you can't afford a teacher, or don't want the commitment of hiring a professional, join a local choir.
- There are also some vocal training courses to do at home such as Singing Success, Sing and See, Singorama, Singing for the Stars, and Vocal Release, but do your research anyway to see what has really been useful for other singers.
Step 5. Get to know your singing instruments
Learn to use your voice. Understand what to do to get a certain sound, so you will be more in tune with your voice.
- Touch the top of the collarbone. About 1.5 cm below the finger is the upper part of the lungs.
- Examine the ribs. When you inhale, the ribs move upward and the chest expands. When you exhale, they move downward and the air in the lungs is expelled.
- Find the chest line. This is where your lungs expand the most. Place your hands on your torso, towards the bottom of the breastbone. Take a deep breath, and move your hand until you find the point of maximum extension of the ribs.
- The lower part of the lungs is just below the breastbone, where the ribs meet. This is the final part of the lungs and the housing of the diaphragm. The reason your stomach gets pushed out when you breathe deeply is because the diaphragm pushes everything below your rib cage down, not because the lungs are in your stomach.
Part 2 of 4: Healthy Singing Habits
Step 1. Stand straight
Correct posture helps: head up, with one foot slightly in front of the other, shoulders wide apart. This allows you to breathe easily and have maximum lung capacity to make better notes.
- Stand straight, shoulders back and down, soft above the torso. Make sure your chest is high, to give your lungs room to expand and contract. Take it easy.
- If you are sitting, the same things apply! Keep both feet on the floor - don't cross your legs. Keeping your body in line allows for greater control and support for singing, without effort.
Step 2. Breathe properly.
Voice is best described as a wind instrument, because breathing is 80% of singing, and true singing begins and ends with proper breathing. Breathe low, from the stomach, and push out, tightening the muscles as you exhale.
- If you try to breathe from your chest, you won't have enough support for the high notes.
- Practice the old book method: lie down on the ground and place a book on your stomach. Sing an easy note, and when you exhale or sing, try to push the book up.
Step 3. Warm up
Before you start singing or practicing, it's always best to warm up. Try this: Sing in your middle range, then low, then high, then middle again.
- You should spend at least 10 minutes on each interval, and don't strain your voice if you're frustrated and can't make a note. Relax, then try again, carefully. Other things to practice on:
- Dynamics: dynamics is the change in intensity of the resonance. Even the simplest use of dynamics will bring songs to life, and the more you practice, the more you'll be able to sing correctly with strength and smoothness. It starts slowly, growing strong, then decreasing slowly again. At first you will probably only be able to sing from mp (mid-piano, or moderately quiet) to MF (moderately loud), but the range will increase with practice.
- Agility: take the "Do Re Mi". Try chanting from C to G, back to C quickly back and forth, trying to catch all the notes. Do this in semitone increments over different syllables. This will make your voice more flexible.
Step 4. Pronounce the vowels correctly
Try them at every pitch (high, low and middle).
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In classical singing, the singer will sustain the note on the first vowel and then pronounce the second going towards the final consonant. Country singers like to switch from the first vowel and stretch the second vowel over the sustained note.
For example: while a classical singer would sing "Am [aaaaaaai] zing Gr [aaaaaai] ce" a country singer would say "Am [aiiiiiii] zing Gr [aiiiiii] ce"
- If you can, try to sustain the first vowel as long as possible before moving on to the second vowel.
Step 5. Practice with the stairs
Practice often, especially if you have intonation problems. Most coaches recommend 20-30 minutes a day when starting out, as practicing the stairs strengthens the muscles used for singing and gives you better control.
- To practice scales, identify your range (tenor, baritone, alto, soprano, etc.) and learn to look for the notes that cover your range on the piano. Then practice the major scale in all the notes, moving up and down, using the sounds of the vowels.
- Later you can start working with the minor scales as well. Solfeggio (Do, Re, Mi…) is also a useful tool for improving intonation problems.
Part 3 of 4: The Attitude
Step 1. Believe in yourself
Don't think about what people think, just keep practicing. If you are limited by your inhibitions, your voice will be too, unfortunately.
You will improve over time. Making safe decisions will not improve your skills. If you want to try new things with your voice, you don't have to be afraid
Step 2. Have the right expectations
Regardless of your skills, if you can spend 20 minutes or more a day rehearsing scales and songs, you can expect actual improvement within four weeks.
Most intonation problems can be corrected within 3-4 months. Your progress is related to everyday life. If you only do 10 minutes a day, a couple of days a week, it could take a year or more
Part 4 of 4: The Performance
Step 1. Practice
By the time you have to perform your piece, you should have practiced so much that you are confident, and sure that the song will be performed flawlessly.
Step 2. Be confident throughout the performance
The public often has misleading expressions. If he doesn't seem impressed, don't worry. Keep singing and smile, this will revive the viewers.
Step 3. Keep your head up
Nobody wants to watch someone singing to their feet. Maintain a straight posture, head up, and do as if you want to sing for those at the back of the hall. This will make you feel confident, and will improve your performance.
Advice
- Sing with all your heart! Passion often makes the voice credible and more exciting.
- With practice, you will be able to control your voice more and more.
- Write the lyrics of a song, so it will be easier: you will not have to remember the words and you will concentrate only on singing.
- Be patient. Some people are born with the gift of singing, while others need to work on it a little more.
- Breathe correctly to encourage your breathing ability and singing ability.
- Keep your chin pointed slightly down and your pectoral muscles contracted. Most singers lift their chins to sing with more power, but it only works temporarily. Keeping your chin down not only works better, it also saves your voice. Listening and practicing various vocal techniques will improve your skills. This is a great way to get better sound.
- While singing, always make sure to breathe regularly - not breathing can make the voice sound forced, horrible, and can damage your vocal cords.
- Learn to read sheet music. It will be useful to you more often than you think.
- Say each word as clearly as possible. It will seem strange to you, but for the audience it will be nice.
- When you are thirsty, avoid drinking sodas or milk, as these drinks cause mucus to build up in the back of the throat. Instead, drink hot tea with honey or water at room temperature.
- If you're trying to silence someone, use a strong "shh", but don't force the muscles. This will help you clear your throat and warm it gently.
- Breathe with your stomach. Deeply. Imagine that the air does not enter the lungs, but goes straight to the stomach. If you have to take a high note, lift your soft palate, not your chin. The tongue must remain pressed against the back of the teeth. Your tongue must not be curled near the throat.
- Get in shape. You will breathe better with good physical health.
- Let friends or family criticize you.
- Lie on your back and hold your breath. Count to 10 and keep calm until you're ready to sing. You will see that your voice will be stronger.
- If you don't have enough air in your voice, know that it usually happens due to underdeveloped muscles or improper use of the nasal cavity, pharynx, hard palate.
- Press your lips together to make that “brrrrrrrrr” sound. As you make this sound, try to move up the note scale. This will help you keep the beat and produce a more powerful note.
Warnings
- If you are trying to sing a low note and produce a screeching sound, you are damaging your voice. Basically, your vocal cords rub against each other. A lump is like a callus on your vocal cords, and it won't go away without surgery or prolonged (over a year) vocal rest. The best cure is not to have one.
- Pre-existing tension in your jaw, shoulders, neck muscles, and all surrounding areas can hurt you. Make sure you are completely relaxed before you sing. If your jaw shakes while you sing, it is a sign of tension in the jaw, and this can lead to a tear in the muscle tissue if it persists.
- If your voice hurts, stop singing for an hour, warm up, and try again but slower. You can damage the vocal cords and the sound of the voice will be unpleasant.
- If your voice really hurts and you can't even speak without pain, then avoid talking. Try to be silent for the rest of the day. Drink plenty of hot tea, and if you have a steaming pot, inhale the steam for 20 minutes by breathing through your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a large enough bowl and fill it with boiling water, then grab a towel to cover the rim of the bowl and breathe in the steam (put your mouth over the bowl and breathe through the towel).
