Learn How to Sing

5 Great Goals for Vocalists

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

One of the most frustrating things for a beginner musician is getting to a point where you wonder what you’re doing it all for.  Once the initial excitement of finding a music teacher, starting lessons, and turning the muddle of notes on the page into music has passed, there may be a sense of disappointment if you realize that your only audience is your dog.

Setting goals for vocalists at this stage is particularly important. Many people have a decent singing voice, and often learning about proper breathing, support, and vocal placement can seem like a backward step.  This is especially true if you have to correct any bad habits, which may not be harmful to the hobby singer, but can cause serious harm to anyone singing on a regular basis. While the “right” goals will vary by individual singer, here are a few to consider:

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Singing With Dynamics

Friday, May 24th, 2013

vocal dynamicsSingers have a lot to think about. They need to know the words to the song and the emotions behind it, all while maintaining great stage presence. It may be a lot to think about, but with enough practice it will become just like second nature. One particular technique that is great to add to your bag of singing tricks is adding in vocal dynamics to your tunes.

The Basics
Vocal dynamics refer to how loud or soft you sing. Singing quietly is called piano, and is notated with a p. Singing loudly is called forte and is notated with an f. If you want to gradually go from quiet to loud (piano to forte) it’s called a crescendo, and moving from loud to quiet (forte to piano) it’s called a diminuendo.

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10 Tips for a Great Vocal Performance

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

If you have an exciting vocal performance coming up, you’ve likely been working hard rehearsing the notes, phrasing, and technical aspects of your piece. However, there is much more to a great performance than just singing the right notes. If you haven’t spent much time on stage before, these 10 tips will help you shine in the spotlight.

1. Relax As adrenaline kicks in and you step onstage, staying relaxed might be the furthest thing from your mind. Take a deep breath and make sure you’re not tensing your shoulders or neck. Before you go on, do a few gentle neck circles or shoulder rolls. When you’re relaxed, it’s easier for you to project and you will appear more confident.

2. Eat Light You’ll feel lighter on your feet and you’ll be able to breath more deeply into your diaphragm if you avoid eating heavy meals before your performance. It’s also wise to avoid dairy products, as they can cause congestion in your throat.

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Strategies for Sight Singing

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

sight singingIt may seem like instrumentalists have it much easier when it comes to sight reading music; by simply pressing a key or a string, the notes are immediately available to them without any additional thought, and all that’s left to them is to work out duration, dynamics, and tempo. Singers, on the other hand, don’t have an instrument to rely on.

Taking a song previously unknown to you and delivering a reasonably accurate performance the very first run-through isn’t a talent that everybody has.  However, there are plenty of strategies you can employ to make yourself better at sight singing.

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Introduction to Speech Level Singing

Monday, April 29th, 2013

speech level singingAs a new performer searching for ways to improve your singing and vocal technique, you may have come across the term ‘Speech Level Singing’ or SLS. This singing method is used by some of the most respected singers in the entertainment industry, such as Josh Groban and Amy Lee.

So what’s Speech Level Singing all about, and how can you use it to improve your voice? In this article we’ll give you a brief introduction to this popular singing technique, as well as discuss its benefits and critiques.

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Vocal Tips for True Basses

Monday, April 29th, 2013

how to sing bassTrue basses can provide great depth to choral and a cappella groups – your deep voice is invaluable! As you progress through your singing lessons, you may also find your range increased, making it easier to hit lower notes. Here are a few tips and notes to consider for true basses:

Letting voices settle – the dangers of “making” voices
Some voice types become apparent fairly early on; as a general rule, the lighter types of both soprano and baritone voices settle down at a young age, and are usable in a trained, professional context by the singer’s mid-twenties.  Other voice types, particularly lower and heavier voices, mature much later, and when a young male vocalist is considering how to sing bass, special considerations need to be made.

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How to Prepare for Singing Competitions

Monday, April 29th, 2013

singing competitions For any singer who takes their study beyond “just for fun,” preparing for auditions and singing competitions will be an important part of your studies.   While singing competitions are largely the preserve of the classically trained, the same rules regarding preparation and readiness apply to all styles of singers.

Are you ready?
Be realistic about your readiness for exposing yourself to the scrutiny and critiques that come from auditions and competitions. It is very important to discuss any potential competition entries with your teacher, and to talk through best and worst case scenarios in detail.  Remember that not good enough now doesn’t mean not good enough ever; if you can, consider waiting until you are at least in the mid- to upper-age range for the competition to ensure that you have enough experience musically and vocally to give yourself the best possible shot.

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Tips for Singing and Playing the Piano at the Same Time

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

singing tipsArtists like Billy Joel and Elton John may make it look effortless, but singing and playing the piano at the same time is a really tough skill to crack! Understandably, it’s difficult because you’re multitasking by “playing” two instruments simultaneously – your voice and the piano. It’s easy to lose concentration on one, while the other goes a little off; if you focus on your voice, you might mess up the timing with your fingers, and should you pay too much attention to the piano keys, you could find yourself mumbling along to the song. Getting this skill right will take plenty of practice, so we’ve put together a few singing tips to help you gain independence from your hands and sing excellently, too…

To sing and play well at the same time, you will need to focus on:

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How to Find Vocal Performance Opportunities – Right Under Your Nose!

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

vocal performancesYou’ve made what is quite frankly a huge step – you’ve decided take voice lessons! It takes a lot for someone to admit they need extra training for their voice, and I commend those who make that decision. But after you’ve taken lessons and you’ve settled into what your voice can do, where do you go from here? The next step is public performances!

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How to Determine Your Vocal Range

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

determine your vocal rangeVocal range refers to the number of octaves or partial octaves you are able to sing comfortably.  It’s measured by taking into account your lowest pitch and your highest pitch. If you’re considering taking singing lessons, you might be wondering how to determine what your vocal range is. (more…)

The Importance of Hydration for Singers

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

Importance of HydrationThere are many important reasons to stay hydrated for general health, but for musicians – particularly vocalists – hydration is a key to success. In order for your body to function properly, hydration is vital. Our bodies are made of 70% water, and hydration affects every organ and cell in your body!

Hydration for Singing
Singers need to take extra precautions, because your entire body is your instrument. With excessive use, vocal cords can be easily damaged, as they are made of extremely delicate tissue. (more…)

Singing Tips for Guys

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013

singing tips for guysThe basics of singing are the same for everybody – vocalists should be aware of unnecessary tension in your throat or body, maintaining good breath support, and never forcing your voice beyond its natural range.  The principles are the same whether you are singing opera or rock.
However, there are elements of vocal technique and style which apply to different genres and voice types, and some singing tips for guys that are as important for the next budding Pavarotti as for the aspiring death-metal frontman. (more…)

Best Audition Songs for Baritone

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013

baritone auditionOne of the most difficult aspects of an audition is selecting the right piece to showcase your talent. When considering your audition song, you need to think about whether the tune shows off your voice without forcing you to sing notes you cannot reach, whether it conveys the right emotions for the part for which you are auditioning, and whether it will help you stand out from the competition. (more…)

How to Select a Duet Song

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

Singing a DuetIf you’re new to singing, or if you’re just trying to fine-tune your vocal skills, one fun and helpful exercise is to sing duet songs with your instructor or a friend. Pick a style you both like and you’ll find that the possibilities for both fun and music making are endless!

Why Are They Helpful to Sing?
When you sing with piano, or with a chorus or band, there’s often someone else playing the same line you’re singing. While this is great for learning to sing in tune and working on the tone of your voice, you’re not really stretching your listening skills. (more…)

Can Taking Singing Lessons Improve Public Speaking?

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

Public SpeakingSome people might think that singing lessons are for children and people wishing to be famous singer/songwriters. But, did you know that singing lessons can actually improve your public speaking abilities? Whether you’re a seasoned pro just looking for another angle to approach public speaking, or you’re near terrified of talking in front of people ever, singing lessons are a fun way to improve your public speaking. Here are the many ways that singing lessons can help: (more…)