Many people believe that singing is something you either have or you don’t. However, singing is a skill set that can be learned and improved with consistent practice.
Beginners should practice scales daily until they feel comfortable in every key. This strengthens the vocal cords and creates a “muscle memory” for each note, making singing on key much easier!
Breathing
Breath control is one of the most important aspects of singing well. Without it, a singer can quickly run out of air or strain to maintain a healthy sound. It is a key component to a strong voice, and many different breathing exercises can help.
The first step in improving breath while singing is ensuring the singer has proper posture. This allows them to maximize their air intake to sing longer and reach higher notes.
The next step is focusing on breathing from the diaphragm rather than using the chest and shoulders for support. Encourage your singers to do the bouncy hiss exercise to strengthen their diaphragms and improve their lung capacity. This will allow them to sing faster licks and build up crescendos without running out of breath.
Vocal Range
Increasing your vocal range in in-home singing lessons is one of the first goals a singing instructor will focus on. This will help you to sing higher and lower notes without straining.
To find your current vocal range, note the lowest normal voice and highest breathy or falsetto voice you can comfortably reach. Most singers have a full range of around four to five octaves if they use the right techniques.
To increase your vocal range and improve your singing skills, it is recommended that you work with a singing teacher and follow a routine with warm-up exercises for your voice. You can check out websites like Create More Music to find a suitable teacher for you. It is important to stay well-hydrated to avoid dehydration and keep your vocal cords lubricated. With time and patience, your voice will naturally expand. However, on bad days, it’s important to slow down and rest.
Vocal Strength
Many singers have weak chest voices and struggle to connect their head voice with the chest register. Whether you’re an experienced singer or are just starting, you can grow your singing voice to have more power throughout the entire range.
The secret is to focus on learning proper vocal techniques and exercises. This includes exercises that strengthen the diaphragm muscle and improve breath control. Practicing these techniques regularly will increase the strength of your voice and allow you to sing more notes with ease.
You also want to ensure you’re hydrated and eating well for optimal voice performance. If you’re not properly hydrating or eating well, your voice may suffer from damage or even break. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with caffeine.
Vocal Flexibility
Just like athletes stretch their muscles before a game, singers should do the same for their voices. This includes warm-ups and vocal exercises that can help to loosen up the muscles of the larynx, pharynx, and lips. It also involves focusing on the voice’s articulation to help prevent nodules and other issues.
Flexibility also means being able to move from low to high notes without losing your voice or sound. This can be done through exercises that help to build flexibility in the voice, such as descending five-note slides with a lip trill or humming.
A flexible singer is open to learning from different teachers and approaches. They can be a team player during rehearsals and performances, adapting to the needs of others.
Singing Style
Often, the style you sing in is influenced by your personality and vocal preferences. Your diction (clear enunciation) and expressive touch are key to a captivating performance.
Experiment with different styles of music to see what works for you. Even though you may be a massive fan of hip hop, it’s worth trying songs in genres like jazz and country to discover what suits your voice and talents.
Listen to your favorite artists and copy their phrasing, tone quality, and dynamic control. You can also get creative and join a choir, band, or other musical group to sing alongside other musicians and learn how to interact with them while performing. This will help improve your technique, build confidence, and create a unique singing voice.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.