Do you love to sing? Or do you have a song in your head that you dream of singing? Whether you wish to perform on a stage someday or you just want to step up your shower singing skills, anyone can learn how to sing better.
A common misconception about singing well is that you’re either born with it or you’re not. Well, we believe that ‘anyone can sing’ and we are going to tell you how!
In this blog, we will discuss 5 things you need to know to start your singing journey right now!
#1 A Singer is a Vocal Athlete
Singing is actually comparable to any athletic endeavour – let’s take for instance training for a performance, we can compare it to training for a marathon. There are certain muscles that need to be worked out and we push ourselves a little more every day to build up our endurance.
The same thing is applied when singing, we work out several parts of our vocal anatomy including vocal cords, larynx and soft palate. The more regularly you do this, the better control and flexibility you will have over your voice.
While physiological differences do play a role in the tone of the voice, the fact is that vocal training can make all the difference between an amateur singer and a professional.
#2 Stay Motivated
Now, when you are starting to sing, you will come across many nay-sayers. Everyone encounters negative people who constantly discourage you.
But, try to remember why you started in the first place. Who was that person or What was that song that made you want to sing?
Don’t forget it.
No singer was great when they started their musical journey, every one of them worked hard and didn’t give in to their critics and that’s why they got where they are.
Remember ‘you don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.’
#3 Breathing Technique
One of the most important fundamentals to get right when you sing is your breathing technique. This is what makes the difference sounding breathless to holding that note with ease.
For singers, the technique of breathing through the diaphragm of belly breath is essential in order to deliver better and more stable sound.
If you don’t know how, try this technique. Put your hands (one on top of the other) on your belly, with the center of your lower hand touching your navel. Watch how your breathing responds. You may notice that your belly wants to expand as you inhale and retract as you exhale. Let this happen, but don’t try to force it.
The best way to practice this exercise is while lying in bed. Place your hands lightly on your stomach and watch as your belly expands and contracts with your breathing.
#4 Posture
When singing posture is one another important piece of the puzzle. So, let’s talk about how you can maintain the right posture while singing.
Whether you are standing or sitting, there is a way that you can ensure that your breathing and your singing resonance does not get disturbed.
Starting from the top, your chin should be parallel to the floor and slightly tucked in or back. hold your chest high and your shoulders down or slightly back. Keep your tummy both firm and expandable at the same time. You will need to practice controlling these muscles while learning how to breathe using your diaphragm.
Singing while standing is the best posture so that your tummy or lung area is not being crushed and you have enough room to move freely. Your hands should be relaxed and held still at your side. Do not hunch or lean backwards, stand straight.
Singing while sitting is not the ideal posture, however, if you need to sit, please ensure that your back is straight and not hunched forward or leaning backward. Your tummy and lung are should not be crushed.
#5 Easy Warm Up Exercises
Lip Rolls
Lip Rolls are a great way to warm up. They get blood flowing to the vocal chords, and around the mouth area increasing flexibility. Other variations of Lip Rolls are great exercise to ensure smooth transitions between Chest Voice, Head Voice and Mix Voice.
How to do a proper Lip Roll
Gently place your fingers on each cheek
Lift up and, depending on preference, move your fingers slightly forward or pull back
Blow*
*Keep your lips loose! You want the air flow to allow them to vibrate against each other. Repeat this 4-5 times to ensure your lips mouth region gets warmed up and flexible.
Moving Up & Down the Keyboard
Starting from the middle C (or the 3rd C on the keyboard), move slowly towards the left or the lower pitch. Go as far as you can without straining too much or hurting your voice. Similarly, do this with the upper range. Do this a few times to wake up and warm up your voice so that it is nice and clear. You voice will also feel more flexible and in control.
So, there you have it. Our 5 pointers to begin your singing journey today! If you want to see a video demonstration of these topics, please see the video on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/t77WUmix7hw
If you want access to detailed guided lessons and practice routines, do check out our Western Vocals lessons on https://musicpandit.com - On Music Pandit, you get access to step-by-step lessons that cover a whole lot of topics like improving your vocal range, vocal projection, improvisation, vocal vibrato and so much more.
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