The Singing Teacher answers your questions ...
Can I teach myself to sing? Everyone can learn how to sing better if they have the passion for singing. Of course, there are some well-known singers who are self-taught. But that doesn't mean they can't improve their breathing technique, learn to release vocal tensions, etc. No one has perfect technique and learning is something we can all benefit from. It can save you a lot of time too when you find an experienced singing teacher who can bring out the best in you. Sometimes we can't find the solution with the same mind that created the problem.
How can I sing more powerfully, reach that high note, and sing with more confidence? Well, you can do it! Not all singing lessons are created equal -- because when you study with someone that truly knows how to bring out the best in you, it DOES make a difference in the sound of your voice! Learning from an experienced, positive-minded, professional singing teacher can bring out the best in you without all the old-school yelling and screaming teaching techniques of yesteryear. You don't want low self esteem at the end of your vocal training. You want CONFIDENCE in yourself and your voice!
How do beginners learn to sing? If you're a beginner who wants to start learning how to sing, here are some things you can do: Listen to the best singers every night before you go to bed or as you fall asleep Take lessons with a qualified, experienced Singing Teacher (with a minimum of 15 yrs experience) Practice vocal exercises correctly under a teacher's guidance (incorrect practice won't help). Join musicals or vocal groups in your community Sing for fun with friends that are supportive and positive minded.
Can a bad singer be taught to sing? Growing up in an environment surrounded by good singers is definitely an advantage. However, if your parent was not the best singer, it may be likely you picked up some tuning issues, etc. However, I have found that singers that have a tremendous passion for singing and learning can improve tremendously with the right guidance!
Do people who sing live longer? A joint Yale and Harvard study showed that for some people singing promoted healthy minds and hearts.This, in turn, boosts longevity. In fact, studies have shown that singing can help lower blood pressure, improve brain health to reduce risk of dementia and can help with depression symptoms.
Why does my voice sound beautiful when I sing, but when recorded it sounds horrible? When you are sing you hear yourself through your inner ear and there is resonance caused by the echoing in the cavities in the head and skull. Your voice will also sound deeper than the audience might perceive it. Often the singer will not like their own sound even though the audience will love their sound. And the opposite is often true. If the singer loves their own sound, the audience may not. This is common and that is why a singing teacher needs to give the singer feedback for a truthful assessment.
How do I know if I can sing in tune? To know if you can sing in tune, You will need to take a tone-deaf test which a singing teacher can give you. It is simple and quick.
Can adults learn to sing? Absolutely! Singing is such a cathartic release of emotional expression for everyone – no matter your age, whether you want to be a professional or simply improve your shower singing! It can help with your confidence, mood, musicality and even your mental health by warding off dementia and depression!
What do singers drink before singing? The best drink for a singer is warm to room temperature water. Avoid caffeine or dairy. Other options to use are herbal teas and juices (apple juice is best; avoid orange juice, it causes to much phlegm) for extra energy when needed. You can add honey, lemon and ginger to your teas, but I would avoid overdoing the lemon as it can upset the stomach.
How do singers know when to start singing? It's a good idea to know the "downbeats". For example, in 4/4 timing we emphasize the first beat of each bar usually with our voice and often we add some emphasized body movements to "get in the groove" so to speak. This usually gives the singer a good idea as to how long to wait before singing the next phrase.
Why did Whitney Houston's voice deteriorate? In 1994, Whitney developed painful vocal nodules which lead to permanent vocal damage. The situation can often be healed organically if the singer is willing to put in the effort , This, unfortunately, was not the case with Whitney. Whitney's voice became more and more raspy, and hoarse. Her vocal problems were most likely exacerbated by her drug and alcohol abuse as well.
What do singers gargle with before they sing? You can gargle with warm salt water for 30 seconds before singing. Another option is to take a tsp of coconut oil, or MCT oil, or avocado oil or olive oil to comfort your vocal cords especially if they are feeling dry when you are singing. And it goes without saying hydrate, hydrate and hydrate before singing. It's the best for the high notes especially.
Why do singers keep their tongue down? For optimal sound, singers should be mindful that the tongue does not tense with singing. Tension in the tongue can also interfere with intonation, tone as well as hinder correct positioning. A simple exercise to test for tongue tension is to move the tongue from side to side while keeping the jaw stationary
Are all singing lessons the same? Not all singing lessons are created equal -- because when you study with someone that truly knows what they are doing, it DOES make a difference in the sound of your voice. That is why when singing is taught by an experienced, qualified singing teacher, it makes a big difference in your voice health and sound, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.
What can singing lessons help me with? Singing lessons help people in many areas of life: become a better public speaker for business meetings be able to present in front of any size audience heal tired/sore vocal chords and/or prevent pain and strain when singing have more fun and enjoyment when singing because they get a better reaction from audiences as well helps with voice acting or voice overs use the voice more powerfully, effortlessly feel more confident add to your 'triple threat' resume: singing, acting, and public speaking train you to become a professional singer if that's your goal
What is the best age to start singing lesson? Although everyone is unique, students learn best when they are able to focus on a subject for an extended period of time. This usually occurs at around age 7 although I have seen some 6 year olds with advanced focusing able to succeed in their singing lessons. Also, if they really love to sing because they are passionate about singing, they will learn!
How many hours a day should I practice singing? Depending on your needs, age, ability, and circumstances, practice times vary for everyone. It's not a one size fits all. But for most people, thirty minutes at least every other day is a good place to start.
Is singing a skill or a talent? Some people are blessed with an innate talent, but that doesn't ensure that they will be the best they can be in the long run. Singing is a learnt skill. I have seen talented people lose their natural gift when under stress. And more often I have seen less initially talented people, who are open to learning, soar to great heights with their singing in the long run. They often surpass the initially talented ones. It's the passion, quality of training and work ethic that ultimately finds the greatest success in the long run. That is what I've seen from my experience working with singers through the years.
What is the most common female voice type? The Mezzo Soprano voice type is the most sought after and most common female voice type. It is the voice type that many celebrities have.
How long does it take to learn to sing well? Everyone is different and unique so this question cannot be answered completely accurately. However, it can take about two months to increase the power in someone's voice and sustain some healthy breath control habits. To learn more parts of the muscle coordination, it may take at least a year or two. To sing like a professional, it could take three years or more (depending on how high great the singer wants to sound). Alleviating stage fright and fears can take a year or more depending on the severity of the fears.
Can someone with no talent learn to sing? You can do it! Anyone who has a passion for singing and has healthy vocal cords can learn to sing. The desire and practice ethic is key! Even people who are considered to be "tone deaf" can learn if they have the desire to learn.
Is a deep voice on a girl attractive? In a recent dating study from the University of Sussex, they found that men find a lower tone more attractive in female voices.
Do singers like their own voice? Singer often don't like the sound of their own voice. This feeling of dissatisfaction with their own singing and/or speaking voice is referred to as “voice shame,” and it can be challenging for a singer's self esteem.
How to Sing Better? Sing with healthy, natural upright posture. Understand the complete workings of the diaphragm by learning breath control properly Learn the 'letter names' of the notes so that someday when you are singing with a band you can earn the respect of your fellow musicians. Solfege doesn't quite cut it in the modern world. Musicians never use it and you can't write your band charts with it either. It's just not practical or used nowadays except in choirs. Warm up your voice with a short but effective exercise so you don't tire yourself out singing hours of vocal warm ups before a big performance. Save your energy for the performance. Use "speechlike" natural singing and belting by having learned how to "let go" of 'pushing' the voice which can sound good in the short run but cause vocal strain and pain in the long run. Take singing lessons from a qualified singing teacher because singers cannot accurately hear and judge their own voices.
What is the secret of a good voice? A good vocal tone doesn't happen by just singing loud. A good vocal tone happens when the entire body supports the vocal tone and the singer understands how to use the diaphragm to support all tones. It's important to know where you "sweet spot" is where the tone effortlessly releases. Pushing can create future hoarseness. Releasing too much air can create a weak, thin “breathy” tone. And releasing too little air can create an unattractive “nasal” tone.
At what age do singers peak? Generally, the voice is at its prime once the singer has experienced more real life "ups and downs". This gives the voice extra personality, presence, warmth and genuine believability. A singer is generally at their prime from ages 35 - 55 years of age.
How can I learn singing without spending too much money? You can save a lot of money and time in the long run when you study with someone who really know what they are doing right from the beginning. Then, you don't need to relearn everything later on and clean up bad vocal habits. With regular vocal lessons, an experienced teacher can get to the root of the problem, instead of wasting your money on technique that doesn't work. And when you learn technique properly from the beginning, you have these healthy vocal habits for life!
Are you a closet singer that only sings in the shower or car? Are you frightened that you'll find out that you actually can't sing? And is singing something you've always wanted to be good at? Well, did you know that EVERYONE CAN SING! And the notion of being 'tone deaf' doesn't exist when you have the desire to learn, coupled with a high quality singing teacher! If you are asking yourself any of the above questions, quality singing lessons can really help. And it's never too late!
How does the "Mind/Body Connection" help me with my singing? It amazes me how often that people are unaware of how important the mind/body connection is when singing! They can be so wrapped up in singing technique, singing technique that they miss the connection and magic of this balance. Often people will have a critical, negative voice inside their head, that can stop them in their tracks, tense their vocal muscles, induce fear, and frighten them before singing that 'big note'. It takes an experienced vocal instructor to go deeper using specialized exercises. Each singer has a different combination of tensions that hold them back from vocal freedom. When that mental/emotional clearing has been successfully achieved, the physiological aspects of singing, such as breath control, power belting, emotional variation, diction, vocal intention, etc. can all work at their optimum and make singing ultimately more fun!
How do you know if you're singing using your diaphragm? The basic test is to put your hands on your stomach and to see "what your diaphragm muscles are doing" - because if your diaphragm muscles are working your breathing is automatic. When you breathe in, your stomache moves outward and when you sing, your stomache moves inward and up (this, in turn, pushes up against the lungs causing tem to fill up with air). It's best to work this out with a qualified Singing Teacher for the best results. But this is the most basic functioning.