Learning to sing is less of a destination and more of a journey. There are many different things to consider when learning to sing and there are A LOT of things that come into play, depending on how seriously you take singing. If you plan on singing professionally and making a career out of entertaining with your voice, you probably spend far more time, money, and energy learning to sing than an amateur. I’m going to address both of you: the singer who wants to sing professionally and the singer who just wants to be good as a hobby.
Learning to sing in preparation for a singing career
If you plan to sing professionallyRegardless of style and genre, you will need some vocal training. It is true that there are many self-taught singers out there who do very well without even taking a single lesson, but I can tell you, by living and breathing singing since my teens and working in the music business, it is definitely the exception and not the rule. .
Many times, even the great self-taught vocalists are sent to take singing lessons in preparation for recording and touring because unless you know how to use your voice correctly, it will disappear and perhaps even seriously damage yourself. Many pop and rock singers seem to feel like their “sound” is somehow being sold or compromised by taking vocal lessons, but just about any professional musician will tell you that more music education alone HELPS your chances of succeeding.
You are probably also surprised to learn that some of your favorite singers took or are currently taking singing lessons. Incubus’ Brandon Boyd comes to mind as an incredibly powerful singer who was good before taking lessons, but now he’s incredibly solid, in-tune and laid-back and guess what … his sound is still the same! If you are still in high school, join the choir or band. Playing an instrument always helps you sing because it improves your hearing and your overall musical ability. But who do you go to for singing lessons? You will find the most competent vocal coach at a university or college that has a music program.
These vocal trainers are usually the best-trained and most experienced singing teachers. You certainly have a better chance of connecting with a great voice teacher there than pulling a number off a paper flyer. Learning to sing is expensive … be prepared to pay good money for your singing lessons! Anywhere between $ 40 and $ 100 an hour, once a week is common. If you decide to go to college, I recommend auditioning for a vocal program at your college or university. You may have to sing classical or jazz, but it will not make you a classical or jazz singer, it will only teach you another style, great musicianship and how to use your voice.
Record yourself as much as you can and get as many expert opinions as you can. Network a lot and connect with other musicians. Challenge yourself every day. Be friendly with others because this is a matter of who you know, and there is no reason to anger anyone when they can make or break your career or, at the very least, damage your reputation. Having said that, don’t accept nonsense from people, but affirm yourself with kindness. Play as much as you can while learning to sing. They will never be the perfect time when you are perfectly prepared to deliver the perfect performance. This is the real life. Your voice will feel great one day, horrible another day, and everywhere. Welcome to the emotional roller coaster, that’s what it is. Create your own opportunities and take advantage of the ones that come your way. Ask your teachers for help. They have connections, experience, and want to see you succeed.
Most of them anyway … Expect to meet some really nasty people. But that’s with any industry. While taking singing lessons and / or singing at your concerts, continue to continually educate yourself on the different aspects of music: music history, music theory, auditory theory, orchestration, arrangements, harmony, etc. Essentially, you just have to keep working hard and growing and more and more opportunities will present themselves to you. Remember, you are your own number one teacher. Even a great vocal coach who is your friend and mentor and an amazing singer and teacher can NOT replace your own drive and desire, so beware of emotional dependency, transference, and vicarious life through your teaching.
Even if you take weekly singing lessons, it is good to go visit another teacher and have another perspective. Working with high-quality edging software programs will also put you well ahead of the curve. Sing With Freedom is great for increasing your range and relaxation, while Singorama is a fantastic musicianship course. Learning to Sing as a Hobby If you’ve read the first section, you’re probably thinking … shit, do I have to go through all that to learn to sing? Well, no. That is only if you want to do it professionally. But if you love to sing and want to be a better singer, learning to sing will take much less time. Of course, I still recommend that you take singing lessons once a week or so because that will hold you accountable and keep you on track and progressing, whereas if you were left alone with your own devices you would probably let your singing stagnate.
When you’re paying money, on the other hand, you get a pang when you feel like you’re just throwing it away. Listen to your favorite songs and artists and try to emulate them, just be careful trying to sing songs that are too loud for you and strain your voice. Also, emulate the songs but don’t emulate the singer. You have your own voice, your own style, and your own interpretive ability. Use them, use them! Don’t become a second-hand singer. Learning to sing will still present certain frustrations for you, but take your time and do what you can and try a little harder each time.
