Saturday, July 17, 2010

How to Learn to Sing - Developing Your Voice

Becoming a vocalist requires more than a good ear for music, vocal talent and singing in tune. Considering that there are various styles a vocalist might choose for their singing genre, i.e., classical, opera, blues, jazz, contemporary rock and country to name a few, training in each of these becomes diverse.




Singing solo, for example, requires a different method of training than a vocalist who aspires to sing with a choir. the first objective for any vocalist is to sing with skill and talent that results in a pleasing form of entertainment for singer and audience alike.



The first matter at hand is determining whether a vocalist is soprano, alto, tenor or bass. Determining one's vocal tone is crucial in order to define vocal range and quality, particularly when singing in groups or a choir. Accompanying music should always be in the vocalist's singing range to avoid too high a pitch and vocal strain.



Once a singer determines the vocal tone, instruction in reading vocal sheet music is also important. Knowing how to read musical notes, tempo, and key is crucial if a singer intends to become a professional or sings in groups. Correct pronunciation of lyrics as well as proper breathing during vocalizing are necessary factors in performance.



Singers are taught to enunciate properly so that lyrics are clearly understandable. Learning to breathe from the diaphragm is important when attempting to hold certain notes of a song. Many vocal instructors consider this aspect of instruction the most important part of vocal lessons. Instructors offer various types of breathing exercises so the student becomes acclimated to deep breathing from the diaphragm. Singers find that once this is mastered, the tone and quality of their vocalizing is positively affected. Singing instruction should also develop individual style and enhance vocal technique so that, if desired, the singer may develop virtuosity.



Another area of instruction is performance. Good vocal instruction will provide a range of performance style and lyric delivery....Singing "to" their audiences, rather than "at" them.



Learning to sing, even for one's own satisfaction, has all the potential for a sense of achievement and mastery, using voice as the only instrument. Though it can be said that many individuals are born with a naturally beautiful singing voice, one's own desire is really all that's necessary to develop the voice to the levels of perfection. Most singers have a signature style that is recognizable from the moment a few words of lyrics are sung. The difference in styles between Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee or Luciano Pavarotti and Josh Groben are examples of instantly recognizable voices.

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