Singing may seem like something you were born with, but that isn't necessarily true – it takes practice and dedication to hone your skills and become the singer you've always wanted to be.
The eight tips below will help improve your singing voice and get you on your way.
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Practice your breathing
As with any instrument, singing involves coordination between multiple muscle groups. One of your goals as a singer is to learn to control your diaphragm, so start by ensuring you're breathing correctly.
Proper breathing is more than just taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide—it's about learning to access your diaphragm and utilize it for support when singing.
Take lessons from a professional
Sure, you can try and learn how to sing on your own. You could even throw yourself into karaoke nights at your local watering hole. But there are ways to get professional help without costing hundreds of dollars. Record yourself with your phone the next time you sing in the shower.
Warm-up before every session
You don't have to go overboard with warming up—just five minutes of simple vocalization will get you on your way. You can practice by just making sounds like Mmmmm and Ooooh. Make sure to breathe deeply as you do so; when you sing, there is less airflow in your throat, which means it takes more air pressure and control to sing.
Write down what you learn about yourself.
When you practice your singing technique, listening to what's going on with your voice is essential. Are you pushing too hard? Do you sound weak at a certain point in your range? Or are you being lazy and not using all of your diaphragms? The answer can often be found by paying attention to how your voice feels.
Don't be afraid to be different.
If you're into something, then be into it! If you love opera music, sing opera. Listen to and take lessons from your favorite singers. Don't try to mimic them; experiment with different styles until you find what works. Whether it's how loud or soft you sing, experiment with varying levels of volume until you find what fits a particular song or performance. Do what feels natural.
Take care of your body when practicing.
A healthy body equals a strong voice. Make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself well-nourished with a balanced diet of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which could damage your vocal cords. When practicing your singing voice, use a good pair of headphones to swing freely without worrying about others hearing you! But don't be afraid to let it rip now and then. Practice makes perfect!
Start with songs you love
Listening to music you love is a great way to motivate yourself, but it's also an effective technique for training your ears. Many vocalists and singing teachers recommend playing a song repeatedly until you've memorized its entire melody. Once you can play it without having to think about what comes next, it's time for step two. The secret? Start singing along with your favorite tunes!
Learn how to read sheet music
It may seem daunting at first, but starting with some essential songs is one of the best ways to improve your singing in a short amount of time. If you can read sheet music, it's much easier to internalize and mimic your favorite singers. Sheet music will also help you get more specific about what you want your voice to sound like and improve faster. And since most pop songs use only a handful of chords and scales, learning how they're written can jumpstart your progress.
Conclusion
Singing is a skill that many people would like to have, but few can master. It takes practice and dedication to improve your singing voice. Here are eight tips to help you hone your skills and become the singer you've always wanted to be. Take lessons from a professional or try karaoke nights instead. Whether it's how loud or soft you sing, experiment with different volume levels until you find what fits a particular song or performance. Make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself well-nourished with a balanced diet of lean protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
