How To Practice Singing

Did you know that the human body naturally comes with its own musical instrument? The same bodily functions that allow one to talk are the same that allow one to sing! While just about anyone can sing, does that mean that anyone can sing well? We will answer this question, and many more below!

If you or your child would like to improve your singing voice, get tips on practicing, or anything else, please get in touch about voice lessons in Greenville, SC. Our skilled staff would love to help you reach your goals.

Is Singing a Natural Talent?

As with many abilities in life, some people do have more of a natural leg-up than others. The good news for all of us out there that love to sing is that, just like a sport or other physical skill, you can work hard and get better at it!

Even with natural talent, you should never depend on that alone - practice really does make a big difference. Fun fact, famous singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran was not a natural-born singer! Sheeran explained in an interview you can find here, that he had to train a lot in order to become the musician he is known as today.

So in short, the answer to this question is yes and no. Yes, some are born naturally better at singing but what makes a great singer isn’t raw talent but practice and training.

How To Get Better At Singing?

As we mentioned in the last question, the way to get better at singing is with practice! Singing is a very physical skill, so much like any athlete, you’ll have to train your body in order to sing better. Here are some beginner tips to get you started on good vocal training.

1. Drink plenty of water and avoid spicy foods, dairy or sweets before singing. Your vocal cords need to be hydrated in order to train properly. Foods such as dairy products or sweets tend to create mucus which will make it harder to sing. Spicy foods may irritate your throat which will also make it harder to practice and sign well.
2. Practice belly breathing and good posture. Your voice is essentially a wind instrument, so just like with a flute or saxophone, you’ll need good control over your breathing. You’ll want to learn how to breathe through your belly rather than through your chest. This allows for greater air intake but also greater control. It is also highly recommended you also practice good singing posture; typically standing up, shoulders back for similar reasons to belly breathing.
3. Do warm ups before you practice or perform. Athletes are taught to stretch and warm up before practice or games for the same reasons signers are taught to do so as well. Warming up and stretching helps prevent straining your body and possibly hurting yourself! It's hard to imagine that you can get injured from singing but remember you are using your body and any part of the body needs proper care to avoid being hurt.
4. Don’t overuse or strain your voice. There is such a thing as practicing too much. If you’ve even worked out too hard and found it painful to move the next day - you’ll know how too much work can be a bad thing. Rest is important in order to keep your voice in tip-top shape!
5. Stay active and healthy! By this we mean exercise regularly, avoid smoking and take care of your body. Just as a guitarist or other musician will take precious care of their instrument - you should too. In this case your body happens to be said instrument, so be sure to take good care of it so you can sing your best!

How Much Should You Practice Singing?

Practice makes perfect, but how much practice should you be doing in order to get better at singing? Well, in the beginning you’ll want to practice about 30 minutes a day but not too much more than that. You’ll want to build up your strength and ability without hurting yourself in the process. Gradually increase the time. Professionals who have been practicing for a while can practice up to two hours a day. If at any time while training you feel a strain on your vocal cords then you should take a break and rest your voice. Always remember to warm up before practice too!

Why Do I Always Sing Sharp Or Flat?

Singing sharp or flat has to do with your vocal cords and how they stretched while trying to hit a pitch. Singing sharp is to sing higher than the note, and singing flat is alternatively singing lower. In the body, Singing sharp means your vocal cords are too long and singing flat means your vocal cords are too short for the note you're trying to hit. So, you might be wondering, how do I get myself to sing on pitch? Here are some tips to help you practice singing on pitch!

1. Can’t tell if you are or are not singing the notes correctly? Try recording yourself and listening back to it. At the moment it can be hard to tell but listening to yourself as if your another person will help you notice when your singing is off.
2. Practicing singing your scales starting from the lowest octaves comfortable to you and gradually singer to the highest octaves comfortable to you. This will help you not only learn your range but also help you train your vocal cords to hit the notes perfectly!

We do hope these tips and answers help you on your way to become a great singer! If you would like to learn more about the art of singing, please reach out. You can also contact us regarding piano lessons in Greenville, violin lessons in Greenville, and a number of other disciplines.