Learn How to Sing Better

Many people (including yours truly) are of the opinion that the art of singing is something that a person is born with...that it's a God-given gift, a natural talent. Therefore, the general belief or opinion is that a singer is always born, and that a person cannot be 'made' into a singer. Well, to be honest, my personal take on this belief is a bit towards both sides. I do agree to a large extent that singers (especially all the great ones) are always born; but I am also of the opinion that with consistent practice, hard work, and sincerity, even a tone-deaf person can be nurtured into becoming an above-average or better-than-amateur level singer.

In this article, I won't be presenting any formal singing lessons, vocal exercises or technicalities as such. Instead, I will just list out a few handy tips on how to sing better. If you are a beginner, you may want to browse through some of these singing tips for beginners first.

Voice Type
First and foremost, you should know what your voice type is. For male singers, you need to find out whether your voice classifies as a tenor, bass, baritone, or a countertenor. Female voices are typically classified as either soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto. What voice type your voice belongs to, will depend on a number of factors such as your vocal range, your voice texture, the timbre, the weight of your voice, the voice color, etc. These are voice-related terminologies which only a proper vocal coach or vocal trainer would be able to explain. Therefore, it is recommended that you first visit a vocal trainer and understand these basics before you proceed with your singing practice sessions.

Vocal Tone
Understand what your vocal tone is, i.e. the tonal quality that is produced when you sing. Tone is a very important element of music. Vocal tone differs with every singer. Knowing your vocal tone will help you in identifying the types of songs that complement or suit your voice. This will benefit you, should you decide to audition for a competition or a talent hunt. For example, if you have a thin, sharp tone then you should pick songs which are sung by singers having that kind of tone. Identifying, understanding and making intelligent use of your vocal tone will make you a better singer, and also a clever singer.

Open Voice
This is very important and something that you should pay attention to, if you want to sing professionally. Always sing in an open voice. No whispering, croaking, or singing in a closed voice. It is not the right way to sing and will only damage your vocal cords. Recollecting from what my vocal trainer had taught me, there are three parameters of an open voice:

1. Velum
2. Diaphragm
3. Broad jawline

How and what role they play in an open voice, is something that is best understood from a good vocal trainer or voice coach.

Motor Skills and Body Language
Improving your motor skills and body language will help you greatly in singing with an open voice and with better expression. And once again, to quote my vocal trainer, "Motor skills come from generating freedom within". What this means is that, as a singer (or a performing artiste), you should just let yourself go. Free yourself of all mental, emotional and psychological inhibitions. A performing artiste should be completely carefree and freewheeling. It makes a helluva difference in the presentation of his or her art.

Practice
Last but not the least, practice. A singer may be born with a God-gifted voice and loads of natural talent; but nurturing, developing and polishing that raw talent with regular practice is what will make him a successful, long-lasting singer. Devote a few minutes every day to practice your vocal exercises and singing lessons. Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of applications and software which you can make use of, to practice your singing and also test your vocal prowess.

These were a few singing tips to help you learn singing like a pro. Singing is best when done with your heart and soul put into the song you are singing. There are no shortcuts to it - practice is the only sure-shot way to become a full-fledged singer with a dreamy voice. Enjoy the music. Here's wishing you all the best.