Unfortunately, we are all not created equal regarding vocal ability. However, we all possess potential that can be developed! No matter your level, you can learn to sing! All it takes is desire and lots of training. Consider these tips to improve your singing voice.

Why can’t some people sing well?

Many factors can affect our vocal performance: lack of concentration, not enough rehearsal, poor memory, poor self-confidence, jitters, or conversely, over-confidence! All these can influence our performance.

Other causes may also affect our singing voice, such as physiological or morphologic difficulties, poor phonatory muscle tone, vocal cord length, etc. Or possibly, the vocal technique could be faulty! No matter the difficulty, the only remedy is to learn how to sing properly.

How do I do that?

A professional vocal teacher’s instructions are essential to solving these difficulties, as they can help you identify the source of your problem. You can start to improve your voice immediately by following these simple basic suggestions:

#1) Record yourself

In order to progress, you need to take a step back and evaluate yourself. If you are unable to spot the mistakes and inaccuracies while you are singing, try recording yourself and then listen carefully. Try to correct the errors and keep recording your practice sessions. Over time, you will see an improvement.

#2) Check your posture

Good posture is essential for proper singing! The best posture for singing without causing a sore throat, involves standing straight with your shoulders, jaws and back in a relaxed stance. Try putting your arms up in the air as if someone was pulling your head from above, but keep your body straight. This way you won’t compromise your larynx, you will feel much more at ease and confidant while you are singing.

#3) Pay attention to your breathing

Many people neglect their breathing, however it is the cornerstone of vocal technique. You will be able to project a more sonorous sound if you are able to master your own breathing.

Try these breathing exercises daily until they become part of your routine:

Empty your lungs then breathe deeply. You should feel your chest inflate
Exhale while making an “ssss” sound, until all the air in your lungs is expelled
Repeat several times to strengthen your diaphragm

#4) Do vocal exercises

These exercises demand a bit of patience, but they are definitely worth it! The goal is to train your phonation muscles to get used to changes in tone (sharp or flat). Vocal exercises consist of pronouncing different vowels, then changing the ranges and rhythms. These will warm up your voice.

Important: sing quietly without forcing, and you will notice the difference!

#5) Sing a capella (without accompaniment)

This is an excellent way to improve your vocal technique, all the while developing your musical ear. Learn your favourite song by listening to it as many times as required, then sing it by yourself without any accompaniment. Without the influence of the backing track, you will be better able to focus on every note and nuance.

In following these 5 simple suggestions, you should notice an improvement in your vocal technique. However, the best way to improve your voice is with the aid of a voice teacher. Your teacher will help you advance faster and give you the necessary tools to become the best vocalist you can be!