Learning How to Sing

NorioDS

I could've called this topic, "Voice Training" but I'm not really wanting to expand my range or anything -- just want to discover it and learn how to use it well.

So where could I go (preferably close to Centurion/Pretoria) to get some singing lessons?

arjunmenon

Start with your guitar, Norio. A singer friend of mine started singing along to the piano and then the guitar and trained by hitting pitches accurately. She took it to the next level by singing glissandos and bends etc etc. So i'd say you've got a pretty good start. Then again, i may be completely off my rocker here ? ;D

Cheers,
Arjun

NorioDS

Thanks Arjun ?

What's a glissando?

Spanish_Fly

Norio wrote Thanks Arjun ?

What's a glissando?

i was thinking the same thing
too much POT maybe lol

arjunmenon

Lol..haven't been a doobie brother for a very long time...a slide is a glissando..now u know ?

NorioDS

Ahhh, ok cool thanks man ?

Spanish_Fly

Arjun Menon wrote Lol..haven't been a doobie brother for a very long time...a slide is a glissando..now u know ?

thanks for upgrading my vocab ?

arjunmenon

no worries mate ? next topic..sul ponticello,sul tasto and pure cadence...lol ;D just kidding

Cheers

karel_appel

I went to a learning school in JHB and they gave me a nice warming up program that you can practice your vocal range and maybe expand your range. If you practise everyday you may get to the higher pitches.

NorioDS

Karel, I would love it if you could post a recording of that lesson here. Would be great!

JoeyBones

Take beginner lessons. As with all things, the basics are the most important. You could seriously damage your vocal chords if you sing incorrectly.

I'm on my third year of Vocal training and it's made a huge difference to my singing. If you thought it's easier than learning to play the guitar, think again. It gets technical and takes just as much practice. At least you can practice in the car on the way to work.

I thought "Five for Fighting" and Lifehouse songs were easy until I started singing them with the correct method.

NorioDS

Thanks Joey, you're right I was thinking that and I'll take it more seriously now.

JoeyBones

Daniel Beddingfield beware ... Norio is on his way ;D

Martyr

try "Zen of screaming" DVD...it teaches you how to breathe,exercises,warm ups,etc

jakjak

Ok the next sentence is goign to get me kicked off this forum, but ill say it anyway. ?

If you a complete beginner, consider spending a week or so (if you can find it dead cheap) playing with a program called singing coach. It's made by a company called carry and tune or something.

In no uncertain terms the program is outrageously annoying and clearly designed for kids. But i got it on a whim and found it very helpful in learning how to hit the correct note.

The main idea behind it is you sing into your mic and it graphs exactly what key you are singing at throughout the song. It also shows you where you should be throughout the song.

Now i mention this with the idea that this is more of a toy than a proper teaching aid, but its a fun and supprisingly insightful toy which will keep you occupied for sometime, and hopefully leave you with more control than when you started.

As it's such a toy... i would consider getting it via alternative procurement methods... ? Just this time. ?

Vintage-Vibe

Hey Norio

Some NB things I've picked up:

- If you're going to sing, you have to get over being self-conscious - the loud "shower crooner" is a good eg -
even if you can't pitch properly to start with, you won't get better by whispering.
You CANNOT worry abot embarrasment - look at Wham ! etc ... life's 2 short 4 shame if it's entertainment !

- Don't be shy to sing in front of others - often singing in front of the person whos opinion you value the most
musically can be more nerve-wrecking than doing it in front of a 1000 people (at least that's what I found initially)

- Practice with a MICROPHONE ! It's the only true way 2 hear what your voice sounds like without the bone
refraction in your skull messing with your ears.This can be quite shocking the first time you hear yourself - get over
it ASAP !
- Your voice is a series of muscles (and their relevant control) in a co-ordinated effort - you need to exercise them/it
every day to get better - JUST like gtr !
- Don't start out with "Bohemian Rhapsody" if you're trying to judge your range - try singing over a simple "Wild
Thing" 3 chord special - try it in the key of C, and transpose up a semitone each time - you'll soon see where your
voice sits most comfortably range-wise - a great singer works on all the extremities of his range abilities !
- A LOT of rock vocal melodies are based around PENTATONICS (funny, that).
- A great teacher is a great advantage (Daniel-san)

VV

Martyr

very good advice VV..

most people get very self conscious when they start and that's something to get over quickly(it's not like your band is never going to leave the garage,you will HAVE to sing infront of a crowd sometime)

and also agree with the mic thing,you voice does sound different through a mic

and practice practice practice

yeah i basically retyped everything VV typed,but it's all 100% true so i have to emphasize some of the keypoints ?

JoeyBones

Outside of singing in our church choir for a year and helping out on front vocals 2 decembers ago, I've only sang in front of a crowd twice and I loved it. Was nervous as hell but it was cool. It's funny how you can choke on a song you've sang/played a thousand times when you're in front of a crowd ?

NorioDS

Great, solid tips VV. I like 'em. I'm a long way off from singing but I'm making time for guitar/music so I'll get to do all those good things soon!

Satriani

I just came across this topic, and was actually going to start a new topic on singing scales and chords. It is VITAL to eventually learn how to sing a melody. Your tone is irrelevant, but your pitching is everything. It's a massive ear training tool, and also helps the brain memorise scales and chords.