How can I teach myself to sing?

Question

I've always wanted to take a class but don't really have the time or money. I have a guitar and piano and play classical guitar. I play a little piano from time to time but I'm not very good.

I understand the basics of playing music but I can't seem to impove my singing at all. I have no idea if I'm even singing the right notes or am in the right key.

I live in go to Karaoke sometimes so my friends can judge my improvement in the future.

However, to learn by myself, is there any good method?

Websites are really appreiciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

Singing is easy but singing properly without damaging your voice and avoiding wrong habits is hard! It is very easy to mimic something  you hear and copy it but it may result in problems later in life if you do not know what you are doing.

You already have a background in playing music. Singing is using your voice as an instrument to produce music just like your guitar or piano. Your singing voice is considered a wind instrument. This means you need Breath management training.

Since you have some background in music, you can easily tune your voice to match your guitar or piano to see if you are singing the right notes (I am  assuming you know how to read musical notations).

Learning by yourself by mimicking others is a good way to practice on simple music. Simple music/songs that will not strain your voice. You need to know your vocal range. Notes that are hard for you to sing - do not go there as you will damage your voice and will impact you for the rest of your life.

There are generic voice lessons on CD out that can assist with voice training but if you are serious about singing, a vocal instructor is the best. One of the other reasons you need someone else to help you to sing, is because they can gauge your progress. Also, when you sing and hear how you sing - this isn't necessarily what people hear. Try recording yourself while you sing and you will have a feel of how you really sound like. If you are in high school, you can join your Choir. If you are in college, you can take a class on Music Theory or minor in Music/Performing Arts.

The best advise I can give, for free lessons, is if you have a church, they usually offer free advise or even free training depending on the church itself that you attend. You can get advice from friends who has actually taken voice training.

Last word of advise: Do not be fooled by others who have no voice training and taught themselves. Some people think they have learned but damaged their voice in the process and later in life, they finally realize what they've done but it is too late. Some people do not realize they have even damaged their voice.

Otherwise,

Best Wishes to your voice progress!

Answer 2

The fact that you play classical guitar means you do have an awareness of intonation and changing keys. This should be helping you with your tuning when singing.

The trick is always to start with something simple. That is how any artist is able to hone their skill.

You first step is to start practicing breathing exercises on a daily basis. This consists of you breathing deeply into your stomach, instead of your shoulders. Be aware of your chest/shoulders that they do not rise. If they do, you have taken a "shallow breath" and you will not have support to reach high notes, or enough air to hold a long note. Your stomach should move out when you take a proper breath. (Think of a balloon filling.) Breathe in for a count of 4, breathing out on a "ss" for a count of 4. Be sure all your air is out by the end of that count. To push the air out, use your diaphragm. One man by the name of Stephen Hatfield refers to this skill as the "Italian Secret", referring to the great Italian singers. He also adds that this feel almost like you are pushing out gas. As weird as this sounds, he's making you aware of how very low the muscles should be contracting in order to effectively use your breath.

Repeat the breathing exercises as follows: Always breathe in on a count of 4, varying the exhaling hiss with counts of 8, 12, 16, eventually 20, consecutively. As you exhale with the larger counts, your goal's perspective must change from trying to get rid of all your air, to making your one breath last until the last count. This deep breathing is what will make you or break you. I've had students who are almost tone-deaf, but drilling the breathing exercises, they were hitting high notes in tune.

Next, Pick a song you can both sing and play on guitar (or figure out on guitar). For example, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or even "Happy Birthday" (if you don't mind the harmonic 7th.) Play the melody on guitar and sing along, very slowly, so that you are singing and playing the same notes. Make sure you are in the same octave. This will make you very aware of your ability to sing in tune. Do not move on to accompanying yourself with chords until you are sure of your tuning.

As far as websites go, I'm not sure you will find too many legitimate sites that will offer safe and effective tools for singing.

And the vegetarian diet is not necessary, but avoiding milk products the day you wish to perform in front of an audience is a good idea. Milk causes the throat to be flemmy and voice unclear. I eat meat on a daily basis and have been very successful in my singing.

Continue to have family and friends **that are musical** listen to you and help you. You're at a great advantage knowing how to play classical guitar and a bit of piano. Best of luck!  

Answer 3

sing along with the radio, and try and match the tune to the voices...this way your singing just like the pros...take your time and practice..

I learn to play guitar this way...

Answer 4

Wake up early in the morning like 4 am.  Have a good quick bath and then sit in a place and try to sing.  Practice at least for 30 minutes daily.  Take care not to disturb the others.  Stop eating non vegetarian food and avoid ice cream.   See the results within 30 days.  Then increase the duration to 40 minutes.