What I've Learned about Singing

In teaching voice for many years, I have found a few things that may cause you re-think your approach to singing:

• Most people have more of a vocal range than they believe. Singing in our higher range, especially demands relaxation. The least bit of nervousness as we reach a high note and our body will likely start to constrict our voice apparatus – the opposite of what we want.
• Singing really is like speaking on pitch. It should be mostly easy and comfortable. If it isn’t, you’re likely doing something wrong or working harder than you need to. Try noticing how you speak to a group of people. The way you're producing the sound should "feel" about the same to you when you sing.
• When you were growing up, if someone told you that you’re off-key or a bad singer, they were probably wrong – or maybe there were things present that can be helped. Often someone believes what someone tells them early on and no longer tries to become a good singer, believing they’re a lost cause. I suggest you re-visit the situation later on with a good teacher and let them decide.

What has been your experience in singing? Do you like to sing, or notice other people's reactions when you sing?

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