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With
so many vocal coaches now able to offer their services and information
on the internet, there is a lot of material and a lot of different
teaching styles to choose from. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed
by the amount of knowledge, or the amount of conflicting information.
Approach singing the way you would any other topic you wanted to
learn more about. Pick at least two or three educational programs
from different authors on the same subject and begin to study and
work with them.
Once
you get started and the information you are studying begins to sink
in, begin experimenting with your voice. Careful! Don't try too
hard. Singing should be easy. Our bodies were designed to naturally
create and amplify sounds, and the size and shape of our resonating
cavities (and how we use them) is what gives us our own unique sound.
Before you try sounding like your favorite recording artist, work
to find your voice - your pure and natural voice. This is easily
done by singing a simple "ah". Using this simple syllable
work to apply the different concepts, ideas and techniques you have
read about in your training material. From breathing to tone creation,
from tone placement to mastering resonance.
Use
your ears. What do you hear? Does it sound good to you?
Use your eyes (and a mirror). Are you relaxed? Singing should be
(and look) easy.
Use your body. Are you supporting with your full instrument and
airflow system?
Use your head. Are you thinking the notes in your head before you
sing them?
HOT
TIP: You should feel very little and pay little attention to the
actual movement and workings of your larynx or surrounding tissues.
Concentrating on these areas tends to promote more tension, which
is contrary to good vocal production. Instead, concentrate on accomplishing
the other mechanics of singing (breathing, proper tone creation,
support, etc.). Everything else generally falls right into place
without specific attention.
Take
the ideas you read about and (without straining or pushing your
voice) try to take them to each extreme. For instance, if you are
working on tone creation, practice making every single kind of tone
- from nasal to rich and warm, from thin sounding to full sounding.
Figuring out the physical actions it takes to make these different
(and sometimes technically incorrect) tones, will also help you
figure out how to correct them when they occur during performance.
Our voices change over time, so learn to manipulate your overall
vocal tone from the very beginning.
Once
you have the understanding of the various actions that cause the
changes in your singing tone, look for the balance that suits you
both mechanically and stylistically. That balance is your goal.
With the foundation of a pure and natural tone, and the proper state
of balance, you can safely manipulate and adjust your singing voice
to perform any vocal style like a pro.
Shape
your sound the smart way, through good vocal habits, proper experimentation
and regular vocal exercise.
Use
all the tools available to you. There is a large selection of vocal
training tools on the following site: http://SingerCity.com

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