I have been studying professional singing for several years and over this time I have amassed some techniques that help me be a better singer. I thought I would share some of these tips so that you can take them and use them to also help improve your singing. All of these tips in themselves won’t make you a great singer, that comes with time and proper coaching. These tips will however go along with professional training to help you get more out of your voice.
Ear Training
I found a really great website all about ear training. I wanted to pass this along because as a singer (or any type of musician) it is very important in your training to practice ear training. Practicing ear training will make you more accurate when singing impromptu songs, adding dynamics and background vocals, and accompanying any ensemble of players or singers. The website Good Ear is found at http://good-ear.com.
My vocal coach has me use the Chord section. For ear training I listen to the chords and I try to pick the notes out by singing them in no specific order. Picking the notes out like this helps me excercise my ear and over time has improved my ability to improvise when singing live with a band, or when writing a new song I am able to add more dynamics. Consider singers like Alicia Keys or Christina Aguilera, they both sing very dynamic melodies and this is possible due to their extensive ear training.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent throat lubricant! If you find yourself getting horse or drying out, take a small shot of olive oil and feel the instant benefits. It is advisable to buy as light flavored as you can, I typically get olive oil made for salads. This has to do with the taste, the type you use will have no different benefit so if you don’t mind the stronger flavored olive oils by all means use it! Go sparingly on it though, too many shots of it will also lubricate your GI tract and you might have results you weren’t intending.
Push-Up Position
Did you know that holding your body in certain positions will force it to sing on key and prevent you from over powering or over breathing? It’s true, and if you try putting yourself in a push-up position you will soon see what I mean. When you are in a push up position you muscles will not allow you to push too much air past your vocal chords. You will find that the amount of air you can release is restricted, and this restriction is the exact amount you should have when you are standing normally. Try singing like this regularly as a part of your practice. Place a mini recorder or your iPhone or Android and tape the difference between singing a song standing and in this position. If ever when you are singing and you notice you are having problems restricting your air, getting into this position can help remind you of how you should be breathing.
I hope these tips help you out on your vocals. I will update this article with new tips as I come across them. If you have any questions or want any advice about singing please email me!
xoxo,
Christine Rage
