You can learn how to phonate pitches by yourself. I’ll explain why phonating pitches is a key to singing well. But if you’d like to learn more advanced vocal techniques, you’ll need to spend money and time learning bookwork and voice anatomy. To get started, try these simple methods:
Recording yourself singing
One of the simplest ways to improve your vocal technique is by recording yourself singing. Whether it’s a pop song, a classical song, or even your own favorite aria, a recording can help you assess your pitch, rhythm, diction, and more. You can review the recording after you’re done to identify areas of improvement. Using a webcam is an especially convenient method, because it gives you the option to use a video camera to record yourself.
Developing a repertoire
The first step in developing a vocal repertoire is to identify what your students need to learn. If they are working on a song that they don’t know, consider choosing a moderate or modest piece. You may start with a piece from your radio station or a favorite song. Your vocal teacher can suggest songs that will help you build your experience and musicianship. Eventually, you can expand on the song to include a full album. Developing a repertoire allows you to showcase your creativity and versatility.
Warming up your voice
If you’re a vocal coach, you’ve likely heard about vocal warm ups. The idea is that they help vocalists loosen up their voice and prepare for singing for long periods of time. Vocal warm ups are a lot like the way athletes warm up before a workout. Warming up properly helps the voice sound better for longer periods of time. Here are some tips on how to warm up your voice as a vocal coach:
Practicing with a song you know well
When you are a self-taught singer, you’re a novice. You won’t have a lot of experience to diagnose vocal issues or know what repertoire to sing, and you’ll be less likely to notice subtle stylistic traits. That said, practicing with a song you know well will give you an edge over other singers. By recording yourself singing it, you can assess where you need to make changes in your technique.
Proper breathing techniques
While breathing properly is an important aspect of singing, many singers are unsure of how to do it. Proper breathing techniques can increase the quality of your voice and endurance, while minimizing tension in the chest, shoulders, and vocal folds. When practicing properly, you will also breathe better for a healthier body and improved tone. Learn how to breathe properly to vocal coach yourself and begin putting your voice to better use.
Singing in chest voice
The term “chest voice” refers to the lower, thicker tones that are produced by singers. This register also reflects the speaking voice. When someone is singing in this register, you will notice their chest vibrating. Developing a chest voice requires proper airflow and use of the vocal cords’ entire mass. If you are struggling with your chest voice, try vocalizing slowly while shifting to a head voice.
Singing in head voice
Learning how to sing in your head voice is crucial for achieving better vocal results. Head voice is a distinctive singing style that combines the qualities of the head voice with the chest voice. It can be difficult to master, however, and takes a lot of practice to perfect. To master head voice, you should first learn how to listen to singers with similar ranges as yours. Pay attention to the different sounds they make with their voice, especially falsetto notes, as these are higher and require lighter breath.
Projecting your voice
To learn how to project your voice, you have to know where to focus your energy. Whether you’re speaking to a client or addressing an audience, you need to project your voice correctly. Proper breathing is the key to voice projection. Proper breathing exercises use the muscles of the diaphragm to control voice volume. If you’re speaking to an audience, you should avoid the habit of speaking at the top of your lungs. To learn how to project your voice, try practicing ‘ha’ exercises. This practice will allow you to control your pitch and create a deep, rich sound.