We have gathered 9 “star” tips and recommendations for you on how to become a great vocalist.
Don’t give up
The first and most important piece of advice is to be prepared for setbacks. This doesn’t mean you should think negatively. On the contrary, treat mistakes as part of the process. Unless you are a genius and gifted with vocal talent from birth, you will have to work hard to learn how to sing like Tom Jones.
Take vocal lessons
If you are not going to make singing your career, two or three lessons a week will be quite enough to understand the basics of vocals. An experienced tutor will teach you how to sing correctly, fix your mistakes, and give you recommendations on how not to ruin your voice.
For those who, for some reason, cannot attend lessons with a tutor, there are video trainings and Skype lessons. Study at a convenient time in a suitable place: at night, on a business trip, or on vacation at a country house.
Artistry
A star is not just a voice. Moreover, there are plenty of examples where a performer first achieved popularity and only then learned to sing. Charisma and artistry mean just as much for a vocalist. Look at rock stars — a good portion of them miss the notes and sing frankly out of tune, but we are ready to forgive any mistakes because their energy and stage presence more than compensate for all their shortcomings.
Look at how the recognized master of parodies, Jim Carrey, transforms himself. Most of what he does in the frame is movements and facial expressions. These are what create a complete, recognizable image.
If you want to perform brilliantly, you should also think about your stage persona. A few dance moves certainly won’t hurt and will add dynamics to your performance. Think over your number in advance, memorize one or two moves, and try to be as relaxed as possible.
Don’t be afraid of criticism
Feel free to post recordings on social networks and share them with friends in messengers. Don’t be afraid of criticism, especially if it is constructive and will actually help you sing better.
In addition, social networks are a great way to win an audience. Previously, to become popular, you had to haunt the doorsteps of music labels for months and spend huge budgets on advertising and promoters. Now it is enough to appeal to a social media audience.
Like, for example, what happened with the young Ukrainian singer Jerry Heil, who shared the comic song “Ohrana otmena” on her YouTube channel and woke up a star.
Give up bad habits
Smoking and drinking alcohol — these habits are harmful not only to your health. They also have a direct impact on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, deforming it and making the voice more hoarse and dull.
A low voice and a slight hoarseness, of course, can sound incredibly sensual and powerful, like Janis Joplin or Amy Winehouse, but let’s first achieve their skill, not just their timbre.
Sing karaoke
Karaoke is a wonderful training tool for any vocalist. Sing in your free time, try your hand at new genres, and conquer vocal peaks. Experiment with famous hits, performing them in a new way, achieving your own unique sound.
We recommend karaoke not only for singing. It will also help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your voice and how much your musical preferences match your capabilities.
Don’t forget, the guests of a karaoke club or friends at a home karaoke party are your first audience. Try to win them over with your performance; make them fall in love with your voice.
Follow vocal rules
There are not many of them, and they are necessary, first of all, for your health.
– Do not sing when you have a cold. Wait until you get better, otherwise you risk losing your voice for a very long time.
– Do not strain your throat unnecessarily: do not shout, do not make sharp sounds, and do not talk in the smoking room. All this directly affects the vocal cords.
– Drink plenty of fluids so that your throat does not dry out and remains moist.
– Sing only in your key and at a comfortable volume so as not to ruin your voice.
– Learn to breathe correctly while singing so as not to suffocate during long notes.
– Try to give up soda, very hot or cold drinks, smoking, and mint gum 5-6 hours before a vocal lesson or performance.
– Get a good night’s sleep.
Find your individuality
Try to find your own unique singing manner and original style. Put your own emotions and mood into a famous song. Perhaps your performance will turn out to be, if not better, then at least worthy of the original.
Look at how easily and naturally the musicians from the popular project Postmodern Jukebox cover famous hits in jazz variations. Sometimes having individuality is more important than strictly hitting the notes.
Age is no barrier to singing
It is never too late to learn to sing. There is no age at which vocals would be contraindicated. At 3, at 20, and at 90 — sing at every opportunity, because singing is the most natural thing in the world!
If it seems to you that at 50 it is a bit late to learn solfeggio, you are simply limiting yourself in joy. Forget about all your fears and complexes, grab the microphone, and sing. The world is eager to hear your voice!
