Do voice lessons really work?
This is possibly the most common question beginner singers have.
We know that if people take piano and guitar lessons they will improve with their instruments, yet when it comes to singing there is often still some doubt.
A large part of this belief is the discouraging myth that one has to be “talented” to sing, that “some people have it and some people don’t”.
Well it is true that some people are more naturally inclined, anyone can improve their voice with proper vocal training!
Here are 5 things any singer can improve upon with voice lessons:
Pitch
Have you ever heard phrases like “they can’t hold a tune in a bucket” or “they just can’t stay in key!”
These sayings refer to a persons ability to hear notes and match them with their voice. This can be challenging if someone wasn’t raised with music in their day to day lives. Luckily, it can be taught!
Pitch is essentially mimicry; if you can copy cartoon voices or the sounds of your family and friends, you can learn to sing with correct pitch.
With this being said, it is almost impossible to improve upon this by yourself at the start.
That’s where voice lessons come in!
Vocal teachers work on this by using specific exercises and helping the student become aware of when they are matching a note and when they are not.
With some practice you’ll have that intonation set in no time!
Range
Range refers to the distance between the lowest and highest notes a person can sing.
One reason certain songs are easier for certain people is they are written in a more comfortable range!
Did you know the average untrained voice has a range of 1.5 octaves, whereas the average trained voice has a range of 3!
Singing lessons help students expand their range in a healthy way, so they can reach those soaring highs and rumbling lows without pain or discomfort!
Understanding Voice Type
You have probably heard the terms Soprano, Tenor, Alto and even Baritone before.
Each term refers to the different comfortable ranges of singers.
For example, a bass voice will feel more comfortable in the lower register whereas a soprano will feel best flying with high notes.
Though these basic terms can be helpful, they are also limiting!
This is because there are actually many things make up a voice type, not just range!
Trying to sound like a different voice type is a surefire way to become discouraged; what’s more, you could even hurt yourself.
Understanding voice type helps you understand how to approach songs in a healthy way and will help you sound your best!
Tone
Tone refers to the quality of sound made by an instrument or voice
For example, the tone of Sam Smith’s voice is much brighter than the tone of Josh Groban’s voice.
Learning how to manipulate tone is one of the most important tools in a singer’s toolbelt!
It allows for much deeper expression, whether that be singing airy and thin on an intimate song, or heavy and brass like on an upbeat party tune!
Understanding your own natural tone and how you can shift it let’s you aproach each song in a different way.
You have so many colors in your voice, you just have to learn to use them!
Timing
Singing along with singers is great practice, it is the equivalent of tracing to learn how to draw.
However, it can be much trickier to sing with just a backing track!
How do you know when to come in? How do you not get out of sync?
Timing!
Singer’s, just like musicians, need to practice timing so they can feel comfortable playing with other musicians.
Singing lessons help students with their rhythmic feel and understanding the fundamentals of beat!
Closing Notes
If you’re interested in starting your vocal journey give us a call at 647-748-2787! We’d be happy to provide you more information!
