There are many aspects to singing practice that will help you get better. You should organize your sessions, keep a journal, and record yourself. You should also warm up before each session to avoid voice fatigue. Below are some tips to keep in mind:
Organizing sessions
When organizing your singing practice sessions, you are increasing your chances of completing something. By creating an agenda for your time together, you are less likely to become confused. By focusing on two or three key skills and a few additional exercises, you will save yourself valuable time. However, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect exploration. If you don’t organize your sessions, you risk getting overwhelmed. To avoid this problem, here are some tips.
Keeping a journal
Keeping a journal for singing practice can be an invaluable tool for improving your vocal performance. Not only can you write down what you did during your practice, but it can also help you to look back and assess whether or not your vocal performance has improved. To achieve your goals, you need to make them realistic and written down. Try to break down three-month goals into weekly, daily, and monthly targets. Moreover, it is important to record your voice warm-ups and cool-downs.
Recording yourself
Many voice teachers recommend recording yourself singing. This practice can help you see where you need improvement and allows you to evaluate your progress. You can use a smartphone or laptop equipped with a webcam to record yourself singing. For beginners, recording yourself is the best way to learn the craft and get feedback on your progress. Here are some reasons why recording yourself may be beneficial:
Warming up
It’s important to warm up your voice before singing practice. Even if you just want to sing for fun, it’s still important to start by warming up before you sing. Warming up isn’t complicated; you just need to do vocal exercises and stretch before you begin. You may also want to meditate before singing. A few minutes of meditation can help you prepare mentally for your performance and reduce stress and stiffness.
Singing on exhalation
Singing requires control of your breath. Controlling your breathing is crucial for phrasing and dynamics. It’s also very important to breathe in and out at regular intervals based on the music you’re listening to. Here are some tips to help you control your breath while singing. Practice singing on exhalation for singing practice! How do you breathe on exhalation? Start by lying on your back flat. Place your hands on your waist. Gently inhale, and then exhale slowly. Feel your hands rise as you breathe out. Feel your chest expand, from the front, sides, and back.
Singing phrases more legato
The key to beautiful singing is learning how to sing phrases more legato. A legato line allows you to use your voice with complete freedom. As you sing, consider how your voice will be shaped by each note in the phrase. Often, an arch shape is the most common shape. You can try elongating vowels to give your voice more free time on each note. This will give you more energy on each note and enhance your legato.
Checking for neck and throat tension
If you’re experiencing pain in your throat or neck while singing, you may have an underlying problem, such as a tight voice box or a blocked vocal tract. Identifying the source of throat tension is a key step toward preventing the discomfort. The easiest way to determine whether you’re holding excessive tension is to check the muscles in the throat and jaw. In addition to checking the muscles in the throat and jaw during singing, you can check how they position themselves while you’re speaking or chewing.