How to Practice Singing
Today is the day that you’ve finally decided that it’s time to work on your voice, the question is: how do you go about practicing how to sing?! Though the answer is similar for everyone- JUST DO IT- the details will vary per each individual! And of course, there’s more to it than ‘just do it’, right? just do WHAT exactly? For singers that already have gigs and a full set list, you already have a song agenda. If you’re singing for yourself as a hobby, its time to pick songs.
Pick Songs. If you’re just starting out, begin by looking for songs that you like. Sometimes people will make a long list and have more difficult material on the list to work up toward but in general you really only need 2-3 songs to get started. If you have trouble picking material, working with a vocal coach like myself can help you to decide what material best suits your vibe and your skillset.
Set up a Routine. The key to successfully getting yourself to improve is in setting up a routine that you can keep up with. This will vary per the individual’s level of interest and available time to practice. I recommend most people practice at least 3-4 days per week, 15 minutes at a time. Some people practice for up to 30 minutes or more and for more experienced singers it can be significantly more than that and practice is daily. Set reminders on your phone and set a timer- if you meet the minimum and you're satisfied then great! If not, keep going.
Incorporate Warm Ups / Vocal Exercises. To get the most out of your voice you will want to do exercises and warm ups as a part of your routine. This is the best way to gain the flexibility your vocal folds need and it’s the best way to work on intonation. You can use the free exercises here on this website or sign up to the Members Only area for only $20/month to gain access to an entire library of vocal exercise videos! One on one consultation with a voice teacher will also help you to get exercises that cater to your individual needs.
Breathwork. Singing is not just the act of singing but also about managing your breath! Start your workout by sustaining a hiss (‘ssssss’) with one deep breath and time yourself. See how many seconds you can hold it for, repeat, and try to go longer!
Get the Lyrics infront of You. Just singing along to the song will take most people a longer time to learn and memorize. Pull up lyrics on a screen or kick it old school and print out the lyrics.
Set Goals. Tell yourself you will have X amount of songs memorized by X amount of weeks, etc. Be ready to perform karaoke by X date. Having a goal to have your songs down by a certain time is ultimately the best way to keep yourself on track!
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Singing and creative expression are therapeutic. If you need help setting yourself up with a practice routine, sign up for lessons via my website today!