Let us focus on the gift of music, particularly the vocals. We often conclude that they, the vocalists, are born to sing. We are mistaken. Singers need vocal training to reach that level of greatness, that moment when their very voices touch its’ audience in the most dramatic way.
Let’s take the very popular American Idol for example. Majority of people who are auditioning are talented. Most can carry a tune and can hit notes perfectly. But the organizer of the talent search is not only looking for that. They are looking for an “Idol” material. One that has all the package. Let’s say this person have the it, but the judges think, there’s room to improve. Does this one person, after having vocal training, can win the search?
It is to be noted that after auditions, they put the possible contestants under a series of vocal training sessions. They are asked to master their songs with a deeper understanding of the music itself. Quickly, one realizes that there is more to singing than simply sounding good. It is about pitch, about emotions, and about heart.
If you are someone who wants to take voice to the next level, say professionally, come to terms with the imperativeness of vocal training. There is more to singing than belting and bellowing your lungs out. Even the best composed songs falter when delivered by a flat voice. Vocal training will teach you how to take care of your voice, how to breathe properly while singing and how to produce a powerful and dynamic sound.
This is a serious business, my friend. Singing is not a mere past-time if you want to do it professionally. If singing is to be your bread-and-butter, step up the plate. Do the actual work. Attend vocal training diligently. Come to class prepared with the materials. You have to study your music sheets and understand the technicalities of it. Nowadays, most artists rely too much on synthesizers or computers to make them sound good. Vocal training gives you an edge because you would be able to do a wider range of music compared to those of electronic-sounding artists.
If there’s one thing that you can get in vocal training other than honing your singing voice, that would be discipline. This learning can really take you to where you want to be someday. With discipline, you will be able to keep yourself away form temptations of smoking, drinking and all-night partying. Bear in mind, if you’ve got the talent, you have to hone it, and then take good care of it. Otherwise, that talent is nothing. Your voice is your asset, and nothing can take that away from you, unless you let them.
Although it’s not prohibited, it will be best for you to not take sweets and dairy products much. These products are mucus-forming, and the mucus might hinder the movement of your vocal chords. Smoking and staying up late ruins the muscles of your body, therefore shortening your breath that you need in singing. Alcohol, on the other hand, may cause your body to lose water it needs, which will affect your singing voice.
The gift of singing is such a powerful gift. It can change people’s way of thinking and can touch people’s lives. Share it, but first improve it with vocal training.
Skyler Jett, a prolific singer, songwriter and producer, shares share his tips about proper vocal training. Learn how to sing with Skyler, Patti Austin and friends at http://howtosing.org.
