5 Vocal Tips for the Absolute Beginner

Sometimes it is so easy to forget where we have come from. If we look back at our past, we soon realize just how far we have traveled. As I take a look back at my own past in regards to singing, I am amazed and astounded at all the vocal tips I have gathered.

I am also amazed and astounded at how easily I forget how much I didn't know when I first started singing. While the vocal tips I possess now seem second nature, they did not always seem that way when I first started singing. I was like a sponge soaking in all the vocal tips I could possibly handle. Today I want to recall those memories so that I can offer you 5 vocal tips to help you on your path to becoming a singer.

Vocal Tip #1: Learn about vocal methods.

If you are a beginner, I would encourage you to start reading about different vocal methods. Just like anything else in life, there are many different processes that try to achieve the same result. The same goes for singing. There are many different schools of thought on how to shape a stunning vocalist. I personally respect and am a proponent of the speech level singing (SLS) method¹. There are other schools of thought as well, such as the classical approach, the body singing approach, the low larynx approach (sometimes mixed with the SLS method), the complete vocal technique (CVT) method, and many others. Take time to research some of these vocal methods and familiarize yourself with what they teach. This is an excellent stepping stool to understanding singing better on the whole.

Vocal Tip #2: Determine whether you want private lessons or a singing program.

Once you have learned about different vocal methods, determine how you think you would learn those vocal methods best. Some people need to have hands on instruction and would therefore benefit from a private instructor. Other people (including myself) do well with self taught programs and would benefit from a singing program. Take an honest look at yourself and determine which avenue would be the best for you.
***Note: This is for the beginners! Once you have grounded yourself in singing (whether through a vocal instructor or a singing program), you need to find a vocal coach to help you hone your skills!

Vocal Tip #3: Make an honest effort to practice.

After you have studied some vocal methods and determined between a private instructor or a singing program, you need to make honest strides with practicing. Following and singing to exercises is easy. Keeping the will to practice is the hardest part about singing. Singing truly isn't that tough or daunting - you just need to make those first steps towards progress. I get this question all the time: "What if I am not doing the exercises correctly?" To them I answer "No one does the exercises correctly the first time". You won't be perfect the fist time around, but you will never get better if you don't try and try again. Remember: you are a beginner - you are already at rock bottom. Things can only get better!

Vocal Tip #4: Read and study from other vocalists who are better than you.

This was probably the most helpful part of my journey to becoming a singer. Once you delve into singing, take some time to surf the Internet and learn from other vocalists. They can be an invaluable resource to you. Spend time reading about their own journeys and collect vocal tips from them that will be beneficial for you.

Vocal Tip #5: Be persistent and never give up.

There will be rough spots in your journey. As you discover your singing voice, you will experience plenty of joy and sorrow. There will be mountain top experiences and valley experiences. But whatever the case, don't just up and quit. You will come through the good times and the bad times. Keep the faith and persist in becoming the singer you've always wanted to be!

I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to view some more vocal tips, please click here!

1. "Speech Level Singing" Forever Singing