Is it possible to learn how to sing, or is singing a talent that you have to be born with?
This has been a long-standing debate for years.
For us, as long as a person knows how to talk, then they can also learn how to sing simple songs using their singing voice. However, the voice quality of each individual is different. It depends on various elements and circumstances.
Also, there are a lot of online materials and programs, such as Singorama, that will teach you how to sing and be better at it.
Is Singing Hereditary?
Genetics is considered one of the factors that determine the timbre of a person’s voice.
You may be born from a family of singers, but if you don’t know how to use your vocal cords and your voice box, you will not produce a quality singing voice. Your genes may be a significant factor in your ability to hold a note and produce good voice quality, but singing is also considered a skill.
However, growing up in an environment where singing is part of their daily activities may also affect an individual’s voice quality. Control and techniques are something that is taught, learned, and developed through constant practice and dedication.
Is It Possible to Learn How to Sing?
There’s been a lot of discussions about whether singing is an inborn talent or a skill that can be learned by anyone. We have not seen a definitive answer to this question yet. Still, a lot of implications indicate that singing is a mixture of both skill and innate talent.
However, other aspects of singing like vocal range, in-tune singing, pitch, and your confidence level are all skills that you can learn and master.
Anyone determined to learn how to sing will eventually be able to as long as he is focused. Yet, when it comes to learning how to sing, though, the earlier you start, the better. This is because teaching a child the skill of singing is more comfortable than trying to instill the same knowledge to an adult.
The objective of teaching kids elementary general music is for them to be able to use their singing voices in a way that is musically correct and healthy.
Voice lessons are a good option for all age groups as long as you inform the instructor about your intentions. Informing them of your reasons will allow them to provide you with the suitable assistance you need.
What Makes a Good Singer?
There’s no generic model for being a singer. You will not be able to tell if someone is a singer by merely looking at his appearance. We know that our anatomy, genetics, and biological makeup are partly responsible for our voice quality. Our talking voice, for example, is different from our singing voice in such a way that talking sound is in the lower range. The singing voice is much higher.
With that said, what has science got to do with singing and singers?
1. Vocal Intonation
Excellent pitch accuracy is one of the critical factors of a scientifically sound singer.
2. Good Lung Capacity
Your genes technically determine the size of your lungs, and it differs from one person to another. While we don’t have the power to change the size of our lungs, we can increase its capacity with breathing techniques and exercises.
3. Shape and Size of the Pharynx and Nasal Cavities
A person’s anatomy can affect the tone of his voice, like their respiratory system and facial structure.
4. Coordination Capability of Your Physical Processes
Another factor that will influence your voice is how your vocal cords contract and your method of holding your tongue, lips, and pharynx.
5. The Timbre of Your Voice
The timbre is what gives your voice its tone and character. Our voices sound different from one another. Some may sound more pleasant than others, but you can still discipline your vocal tract to modify the timbre of your voice.
6. State of Mind
A person’s mental condition can influence his singing ability. Each person has a different frame of mind, and any negative emotions can crush a singer’s confidence.
What Does Tone Deafness Mean?
Tone deafness has been associated with bad singing, and we’ve heard that expression in the music circle quite a lot. But, what does it mean when someone is called tone-deaf?
A tone-deaf person cannot hit the right pitch in a song, even if he is singing along with it, because he cannot tell the difference between the notes. Tone-deafness is also known as amusia.
While some may be having difficulties hitting the right note, it does not automatically mean that they are tone-deaf. Maybe, they are experiencing pitch problems, which have different stages.
Stages of Pitch Problems
Hitting the right pitch is a complex system of having your vocal cords adjust to a specific thickness to imitate the sound. Then, the singer needs to release the exact amount of breath for the vocal cords to vibrate and create the right pitch.
Below are the common pitch-matching issues experienced by some singers.
1. Usher
This type is when the individual is very off-key and do not have the slightest idea of how to copy a pitch. It can be resolved by asking the person to do pitch-matching exercises until they get better and faster with the training.
2. Stagehand
This type is the occasional off-key individual where he can hit most notes but still misses some keys. Singers experiencing this scenario should also practice pitch-matching exercises using three- to four-note sequences at considerable intervals.
3. Background Singer
The singer in this stage has a better understanding of how the brain and the vocal cords work but lacking in vocal technique. Singers who sing flat notes need to maintain their breath support, while those who sing sharp are using too much air to release the sound.
4. Diva
These are the accurate singers where they always hit the right pitch because all their musical elements are working together. Their usual problem is how to hold on to the tune while doing vocal extremes.
What Is Vibrato?
Vibrato is a singing technique where there are fast and quivering changes in the pitch, which can make a singer sound great. It can also add richness, character, and beauty to the singer’s performance. It is said that all of us possess a natural vibrato and not just singers. Still, some are better at creating those pitch fluctuations as compared to others.
Main Components of Vibrato
1. Pitch
The pitch refers to the note that the singer is singing where the vibrato is usually centered.
2. Volume
The volume is the intensity or strength of the pitch.
3. Timbre
Timbre or tone is the unique sound of the note.
How to Sing Vibrato
Vibrato was developed when the microphone isn’t available yet. It aims to give the singers the chance to exaggerate the volume of the voice without hurting their throat.
Here are some tips on how to sing vibrato:
1. Develop a Natural Vibrato
Use the following techniques for developing your vibrato:
- Try widening the back of the throat by opening the mouth and making a yawning action without tensing the muscles on your throat.
- Release all the tension in the body and relax the muscles before singing to bolster the natural vibrato.
- Practice good posture as it is vital to maintain a clear and strong vibrato.
- Breathe evenly and steadily to avoid ruining the strength of the natural vibrato.
- Sing from the diaphragm by filling your lungs with air and then breathing through the mouth as you sing.
As the voice matures, a rapid variation in pitch develops naturally. Observe this variation as you use the right singing technique and allow it to develop as you continue to practice.
2. Strengthen Your Technique
Make sure to do some warm-up exercises before singing to release the vibrato and avoid vocal strain. Be sure to practice abdominal breathing, as it can help in maintaining the breath and let you sing from the diaphragm. Also, do voice exercises that are specific to improving the vibrato. Doing this strengthens its versatility and tone. Try to maintain the vibrato even at different volumes.
You may also improve and strengthen your singing voice by taking voice lessons.
Additional Tips on Learning How to Sing
Don’t lose hope if there’s no singer in your family; you can still learn how to sing by following these additional tips.
- Learn proper breathing techniques.
- Always sing with good posture.
- Make sure to memorize the song lyrics at all times.
- Use an online application or digital tuner to learn how to match pitch.
- Learn the basics of music history.
- Follow an excellent vocal warm-up routine.
- Practice on your diction to make it sound better.
- Find your identity and singing style.
- Know what is your vocal range.
- Follow a strict healthy singer’s diet.
What Is Singorama?
If you want to learn how to sing, Singorama is a great place to start your journey.
Aside from online singing lessons, singing tips, and techniques that you will find on their website, they also offer the Singorama 2.0 program.
In this program, you will find reliable advice from the experts on how to become a great singer.
You will also learn how to use your ear when singing; this is important for you to sing in the right pitch at all times.
This program also provides lessons on proper vocal warm-ups and voice strengthening, which are essential if you want to learn to sing.
Conclusion
Is it possible to learn how to sing? From what we have discussed today, we learned that singing is a mixture of both talent and skill. This just means that the ability to sing is something that can be developed if dedication and hard work are added to the desire to learn.
Anyone can take voice lessons to learn different techniques. As you do, you can always search online for tips for learning to sing, just like what Singorama is offering.
