Singing Tips

Singing is a fun activity that anyone can do. But whether you're singing in the shower or planning to audition for an opera, you should take care of your voice and sing with proper technique. Otherwise you risk damaging your vocal folds in the long term. For a more complete guide to singing, please visit our page on How to Sing.

1. Find your range. Establish your vocal range (soprano, alto, tenor, etc.). This not only refers to the notes you can hit, but where you are most comfortable with your singing voice.
2. Inhale using the lower part of your lungs. Picture your diaphragm area as a tire or balloon, expanding not only in front of you but in the back and sides.
3. Control the air as you exhale. You can practice controlling your airflow by imagining there is a lit candle in front of your mouth that you are trying not to blow out.
4. Make your breathing technique second nature. Practice breathing every day until it feels natural. Always focus on breathing correctly while singing.
5. Relax! Keep your body loose at all times while singing, especially your chin/jaw area.
6. Warm up. Sing up and down scales with a piano or other instrument for a pitch reference. The National Center for Voice and Speech lists their favorite vocal warm-ups for singers.
7. Schedule a regular practice time. This will help you fall into a singing routine.
8. Drink water. You want your vocal cords to be well lubricated any time you sing.
9. Don't sing if you're sick. This can only aggravate your vocal cords further.
10. Rest your voice. When in doubt, don't sing (or even speak). If something hurts, you're singing wrong and should rest until your voice feels better.
11. Sing songs that you love. Choose one that's appropriate for your range. Singing music you enjoy will inspire you to keep practicing.
12. Don't lift your chin. This is sometimes the temptation when hitting high notes, but it strains your vocal cords.
13. Correct mistakes. If you sing through mistakes you will only reinforce bad habits.
14. Work on your vowels. Practice pronouncing vowel sounds and enunciating your words.
15. Record yourself. You can get a more objective view of your singing strengths and weaknesses by recording your singing.
16. Be yourself. Vocal coach Melissa Cross says one of the worst mistakes you can make is trying to sound like someone else.
17. Practice ear training. Ear training helps you to develop relative pitch and recognize intervals, scales, and chords.
18. Find a vocal coach. Nothing will help you improve your singing more than hooking up with a professional who can give you hands-on training and advice.

• For more information, please see Mahalo's guide to How to Sing.

• {{vote}}

• Wikipedia: Vocal Range

• Dummies.com: Identifying the Fab Four of Singing Voices

• Dummies.com: Practicing Your Singing: Getting Started

• eHow.com: How to Do Breathing Exercises

• wikiHow: How to Breathe Correctly to Protect Your Singing Voice

• wikiHow: How to Sing

• YouTube: Vocal Warm-ups

• NCVS: Dr. Titze's Favorite Five vocal warmups for singers

• Everything2.com: How to Sing: A Brief Guide

• Melissa Cross Vocal Studio: Air Management

• IWasDoingAllRight: Online Ear Training

• Vocalist.org.uk: Voice Training

• NATF.org: Vocal Health