Singing is a very fun and quite challenging activity. If you don't have a natural talent for vocals, taking courses can be a way to develop your singing skills. Unfortunately, the cost of vocal courses is relatively expensive. However, you can learn to sing and master vocal techniques at no cost by practicing on your own according to these instructions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Improving Vocal Technique
Step 1. Relax your tongue
The condition of the tongue can cause a big problem when singing. A stiff base of the tongue makes the airways narrow so that the sound that comes out seems to be suppressed.
- Touch the inside of the incisors on the lower jaw with the tip of your tongue.
- Stick your tongue down while making a "Haaahhh" sound a few times to flex your tongue before singing.
Step 2. Breathe using your lower abdominal muscles
Breathing while singing is different from normal breathing. As you inhale, inhale deeply until the lower abdominal cavity expands.
- Place one palm on the stomach below the navel.
- Open your mouth wide and inhale deeply until your lower abdomen expands like a balloon.
- Exhale until it runs out while making a hissing sound.
- Do this exercise 3 times a day every day.
- Relax your neck muscles by practicing yawning. As you sing, rediscover the feeling that comes when you yawn.
Step 3. Relax the lower jaw
If the jaw is clenched, the sound will be blocked because the mouth is not wide open. In addition, the tension in your jaw will be reflected in your voice when you sing.
- Open your mouth wide for a louder and more beautiful sound.
- Practice relaxing your jaw several times a day to break the habit of clenching your teeth.
- Shape your lips like the mouth of a bottle and say "A-E-I-O-U".
Step 4. Stand straight
Singers rely heavily on their breath to sing well. You can't breathe deeply when you bend over. Stand up straight, spread your feet apart and pull your shoulders back slightly. Point your chin toward the floor and relax your chest muscles.
- Many singers lift their chin to reach high notes, but this can cause problems with the vocal cords.
- Practice standing in front of a mirror. Make sure you don't bend over while singing.
Method 2 of 3: Strengthen Vocal Cords and Improve Singing Skills
Step 1. Practice every day
In order to become the best performing singer, you have to practice every day. Just like athletes, the more you sing, the stronger your vocal cords will be. Plus, you'll be ready to sing in front of an audience if you practice a lot.
- Sing as best you can during practice. If you practice with the wrong technique, it will become a bad habit that is hard to break.
- Keep a journal with each practice to record the things you learn and are good at.
- Make a note of what you did well and what still needs improvement.
Step 2. Record your voice as you sing
The sound we hear when we sing is very different from the sound that other people hear. Make a recording during practice then listen and evaluate.
- Pay attention to notes that are discordant or don't match the basic tone.
- Listen to what your voice sounds like. Is it stuck like someone out of breath?
- After doing the evaluation, set a new target for improving your singing ability and how to achieve it.
Step 3. Hum in the shower
Maybe you often hear people bathing while singing. For singers, humming is an effective way to practice. When humming, the vocal cords become thinner and more flexible as they are stretched, resulting in a wider vocal range.
- Close your lips and then make a "mmm" sound according to the length of your breath while moving your lower jaw like you are chewing gum.
- Hum your favorite scale or song.
Step 4. Sing in the mirror
In addition to sound quality, singers must be ready to give the best performance. While standing in front of the mirror, you can see what your body movements look like, facial expressions, and determine if you are performing well enough to perform in front of an audience.
- If you're practicing to sing in a musical theatre, try to present yourself in an expressive style.
- Prepare the words you want to say during a song change or to introduce yourself.
- Use a mirror to see if you seem anxious or remembering song lyrics.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Vocals
Step 1. Get into the habit of getting a regular night's sleep
Singers cannot change instruments for singing because the only instrument they have is their body. Lack of energy will affect the condition of the body and sound quality.
- Find out how many hours of sleep you need each night. Make a sleep schedule and apply it consistently.
- The more energy stored, the more energy can be used to amplify the sound.
Step 2. Make sure your body is always hydrated
If your vocal cords are dry, your voice may sound weak and hoarse. To keep your voice loud and beautiful, drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Drink a glass of water with meals and enjoy a snack.
- Carry bottled water with you wherever you go so you don't get thirsty.
Step 3. Avoid caffeine
Singers should not consume caffeine because coffee dehydrates the vocal cords. Pour 1 teaspoon of honey into a glass of warm water and add a few drops of lemon.
- Honey and lemon are useful in preventing colds and flu.
- Drink it every morning when you eat breakfast so you don't forget.
Step 4. Warm up the vocal cords
Before singing the song you want to practice, you should warm up. Otherwise, the voice will become hoarse and over time can damage the vocal cords.
- As a warm-up exercise, sing the scales up and down a few times.
- Relax your tongue by saying sentences that use different letters. For example, say "red orange yellow green blue indigo purple" 10 times while speeding up.
- Do a physical warm-up. Stretch and massage the shoulder, neck, back, face, and jaw muscles to relieve tension and relax.
