subject: Singing Instruction - Learn Singing Techniques By Changing Your Listening Habits [print this page] The term "professional singer" tells us that the singer makes money by singing. But I use the tern to describe a singer who, even though they may not sing for money, makes us FEEL like we are listening to a pro. Are you a "professional singer"? When you sing at karaoke or other places, do people say to you (like in Billy Joel's "Piano Man"), "Man, what are to doing HERE?"
Using my definition: how can you become a "professional" singer?
* Become more aware of the technical aspects of singing: quality, range, breathing, riffing, breath control. You don't necessarily need a private voice teacher to improve these aspects of singing, although it really helps. You do need to begin to listen to the best singers, not just for enjoyment, but for instruction. When you listen, ask yourself "how are they actually achieving that great tone quality?" or "How do their high notes sound when compared to their low notes?" (The higher notes are thinner, not as fat and bassy.) "Are they pinching their sound, or do they have a full, open sound?"
What makes them so special to you? How do they communicate the feeling and mood of the songs. Do you feel like they are singing just to you? What special things do they do with pronunciation, with phrasing, with interpretation?
* As you listen you will discover what they are actually doing to make their terrific sounds. Then begin to work what you've learned into your songs. Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one aspect, say...the high range, and practice applying their techniques to your songs. Then go on to other aspects.
* Understand and accept the fact that having a great singing voice is not the primary requirement for becoming a "professional" singer, unless you are singing classical or opera. Pop, rock and country singers must, above all, become masters at communicating their feelings, emotions and energies to others.
Really know the music you plan to sing. Performance demands that you "hear" the
lyrics and music much clearer than when you were just listening for enjoyment. If you've been singing the song for a while, go back and re-learn it. What do the lyrics really mean? Who are you singing to? Check out the melody again. Are you REALLY singing it correctly. Are you singing it, or singing AT it?
* Listen to those favorite singers again, only this time examine how they communicate with you. What are they doing to make you feel sad, happy, excited, spiritual, emotional, like dancing?
Learning from a teacher or coach is important, but there are so many things you can learn from the stars. Change the way you listen, and begin learning.
