Starting Out Singing...

by Shelby
(Mondamin, Iowa)

I'm just starting out and every time I try to sing, my throat kills the next day.

What am I doing wrong?

From The Editor

Hey, Shelby this is a great question!

When you're just starting out as a singer, it's very tempting to try and get a lot of volume and power from your voice.

The problem is: when you do this before getting some good vocal technique in place, you're going to strain your voice.

It sounds like this is what's happening with your singing.

Volume and power comes only from developing a solid foundation of correct technique. Only when you've built this up will you be able to begin to lean into your notes with more power.

The great thing is, once you have your technique in place, your powerful notes will be thick and rich.

By forcing your voice in the early stages, you may get volume... but your tone will likely suffer!

Ok, so some tips to begin building a foundation of correct technique...

First of all, when you're practicing make sure you stay at a medium level of volume.

As I mentioned, in the beginning your voice will not be able to deal with a lot of volume while holding a correct positioning technique wise.

So practice singing at low to medium volumes.

Also, the actual singing exercises that you practice are crucial.

You need to practice exercises that are going to get your voice functioning in the correct way for singing.

An example of some good exercises to begin with are the "lip roll", and tongue trill.

Both these exercises will give you an experience of how it feels to sing correctly.

If you don't know how to do these exercises, check the video section on this site for further explanation.

Above all, realize that singing is like learning any instrument. It takes time, practice, and patience...

... but watching your singing flourish is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. So enjoy every minute of it!

Good luck!

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About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

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