Back when I began to sing and perform, I figured I needed vocal training. I would listen to recordings of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and dream of singing their songs. At the time, I couldn’t reach those notes, my range was barely an octave, and I wanted to do more with my voice. So, I went looking for a teacher who could guide me in developing my talent.
Some people told me, “If you take lessons, you’ll lose what’s unique about your voice. Those who take lessons all sound the same.” That made me think.
People tend to see the trained voice as something artificial. But actually, the job of the voice teacher is to restore the freedom and power inherent in every voice. Good vocal training aims to develop the natural voice. It isn’t just about making the voice sound a certain way, but about improving vocal function. Its purpose is to release the instrument from unnecessary tension so that your true, natural sound can emerge. This way, every singer retains their unique voice.
The Role of the Mind
As we grow up, we often unconsciously restrict and constrict our vocal expression for various reasons. We do this to better “fit in” with the roles we take on in daily life (mom, daughter, brother, friend, lover). Do you use your voice the same way when talking to your best friend as when talking to a teacher? Do you sound the same?
You’re also likely adapting the way you communicate based on how you perceive yourself and your voice. For example, someone who is very confident is probably not going to sound as breathy or soft-spoken as someone who is shy.
The way you approach singing is often a reflection of this. By recognizing these subconscious restrictions, vocal training can help us overcome them and unlock our full vocal potential.
What Vocal Training Is Like
Vocal training involves strengthening and coordinating the muscles of the larynx to achieve a balanced tone and eliminate unnecessary tension. The first step is developing the vocal registers: chest voice and head voice (or falsetto). Each register engages the laryngeal muscles in different ways.
Developing these registers is crucial for balancing the voice and learning to mix. Good singing in any style relies on blending the qualities of both vocal registers, allowing for smooth transitions across your vocal range.
In addition to register development, vocal training focuses on proper breathing and alignment. These foundational skills are vital for maintaining voice control and building vocal stamina.
Resonance is another critical aspect. Proper resonance enhances vocal projection, allowing your voice to carry without strain. It also contributes to the richness and vibrancy of your tone, making your voice sound fuller and more dynamic.
All of this is achieved through targeted vocal exercises tailored to your voice. These exercises often involve working through scales with different syllables and sounds to build strength and flexibility.
Finally, the ultimate goal is to apply what you’ve learned to the songs you sing. This ensures that both technical skill and emotional expression are seamlessly integrated, creating a powerful and authentic performance.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Vocal Training
Keep in mind that in our perception of our own voice, we often confuse what is natural with what is familiar—what we’re used to hearing. Your ear, in this case, isn’t always a reliable guide. Therefore, it’s important to approach vocal training with an open mind, knowing that it might take some time to adjust your perception. What you hear in your head while singing may sound very different from what others hear from the outside, especially at the beginning of training. A great way to hear this difference is to listen back to a recording of your lessons.
Rather than focusing too much on the sound, pay attention to the sensations of singing. Notice how your body feels as you sing, as this will help you make the necessary adjustments for improved technique.
Also, be prepared to take your voice in new directions to break old habits. This might feel a little strange or exaggerated at first, but it’s essential for conditioning the muscles to work differently. Trust your teacher—they know what will help you progress!
Be patient with yourself, as it may take time to reach the same freedom and coordination in the songs you sing. But I promise the results will be worth it!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, vocal training is a transformative journey that helps you unlock your full potential. It’s about more than just technique—it’s about freeing your voice from limitations, connecting with your unique sound, and confidently expressing yourself.
What is your opinion about vocal training? Do you think it’s important?
salve, complimenti per i consigli e per la sua voce ( ho visto qualche video ) ma mi sorge un dubbio, quindi da come si legge nelle prime righe la sua voce è Aumentata come estensione con le lezioni di Canto? sicuro di una risposta le auguro Buona Musica.
Salvo Lupo.
Grazie per il commento, Salvo! 🙂 Sì, l’estensione si può ampliare con la giusta tecnica. Quando la voce è ben bilanciata può produrre tutte le note di cui è capace. Per esempio, un soprano che non sa cantare oltre il primo passaggio è un soprano che non sa sfruttare la sua estensione. Rimane comunque un soprano, perché il suo strumento ha la potenzialità di cantare note molto più acute, ma se non impara la tecnica la sua estensione rimarrà limitata.
Spero di averla aiutata a capire. Se ha altre domande, resto a disposizione. Un caro saluto
grazie per aver risposto segno dio professionalità, ma come si fa a capire su che registro si può riuscire a cantare, ad esempio io da bassista per necessità sono passato alla voce in una tribute band dei Pooh , le loro vocalità sono non indifferenti ed qualche brano l’ho dovuto abbassare, quindi capire che tipo di voce ho? grazie e buona musica.
Dovrei sentire la sua voce per darle una risposta. Il fatto che quei brani siano troppo alti per lei al momento potrebbe dipendere a) dai brani in una tonalità effettivamente troppo alta per la sua voce, quindi una voce con estensione più bassa, oppure b) dal modo in cui li canta! Magari la sua voce non è ben bilanciata, ma con una buona tecnica può raggiungere note più acute.
Oh wow!! I had NOT read this before! And it is everything that I believe in, and home in on when I see this kind of explanation in books of articles! Especially the concept of what feel familiar …
Feeling’ for me , a difference sensory awareness when it is right and not right, has been a long time coming for me, and I have a lot further to go.. as listening to my voice as I sing had become my guide..
I shall carry on thro these blogs!
( OS I would love a translation of the conversation above! 😃)
Thank you for your comment, Janet! 🙂 I’m glad you found this helpful!
In the conversation above, Salvo asked if it’s true that you can expand your vocal range with singing lessons. My answer is yes! He said he had to sing some songs in a lower key because they were too difficult. My answer is that with good technique you can learn to sing higher.