How to start singing when you’re a beginner

How to start singing when you’re a complete beginner is one of the most common questions I’m asked! often followed by:

-Am I too old to start singing?

-Do I need to take lessons to learn how to sing?

-Do I have to have a great voice, or can anybody learn?

The reality is that we are never too old to learn how to transform our voice as a musical instrument, and into a better tool of expression.

There are still people that like to believe that you have to be born with “the gift”, but that is just an illusion to make singing look more exclusive. Some people might have more natural ability than others, but even they have to train in order to develop their voice and keep it healthy.

In my career as a singing teacher, I have seen many students flourish with their voices, even those who were “tone deaf” at the beginning.

So, I would recommend that if you want to start singing, stop using your time wondering if you can or not, and do the work that it takes. I can guarantee that with conscious practice and the right guidance, you will at least improve day by day.

Now that we have clarified that, let’s talk about how to get started with singing:

How to start singing. First, find the right teacher for you

Finding the right teacher is key for you to start singing on the right foot. Things to look for in your voice teacher:

• You feel comfortable around them. You feel good energy between the two of you.
• They allow you to ask them questions about the voice. They don’t avoid them or get annoyed at you for asking, and if they don’t know the answers – that is fine.
• They are really passionate about teaching. They don’t only do it to pay the bills.
• They understand what is going on with your voice and know how to help.
• They understand that if an exercise doesn’t work, they have to change the exercise rather than blaming the student.
• They encourage you. They tell you what things are working well in your voice, and also honestly tell you what needs to change.
• They are neutral with their opinions and personal taste. For example, they can personally dislike your style, but they shouldn’t say that it is a “bad style”. It is important to know the difference between a fact and a personal preference.

You want someone that is empathetic enough to understand what your voice is struggling with and to not judge it. This is regardless of how long that teacher has been teaching for. I have had very experienced teachers that I had to leave because they would not engage with my voice enough to know how to help me, and some not-so-experienced teachers that had much better empathy towards me and my voice, and would have the right words and the right advice.

I remember a friend that was studying with a singing teacher for a while. After not finding any progress for a period of one year, the teacher made him believe that there was a problem with him, so my friend just thought he didn’t have what it takes. The reality is that the teacher didn’t know how to address my student’s voice needs. So, if you ever encounter a teacher that is this discouraging, run away!

Practice consciously

When you start singing, finding the right teacher is the first step. Once you find them, you have to do your part of the work!

Your lesson will probably be weekly. That’s amazing, but to see real progress you need to practice at home, at least a couple of times a week. Bodies take time to change their habits.

But how long should you practice singing for? Well, that depends on your level. If you are just starting out, 10 minutes a day is enough, or even less if you don’t have the time. When you are starting your singing practice, you shouldn’t practice too many vocal exercises without the supervision of your teacher. Unless they indicate to you what vocal exercises you can practice safely on your own.

However, there are many things you can practice on your own that will help you to improve quickly. Some of them are:

• Learning the melody of the song you are studying
• Learning the lyrics of your song by memory.
• Practicing your breathing exercises
• Practice your posture exercises for singing

So that’s it, when you have your singing practice started you will progress week by week until you reach your singing goals!

Looking for singing lessons? at Auckland Singing School you will find:

• Singing lessons and group singing classes for adults – North Shore (Auckland), NZ

• Singing lessons for teenagers and kids 9+ (Rockschool syllabus) in North Shore, Auckland.

• Singing lessons and singing programs online  – A holistic approach to contemporary singing❤️

• About
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Jorgelina Pérez

Vocal coach - Singing Teacher at Auckland Contemporary Singing School

Hi! I am a vocal coach, singing teacher, and singer - songwriter originally from Argentina - living in New Zealand at the moment.

I help people to develop their voice and singing from a holistic approach. I teach vocal lessons in person in Auckland, NZ, and online. Also stay tuned for my new online singing programs!❤️

My greatest passion has always been the voice, music and energy arts.

My personal and artistic journey has led me to understand that the voice and the body are fully connected, and that includes not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional and spiritual body.

Through holistic vocal training you not only learn to become a great singer while taking care of your voice, but you also improve your mental and physical wellbeing❤️

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