Singing is so different from speaking. We learn to speak from the natural way during the first few years of growing up. There is no need for technique unless you wish to become a professional speaker later on. Singing, however, requires proper training even for those who are born with such talent. It demands a great deal of hard work and is best to begin after adolescence when the voice has turned matured for those who aim to turn professional. For the late starters, singing is merely for leisure or passion. I am one of such who have neither talent nor a chance to start young. I picked up Oldies singing lessons recently because a friend got me interested in it. Allow me to share with you the technique I have learnt though it may be far from comprehensive.
BREATHING
Breathing for singing purpose is not the same as natural breathing through the nose to the lungs. It is done by drawing air through the opening of the mouth right down into the diaphragm; the feeling is like the abdomen being pumped out. This must take place at the beginning of every verse line and whenever there is a pause in the line if necessary. Otherwise, your voice will drop towards the end or worse half way through for long lines.
CAVITY
Voice must be projected out via one of the cavities depending on the song requirement. There are three such cavities: chest, nasal and head (skull). This is to create a resonance giving the voice an echoing effect.
VIBRATO
This is a rapid fluctuation of the voice up and down by half a note. It is produced by fluctuation in the breath pressure. This is by far, the most difficult to master!
MUSIC SCORE
Understand the song score, able to sight music score if possible. At least, get to know the notes, pitch, key, tempo and symbols.
MELODY
Sing in tune with the melody and tone; when to enter, pause or drag. Also, understand the meaning of the lyrics so as to sing it with the emotion that best reflects the mood of the song, be it a happy or sad number.
KEY
Every song and singer has its own key (C D E F G A B and in major or minor). We have our own too. So, we may not be able to reach theirs. Don't worry too much about this. The rule of the thumb is:
- Male using a Male artist's backing track, plus or minus 1
- Male using a Female artist's backing track, plus 3 to 5
- Female using a Female artist's backing track, plus or minus 1
- Female using a Male artist's backing track, plus 3 to 5.
This is only a guide. Know your own limits; plus or minus more to reach within your comfort zone instead of not being able to reach the highest pitch required in the song.
RESULT
There would be little result if one sings without taking up proper lessons or not knowing the technique required. One must know what is expected and how to achieve it, then practise, practise and practise. To self-confessed, I have yet to achieve all the technics that I have mentioned and there are much more that only the professional would know. However, at least one ought to know the very basic for a starter.
In conclusion, I wish these tips would be useful to those who intend to pick up singing for a bit of fun. Now, let me sing you a difficult Mandarin oldie "Bu Liao Qing" at YouTube.
Win Ho
