Finding a singing teacher is more difficult than ever! With so many teaching schools and training guides to choose from, such as Bel Canto, Belting, Complete Vocal Technique, and Oriental Tarab, a beginner student may be unsure of where to begin.
Don’t panic! Rest assured that, regardless of the vocal technique you choose, I will present to you some basic questions that I frequently receive from my students, either during their online singing lessons or via Instagram and Facebook DM.
Here are the top 5 frequently asked questions that voice teachers or vocal coaches receive, as well as the most common answers to them, in my opinion.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. How can I sing with a cold2. Do I need to focus on breathing exercises for singing?
3. How to fix a vocal wobble?
4. Are good singers born or trained?
5. Do you think I should hide my sexuality as a singer?
1. How can I sing with a cold?
If you have a cold or an infection in your throat that is causing you pain, follow these 7 tips to keep singing without having to cancel a band practice or performance:
- Try to mark
- Use a straw to gradually warm-up and a lot of lip rolls
- Don’t speak loudly
- Avoid whispering
- Drink plenty of fluids and water to stay hydrated
- Avoid allergens and acidic foods
- Get enough rest during breaks and before singing
2. Do I need to focus on breathing exercises for singing?
I’ve always heard that pop singers, unlike opera and musical theater students, don’t need to practice breathing exercises. It is a false vocal myth.
Proper breathing support is the foundation for all music styles. Singing with proper diaphragmatic support and posture improves the depth, velvet quality, and projection of the voice.
3. How to fix a vocal wobble?
A vocal wobble is the opposite of a natural vibrato. Excessive vibration around the vocal folds, a tight tongue, support pressure, and weak abdominal muscles cause the voice to wobble, producing an overweight, unstable, and blown sound.
To correct a vocal wobble, start exercising (Abs workout) and have a weekly practice with your voice teacher to expand your vocal range, and improve your vocal strength.
4. Are good singers born or trained?
Both. Genetics play an important role; if you were exposed to music early in life (even inside your mother’s wound), you may have developed an early pitch and rhythm. Being raised in a musical family can influence and motivate you to pursue your innate talent.
Also, talented singers can be discovered. Everyone can learn to sing, at least the fundamentals of breathing, warm-up exercises, and songs.
Some singers develop natural singing quickly, without putting in a lot of effort or going through years of intensive practice to break old habits.
Talent isn’t enough, whether a vocalist is born or not. If a singer lacks the necessary training and attitude, his or her voice may shatter and lose its sparkle.
5. Do you think I should hide my sexuality as a singer?
It’s unfortunate if someone refuses to listen to your music because of your sexual identity. Being a musician means freely expressing your emotions and passion through your inspiration.
From a cultural standpoint, whether you’re an artist or not, being gay is still not widely accepted in communities. But the world is changing, and so is the music industry’s future; we live in a more tolerant society, and LGBTQ singers who had hidden their sexual orientation have only recently come out to express who they are.
