“Sing like you speak!” “Singing’s like talking!” “For better singing just speak it!”
Have you heard these directions before? Is it really that simple to learn to sing?
Inside this video I’ve give you 4 tips to help you learn to sing like you speak. Also, I’ll give you 4 ways singing is not like speaking. Your singing success is just a spoken word away. Come and see.
Do you really sing like you speak?
According to Music Man’s Professor Harold Hill, Yes!
First, here are 4 ways singing is NOT like speaking.
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You don’t speak on a melody
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You don’t speak with extreme changes in pitch
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Generally you don’t speak with large variations in loudness or softness
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You don’t have the same breathing or phrasing demands when speaking vs singing
4 Tips to Help You Learn to Sing Like You Speak
If you speak normally, here are 4 ways singing IS like speaking. Also, here’s 4 tips to help you learn to sing like you speak.
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When you speak your vocal cords stay connected. It should be the same way when you sing, throughout your range, low to high. Here’s a tip to keep adducted cords as you sing higher. If your vocal cords break, use this exercise to train them to stay connected. [Demo]
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When you speak your vocal cords balance with the airflow from your lungs. Your vocal cords are not too tight, nor too loose. If they’re too tight use Bubble lips as just shown. If too loose, try this: ae ae ae .Then say the words in the song and add the melody without changing your vocal cords. [Demo] Ask: Does it feel like I’m speaking? Don’t change things just because you’ve added a melody. [Demo] It’s very much like I’m talking.
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When you speak, your larynx rests comfortably low. It should be the same when you sing. Here’s a tip to lower a high larynx. [Demo]
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When you speak, words are easily produced and understood. It should be the same when you sing. Tip: If when you sing higher your words splat, [Demo] or you have to cover like this [Demo] , or over-manufactured the words or tone [Demo] If you do any of these things, the first 3 tips already mentioned will help and you can also narrow the vowel like this. [Demo]
Do these things and your singing will sound natural and easy. You’ll sing freely while connecting powerfully with your audience. Why? Because it will sound and feel like you.
Audiences know when they’re hearing an artificial and manufactured voice. They quickly lose interest and never connect with you, your voice or your story. You just don’t feel real or honest. There’s no vulnerability.
Learn Your Vocal Type
Learning your vocal type and doing exercises specifically for your vocal type will help eliminate vocal weaknesses and help you to be more speech-like or natural.
Do you know your vocal type? Go to PowerToSing.com and take the vocal test which I call the PowerTest. Take the quiz and discover your vocal type.
Then go to the Knowledge Center and watch the videos about your vocal type. Download the free exercises and start eliminating weakness and improving your voice today.
If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up below (down below) and be sure to subscribe and share this with a friend.
I’m Chuck Gilmore with Power To Sing. You can sing higher, with beauty, confidence and power.
I’ll see you inside the next video.
Responses
Hi Chris: Great questions! Regarding the A above middle C, my guess is your larynx is rising and that prevents you from hitting the A. If you have a light or breathy tone, or if you run out of air quickly, it’s likely the vocal cords may not be coming together firmly enough. In other words, there is an air leak. Too much is escaping.
Here are some examples: http://www.powertosing.com/light-chest-no-chest/ (Watch the Mash-up)
Chuck
How do you know if your cords are too loose, I understand them being too tight but don’t recognise too loose? Really liking the process and your approach to teaching 🙂 . Incidentally, whilst I am definitely finding this approach is working for me in that I can get notes that I strained to get before (at least up to F so far anyway ) I can’t seem to increase my range beyond A-flat singing this way. I know that my cords have the capacity to go up to top C because I have done it in the past albeit with some strain, but with this approach I can’t seem to even attempt above an A. Do you have any suggestions please. Regards, Chris