Last year, researchers at MIT discovered the human brain contains a collection of neurons that respond only to singing. In other words, we have evolved to value singing over all other types of music.
Perhaps it’s because once (and arguably, still today), songs were the primary way we passed on knowledge.
Given this revelation, it’s hardly surprising that you’d want to learn how to improve your singing voice. And while almost anyone can improve their voice quality, singing well takes dedication—and, in most cases, the benefits of voice lessons.
Read on to learn how to hit those high notes.
Focus on Control
Have you ever heard of the phrase “stay on pitch?” The first step in learning how to sing better is mastering vocal control. Pitch relates to whether or not you sing the notes of a song accurately—not too flat, not too sharp.
Good singers sing on key; they can identify and replicate the key they need to sing in at any given point in a song. They can also handle dramatic changes in pitch—knowing when to go low, when to stay high, and so on.
Start With Humming
Believe it or not, a simple hum can help you sing better.
Humming before singing works in the first instance because it relaxes you. Stage fright can ruin even the most perfect of voices. Humming builds your confidence—before you step in front of that audience.
Like other vocal exercises, it also helps warm your voice, ensuring you don’t strain your vocal cords. In fact, one study found humming can even improve your resonance.
This is one of those vocal techniques that every singer should master.
Pay Attention to Your Health
Learning how to practice singing by taking voice lessons is one thing, but a step comes before that.
Singers use their bodies as an instrument. Therefore, it makes sense that taking care of your physical health can improve your singing voice.
You should:
- Avoid singing when you have a cold or flu
- Stay hydrated
- Stop smoking (or never start)
- Take a break from singing if your throat is scratchy or sore
There’s also a whole host of foods singers should avoid, from spicy and fried foods to iced water, processed sugar, and dairy products.
Take care, too, to eat a light meal before a singing lesson, practice, or performance. A full belly puts unneeded pressure on your diaphragm.
Our Insights: How to Improve Your Singing Voice
Knowing how to improve your singing voice doesn’t come naturally to most people. Even professional singers must pay attention to their health, warm up their voices before a performance, take singing lessons, and much more.
The vital part of this advice is remembering to care for your voice like any other instrument.
If you’re in Sacramento and interested in getting music lessons, browse the learning options at Music Lab East Sacramento. We offer everything from guitar, bass guitar, piano, cello, and vocal lessons.
We can teach you to play pretty much any instrument!