As you learn how to improve your singing voice with private lessons, you can also make the most of your time in between the lessons with helpful online resources, websites, and videos. Read on as Gambrills, MD teacher Shannon F. shares some of her favorites…
The Internet is a big place. There are so many websites, videos, and blogs for singers of all ages and ability levels. Sifting through them can be daunting, but having too many helpful resources is a good problem for students and teachers alike! In the past few years, I have found some incredibly useful aids that voice students can use outside of lessons, from extra tips for how to improve your singing voice to new vocal warm-ups. Here are just a few of them:
TakeLessons’ Singing Tutorials
With over 30 videos, this playlist runs through the gamut of great vocal warm-ups like slides, lip rolls, head voice, and breathing exercises. They range from simple to more difficult and make for a wonderful exercise sequence that is accessible for young singers. And the best part? They’re super fun!
Aussie Vocal Coach on YouTube
One of my favorite vocal coaches on YouTube is Ian Castle, also known as the Aussie Vocal Coach. His vocal warm-up videos are great for intermediate through advanced singers. They contain unique exercises that help students move seamlessly from warming up to practicing songs and technique. He also has a number of technique videos, such as his “Riffs and Runs Masterclass”, which pinpoints specific vocal issues in a way that is easy to understand. He encourages viewers to only do what is physically comfortable, which can be said for all vocal warm-up and technical exercises.
Musictheory.net
Musictheory.net has been around a while, and for good reason. It is a wonderful online resource for learning ear training and music theory. I especially like the interval, scale, and chord ear training sections for singers, because the exercises and theory can be directly applied to warm-ups and songs. Singers are musicians, too, and learning music theory is essential to becoming a successful singer!
Get Body Smart
Understanding how the body works is an essential part of my voice lessons. Get Body Smart is an anatomy and physiology eBook where students can learn all about the human body. For starters, visit the respiratory system section and find out how the larynx, pharynx, and lungs function. Some of the language might be a little difficult for younger singers to understand, but the images and slideshows are still extremely helpful in understanding the vocal instrument.
Felicia Ricci on YouTube
For quick tips on specific songs, solutions to technical issues and breaking down mental boundaries, check out Felicia Ricci. Another one of my favorite vocal coaches on YouTube, she has a knack for getting right to the heart of the matter in a lighthearted and easy-to-understand way. In videos like “Find Your Chest Voice”, she explains the link between singing and speaking and makes healthy vocalizing more accessible to all singers.
Since most of us spend a lot of time on the Internet, having free online resources make achieving singing goals easy and fun! YouTube videos and websites make practicing much simpler to incorporate into a singer’s daily routine, and are great supplements to lessons with a teacher. Use these videos, blogs, and websites to learn how to sing online, and you’ll improve quickly!
Still want more? Here are four more resources for singers!
Shannon F. teaches audition prep, ear training, music performance, and vocal training in Gambrills, MD. She has studied music at both George Mason University and University of North Texas, and has been teaching students since 2007. Learn more about Shannon F. here!
Photo by UAlberta
Suzy S.