Did you know there are ways you can get better at singing… that DON’T involve singing? Find out the ideas in this guest post by professional voice teacher Molly R...
The obvious thing to do when you want to get better at singing is, of course, to sign up for voice lessons! You may have even found that teacher right here on TakeLessons.com.
But singing is so much more than what goes on with your vocal cords. We also have to exude confidence and connect with our audience. We can’t always get the help we need to become dynamic performers from voice lessons alone. Here are some suggestions for other classes that will take you from a good singer to an unforgettable one!
Dance Lessons
No one’s looking for you to become the next Fred Astaire, but it’s essential that you move well if you plan on singing on any stage. Any type of dance lesson will do: ballet, salsa, ballroom, and more.
When the body’s more relaxed and agile, not only do you look more polished, your voice will be a lot more free. Gone are the days of “park and bark,” where you just stand there and open your mouth. To use your space effectively, you have to be comfortable with your body. Fear not, non-dancers: There are plenty of lessons out there that cater to beginners. I plan on taking a swing dance workshop this summer, and I am encouraging all my students to join me!
Tai Chi and Qigong
This is super simple, yet so very beneficial. Master the eight brocades in Qigong, and you have a marvelous way to connect with both body and breath! Tai Chi and Qigong lessons help us conquer nerves, get better sleep, and move with more grace. Yes, many of us have heard how yoga does all these things, too, but many people would prefer something easier and gentler. Plus, Tai Chi and Qigong are perfect for kids and senior singers!
In addition to your private lessons, I recommend following Jesse Tsao on YouTube for tips and inspiration.
Acting Lessons
A great voice becomes a spectacular voice when the audience believes you know what you’re singing about. One of the best ways to develop your performance skills is to take acting lessons. Even if you’re new to acting, beginner acting lessons abound. You can even find teachers through TakeLessons (I happen to teach beginning acting, too!).
Remember, each song you sing is a monologue set to music. Finding ways to express it dramatically, as well as musically, will set you apart from other singers who are only focused on sounding good! To help you get better at singing, an acting coach will challenge you to create a character for each song, thus making each of your performances more meaningful to both you and your audience.
To supplement your lessons, I also recommend reading the book “What Do I Do With My Hands?” by Rhonda Carlson, who has coached many Broadway performers.
Improv Lessons
This one changed everything for me! These days, improvisational comedy workshops are offered everywhere, including at corporate events and schools to make employees and students feel more confident. Plus, it’s plain fun!
Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for any sort of performer. By taking improv lessons, you’ll strengthen your creativity by learning how to think on your feet and to trust your instincts. You’ll also learn how to “play well with others” — meaning your fellow performers and the audience. And did I mention just how much fun it is? Go for it! After performing in any improv situation, recitals, musicals, and open mics will seem so much easier!
So, what are you waiting for? As a voice student, you will always be learning something new to help you get better at singing — but, surprisingly, it’s not always about vocal technique! So go sign up, and have a blast. When you’re having fun on stage, so is the audience!
Post Author: Elaina R.Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly here!
Photo by Nick Page
Suzy S.