Learn Singing your way with a TakeLessons expert

There’s no better opportunity to practice all you’ve learned in singing lessons than in a choir. You can use choir rehearsals to work on proper vocal production and technique, while also learning to harmonize and sing with others. Joining a choir is more about just singing all your favorite songs. When you have a part in the music choir, you have the opportunity to expand your skill sets, perfect your range, and work on your stage presence. Plus, sometimes choruses provide solo opport

Thinking of auditioning for summer stock theatre in your area? Here, voice and acting teacher Liz T. shares her tips for audition success...   Summer stock theatre is a tradition that started in the 1920s, in which talented actors, singers, and dancers from the big city would perform and work on their craft for an entire summer at a local theater, very common in New England and the Midwest. Today, summer stock is still alive and thriving, and is one of the most rewarding experiences as

You know how important breath support is for great singing -- but are you regularly incorporating breathing exercises for singing into your warm-ups? Read on as voice teacher Shannen R. shares 15 yoga poses to try out, designed to help with various elements of your singing...  Get ready to free your vocal cords of strain, increase your breath capacity, and get the strength you need for powerful belts and the control for soft tones. Going beyond simple breathing exercises for singing, the

Ready to hit the stage? Read on as Saint Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. reviews 5 rookie mistakes you should avoid during your next performance... Singing on stage and in front of an audience is really special. Some estimate that only two percent of the world's population will ever sing on stage by themselves. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Those challenges can seem bigger than our confidence performing. Perhaps the easiest

As a singer, you probably know how important it is to take care of your voice -- it is your instrument, after all! If you're already staying hydrated and doing your daily warm-ups, take it a step further by trying these strange (but effective) strategies in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI voice teacher Elaina R...   Most people know that water and rest are good for the voice. Warming up properly and engaging in physical activity like yoga can also keep you healthy and happy. But b

As a beginner singer, it's important to understand how unnecessary tension affects your tone and your breath support. Here, NY teacher Nadia B. shares what to keep in mind and how to combat that tension...   Singing is, in many ways, a very natural activity. We all have a voice, and it is meant to be used to communicate in speech and in music. However, when one delves more into the art of singing through voice lessons, practice, and performance, tension sometimes creeps in. It can seem

Is it worth it to get a degree in music? Find out one teacher's take, in this article by San Diego, CA voice teacher Reina M...   The voice is a very versatile instrument -- and while most young artists aspire for fame on a global level, as a singer you can do many things. You can become a prima donna in the opera, you can sing at the opening of the World Series, or you can go on a world tour like Beyonce or Madonna. You can become the voice of a Disney princess, record an audiobook,

Updated post: Check out our updated article with must-read tips for singing competitions, plus online singing contests to enter! Read it here. Can't make it out to the next American Idol or The Voice audition? That's alright! You can still show off your vocal skills and compete for recognition in one of the many online singing contests put on across the country. Below are several worth checking out! The Hal Leonard Vocal Competition: The only vocal competition for all of North America ai

Editor's Note: See our updated post of the best karaoke songs! How much do you love karaoke? There's nothing quite like taking over the stage and having a blast singing with all your friends, or impressing the crowd with an enthusiastic solo! Karaoke always makes for a fun night, and it’s a great chance to practice singing. However, if your mind goes blank at the bar, you're not alone! Song ideas aren't always easy to come up with. Check out our ideas below for fun songs to sing at your

  Love to sing? Ever wonder if you have what it takes to become a pro singer? Justin Timberlake sang harmony to commercial jingles when he was just two years old. The rest of us, and even most professional singers, aren't so lucky that we find out that early in life. We all go through the motions: sometimes we want to try to pursue singing, and sometimes, we doubt our ability. And every so often, it just feels like you're born to sing. The answer isn't always obvious, but there ar