Yes, the days of Spice Girls are truly over! Here comes Hanna Montana fans club, the Gleeks and Lady Gaga wannabes… The following videos showcase the unwavering talent of kids who are singing the greatest hits of today’s most popular pop icon, Lady Gaga. They are simply superb!

Did you know that there are a lot of health benefits that you can get from singing? Aside from giving entertainment and fun, singing provides some therapeutic experience for a healthy body. Below are some health benefits:

- Gives the lungs a workout
- Good flow of oxygen to the blood system and brain
- Tones up intercostal muscle and the diaphragm
- Posture correction and back straightening
- Stomach and bladder strengthening
- Good exercise for abdominal muscles
- Great aid to communication and breathing
- Helps reduce the feelings of depression
- Neurological improvement
- A good therapy for those who have had strokes resulting in speech impairment
- Improves confidence and discipline
- Strengthens the immune system

So, no matter what your age, don’t be shy and show your talent in singing. Remember, you don’t have to be a good singer in order to get singing to your hearts content.

Most of us have a dream to become a singer. Since childhood, we have the passion for singing. But the truth is that all people can sing but only few can sing well. On the contrary, those who are not good singers can still develop their singing voices to the level that they can now follow the tune and rhythm.

Of course, it takes a lot of effort, discipline and dedication to become a popular singer. So to have a stepping stone in singing, you can follow the following basic steps to become a singer:

1. Learn how to sing. This is the foundation of your career as a singer. While there are some performers making a career out of singing when they don’t really sing all that well, it’s those people who have their craft as singers and continually improve their form and ability who command the most respect as singers.

2. Study singers whom you admire. How do they sing? How did they become professional singers? What kind of crowd do they cater too? What is their signature style? Don’t totally copy them though, singers have to be unique!

3. Begin taking voice lessons. Having a voice coach can really train your voice and, if you practice, you will notice marked vocal improvement within a few weeks. Voice training is important in strength and overall quality of your voice. You can also damage your voice if you aren’t singing properly. Find which note your voice is most comfortable singing at and sing there a lot.

4. Become comfortable as a performer. Get over your stage fright (if you have it) and start gaining some practical experience by singing wherever and whenever you get a chance to do so in front of a group of people (karaoke bars, parties, school talent shows, etc.). Connect with your listeners.

5. Develop your own style. Experiment with different ways of singing and different types of music and find one that fits your personality and makes the most of your voice at the same time. You want people to be able to recognize your voice when they hear it.

6. Get a Singing Job. No matter how well you can sing, you’ll never be a successful singer if you don’t convince people to pay you to do it. That could mean joining a band, singing at your local cafe, performing on Broadway, or even recording a jingle for a commercial–your goal is to make a living as a singer. Get to it!

See these basic steps at wikihow.com.

Have you ever wondered about the techniques of professional singers while they are singing? Well, they simply follow some steps in order to create an outstanding performance. And you can also do the same thing. Here are some helpful steps from wikiHow on how to sing like a professional singer.

1. The most important thing of all is to sing whenever and wherever you can. If you love singing enough to do that you could become a professional.

2. Tell yourself you can do anything and that you sound brilliant. If you don’t believe in yourself, then why should anyone else?

3. Make sure your voice is strong before you start. Take voice lessons and exercise your voice. Your instructor can also give you a more objective view of your capabilities, and tell you whether professional singing could be an option for you.

4. Lose your shyness. Don’t try and hide the fact you are singing — be loud.

5. Lead others. When you are singing with other people, take charge of the song; don’t go down to their level.

6. Make sure you sing from your diaphragm.

7. When you sing your vowels, open your mouth so it is long. If you feel like you’re practically smiling when you sing, you might sound kind of nasal-y.

8. Stand up straight, but not too straight. Stand like you normally would, and relax your shoulders. If your shoulders are tense, it could be difficult to breathe correctly.

9. Have a teacher or a friend who knows how to read music help you. It seems odd, but sometimes singers need help remembering to breathe, or they’ll run out of breath. If they remind you to breathe in between each phrase, you won’t run out.

10. Practice! We all know practice makes perfect (or as close to perfect as we’ll get). If you keep singing the same songs over and over again experimenting with dynamics, you’ll sound great. Little things like that make a huge difference in your overall performance.

The stated steps above are just some of the many things that you need to consider to become a certified singer. But if you take karaoke singing as a hobby only, just be yourself and have fun.

I have seen so many talented young singers on television, some of whom are less than twelve years old! There’s this one child singer I heard on the news, a Filipina singer, who was seen on YouTube by a staff of Ellen DeGeneres’ show and invited her to fly all the way from Manila to sing in Ellen’s show. I’ve heard she has also perfomed in Oprah. Wow. And she’s only a kid.

Is is common for parents to enroll their children in different activities during summer breaks, and because of these the talents of the kids are uncovered. Some become good singers or dancers or musicians because they were trained early. When it comes to singing there three categories of a child singer fall under.

Category One includes children for whom singing is but one activity to which they are exposed along with other disciplines such as mathematics, science, history, language, physical education, art, dance, and spirituality. For them, gaining an appreciation of and experience in the recreational joy of singing may be sufficient. Venues where this exposure occurs include home, school, and places of worship.

Category Two includes children for whom singing is a recreational activity they wish to pursue more intensely. These children may express an interest in private voice lessons to improve basic vocal techniques and develop repertoire. Venues include select choirs and choruses, and solo opportunities in school, clubs, sporting events, and places of worship.

Category three includes children for whom singing is a professional or pre-professional activity that subjects their vocal technique, performance skills, and repertoire to highly critical evaluation and scrutiny. For these chidlren to deal successfully with the added physical and emotional demands a singing career requires, formal voice training should be considered a necessity. Venues include opera, music theater, recording, pageants, film, radio, and television.

Singing is a regular and usual pursuit of interest for a great number of children. It is good to encourage children how to sing. Like any other activity where children are involved in, like sports or art or music, singing can be accomplished on many levels from recreational to professional. Still, at all levels there should be suitable and trained teachers capable and eager to help child singers reach their destinations on their musical journeys. (:

I came across the website of American Academy of Teachers of Singing and I found out that since 1922, the year of its founding, the academy has been actively writing and disseminating papers on all subjects pertaining to the teaching of singing. Their articles would be very helpful to already singers and those who want to have a career in singing.

I’d like to share what they have to recommend about auditions for the singer which may be very helpful to those hopeful aspirants.

APPLY FOR AN AUDITION ONLY WHEN READY

Generally speaking, no singers should either apply for or make auditions unless their own mature consideration and that of their teachers indicate that they are ready. Being ready means being adequately advanced vocally, musically, interpretatively, and artistically.

Singers should not allow themselves to be influenced by parents, friends or others who may encourage them to enter an audition before being fully prepared. Being heard too soon may be dangerous because many organizations keep records of their auditions. A poor rating and an unfavorable impression may jeopardize subsequent chances. On the other hand, singers who are prepared should not avoid auditions, because they will profit from the many values presented by such a test of their ability.

PREPARE THOROUGHLY FOR EVERY AUDITION

After deciding to enter an audition, singers should carefully study the demands in the special field to which the audition leads and prepare thoroughly in order to satisfy these demands in every detail. If application forms must be submitted, it is important to see that they are completed exactly as requested by the sponsor of the audition.

The material selected for performance should be suitable to the type of audition. Songs or arias should be thoroughly familiar to the singer and should have been sung previously, preferably in public. The material chosen should be well within the singer’s present abilities, and show the singer’s strengths. Whether one song or a full recital program is being offered, ALL MATERIAL MUST BE MEMORIZED. It is of utmost importance to have the assistance of an excellent accompanist; and to have sufficient rehearsal.

IMPORTANT ESSENTIALS TO BE OBSERVED BY SINGERS AT AUDITIONS

Keep in mind that singers are seen before being heard. Singers should therefore present a good appearance from the moment the audition begins until it finishes, i.e., good posture, poise, an alert, attentive, and self-conscious manner.

Singers should dress appropriately for the type of audition being made. They should be prompt, but not upset by a lack of promptness on the part of the judges, or by any other annoyances that may occur. It is well to be on hand about ten or fifteen minutes early.
Because singers are generally allowed to choose the first song or aria, this choice should have been made in advance. It should be adhered to unless there are very compelling reasons for a last minute change. An agent or manager could interfere or override the choice of material decided on by teacher and singer, and the singer must be prepared for this.

Singers should avoid making apologies for physical or vocal condition, for lack of rehearsal with the accompanist, or for any other reason, because judges are not sympathetic to excuses. If singers are unable to do themselves justice for any reason, they should state the fact, not sing, and ask for another appointment if that can be arranged.

Judges may sometimes be prejudiced or uninformed, but singers should keep in mind that future audiences, too, may not always be intelligent, receptive, or fair. After the audition singers should not worry about the result It is well to discuss the performance with the teacher in order to extract benefit from the audition, but otherwise, time is better spent in preparing for the next audition.

I saw this cool website owned by a singing pro, and there includes practical tips for singing. Singers out there, read this!

Any tip or combination of tips can be used to improve your voice, your style, or fix a sore throat. Some of these represent ideal situations, which many certainly do not live in. Others represent the complete opposite of things you may have heard.
• Plan ahead.
• Sore throat? Try an apple or pear (or their juices).
• Don’t do anything that will hurt your voice in any way.
• When looking for a teacher, ask about his/her background in music, and whether they are willing to help you learn how to sing something other than their style of singing.
• Just because a singer sounds nice doesn’t mean s/he can sing.
• When you are learning to sing, you are doing it to find out what your voice is capable of, not someone else’s; be happy with what you have.
• To those who want to sing pop music: There is nothing wrong with learning classical.
• To those who wish to sing classical: There is nothing wrong with learning popular.
• You are not the person on the radio-don’t try to imitate them unless you are trying to learn something.
• Don’t inhale any kind of smoke at any time whatsoever.
• Reason: Smoke sticks to and burns your vocal cords.
• Don’t drink.
• Don’t do drugs.
• Don’t allow people to come at your vocal cords with sharp instruments. In other words: Don’t allow doctors to perform surgery on your vocal cords, as there is a possibility you may never sing again after this. The only way to not have vocal problems is to not do harm to your voice in the first place, a skill which isn’t taught due to lack of information.
• No more yelling.
• You can forget ice-cold drinks unless you have some sort of trauma to the throat area, i.e. tonsils removed, that sort of thing. Reason: It tightens up your vocal cords. They must be warm and loose in order for you to sing properly.
• Don’t talk too much. Reason: It wears down your vocal cords.
• Try to stay away from a lot of dust.
• Try to cough a little quieter.
• Don’t sing any song out of you range.
• No more than 3 performances per week.
• Don’t sing your loudest for extended periods of time.
• Ask as many questions of as many people as you can about singing.
• Keep away from air conditioning for at least two hours before a performance.
• Get to know and understand the organs involved in singing.
• Singing will help to cure a sore throat that is not the result of oversinging or overtalking.
• Practice as slowly and softly as possible.
• Learn every style of singing you can.
• Dairy products cause phlegm.
• Singing helps to get rid of phlegm.
• Keep a mint or hard candy handy.
• When singing, make sure you know what the song is about by knowing what all the words mean and what is going on in the music.
• If you must sing in a group, make sure you know what the other voices are doing.
• Know what the music is doing.
• Contrary to classical tradition, taking pictures is not a distraction.
• Play to the back of the crowd.
• Being hoarse in the morning does not mean you will be hoarse in the evening.
• After performing, place a warm, wet towel around your neck and do not speak for 10 minutes.
• Gargle with warm water containing 1/2 tsp each of salt and baking soda.
• Try to wear only one fabric on stage. Reason: Those lights get hot.
• Learning how to sing well takes time. There are no shortcuts.
• Try to make as little air as possible come out of your mouth when you are singing a musical phrase.
• Train your ears by playing only the first note of a musical exercise.
• Always take one day a week off.
• Unless it’s called for, always stand with good posture (this does not mean standing stiffly) when you sing. Any move you make will affect the sound you are trying to produce.
• Keep the tip of you tongue below your teeth.
• Don’t exert yourself the day before a performance.

Practice them’all helpful tips and have great fun singin’!

I just read a while ago that there is a program created for snorers which include definite singing exercises designed to reduce snoring caused by lax muscles in the upper throat. The first research into the use of singing exercises to reduce snoring was done by choir director, singer and composer Alise Ojay as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom in 1999. She calls her program “Singing for Snorers.”

According to her pilot research project, she suggested that singing exercises can reduce snoring by toning lax muscles in the upper throat. Since then, with the aim of increasing the effect observed in the trial, she developed Singing for Snorers, a graded program of singing exercises specifically designed to tone the muscles at the common sites of the snoring vibration. These sites are the soft palate, the tongue, the nasal passages and the palatopharyngeal arch.

Since the launch of Singing for Snorers in 2002 there has been very encouraging feedback, not only from ‘simple snorers’, but also from people with sleep apnea. Currently, there is a study being conducted at the Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat) Department at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in United Kingdom to test whether singing can reduce snoring. They are having a randomized controlled trial of the Singing for Snorers exercise program. The trial will have two wings: 60 patients who are chronic snorers and 60 patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Half the patients in each wing will sing the exercises for 3 months and half will have no intervention. The trial has been recruiting patients steadily and the numbers coming through suggest it should be completed by Summer 2008. (:

See, I told you there are so many possible careers you can take in the music business. To finish off the list, here’s the last part of the series of careers in the singing business. I hope after you have read all of them, you’re able to get plenty of ideas and choices to take for your singing endeavors. Good luck!!!

Professor of Voice and Vocal Pedagogy
Those with a love of teaching and interest in vocal pedagogy can further their education to become qualified as a professor of voice.

Professors are contracted by educational establishments or work as freelancers hosting lectures and demonstrations to vocal students and teachers.  Vocal pedagogy specialists research the science of teaching.

Pub Singer
Throughout the ages public houses have used live music to entertain their customers. The type of material performed and equipment used may have changed with the times but the role remains the same.  A wide variety of material in a range of genres is required with the most popular singers being those who are versatile in several styles of music.

Punk Singer
Punk music was introduced in the mid 70′s by bands like the Sex Pistols, The Jam and The Damned whose songs of rebellion were loud and full of energy.

Punk bands still find work and attract record companies and although the music’s popularity has waned it continues to influence todays new artists.

Rap Singer
Rap singing is a rhythmic form of speech that the artist performs with or without musical backing. The musical accompaniament can be of any style although hip hop, house, reggae, soul and rock music tend to be favoured.

DJ’s and singers perform at night clubs to promote themselves but most successful rap artists record their tracks then distribute them through the underground and dj networks.

Recording Artist
Recording a single or album used to be the sole province of artists signed to a record company or with the finances to afford professional recording studios. With todays technology a professional sounding recording can be achieved by anyone who is prepared to learn how to use the equipment effectively.

This has led to the rise in small independant record labels who are often owned by singer/songwriters and bands who frustrated with major labels produce and distribute their own records.  Signed artists are expected to produce several recordings for release and there are many singers who make a career of providing backing and guide vocals for producers and songwriters.

Rock Singer
The term Rock Music covers a wide section of musical styles including Gothic, Heavy Metal, Punk, Progressive and Rock n Roll with a variety of ‘flavors’ in between!  Rock is a popular form of music and whilst venues for heavier stuff is more limited there are still plenty of performance opportunities in bands at festivals and on radio and television.

Most rock acts like pop artists aim for a publishing or record company to promote their music but rock singers can also make a living by working the pub and club circuits to suppliment their income.

Session Singer
A session singer is a vocalist who is hired for a contractual period, usually one track, one performance etc., of any style of music.  Sight reading and the ability to work well with other musicians without rehearsal is essential although some session singers work by ‘ear’.

Many singers start their professional careers through deputising for bands and providing backing/harmony/guide vocals for studios and songwriters. This can also open the door to a solo career as shown by artists like ‘Sam Brown’ whose no 1 hit ‘Stop’ is still performed by female rock covers artists in pubs & clubs nationwide.

Singer Songwriter
Writing and performing your own material is a satisfying career that many vocalist aspire to achieve.  Whilst many write original material there are few who manage to make a career from their efforts.  Competition is fierce and most record companies are wary of using material that does not follow established formats, however, successful singer/songwriters like ‘Carol Bayer Sager’ and ‘Paul McCartney’ can continue their careers indefinately by writing songs for other singers.

The introduction of the internet has allowed all styles, ages and abilities to record their masterpieces for downloading by surfers worldwide.  The limitations in musical style imposed by the vagaries of the music industry no longer apply making a far wider range of styles and artists accessable to anyone who possesses a computer and internet connection.

New venues, acoustic and showcase nights have increased providing new acts with a platform where they can perform to a mixture of general public and music industry personel.  Wages are usually non-existant unless the artist is signed to a publishing contract or record deal or chooses to promote themselves and their work by producing and marketing their own CD’s.

Singing Teacher
A vocal coach or singing teachers job is to provide voice training and encouragement to clients who want to learn how to sing.  There are many types of teacher, some of whom are professionally qualified, others who do not possess educational qualifications but have gained their experience through working as a semi-professional or professional singer.

A good teacher should be competant in communicating and demonstrating correct techniques, in the areas of breathing, posture, vocal and microphone techniques, music theory, timing, phrasing and pronounciation.

Solo Singer
Soloists are singers of any style who perform as individuals, either with their own equipment or as a session singer.  Opportunities are only limited to the competance and determination of the singer who can find work in pubs, clubs, cabaret, nightclubs, radio, television or as a recording artist.

Non-writing solo singers often team up with songwriters and producers who share their aim for a deal. Other popular and lucrative avenues for solo singers include live performance of covers and production of a Tribute Act.

Soul Singer
The term ‘Soul Singer’ can be used to describe any vocalist who sings from their soul.  Typical examples are Tina Turner who has more of a rock voice and the godfather of soul ‘James Brown’.

Opportunities for performance are available in pubs, clubs, cabaret, radio, recording and television.

Theatrical Singer
A combination of acting, dance and singing is required of vocalists wishing to pursue a career in theatre.  Plays with songs range from classical to modern with songwriters like Andrew Lloyd Webber providing musicals for all ages.

Successful shows can run for years with showtunes becoming chart hits like ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’ performed by Elaine Paige, who has since recorded several albums.

Tribute Artist
Tribute acts have become very popular with everyone from Elvis Presley to Kiss being copied by singers of all standards in talent competitions to corporate functions.

The ability to look and sound like the artist/band you are portraying is essential…….. go on….. swivel those hips like Elvis!!

Voice Doctor
Probably not the correct terminology but ‘voice doctor’ will have to do until some nice medical person tells me otherwise.  There are doctors who specialize in treating ailments common to singers and other voice orientated professions.

So if your seeking an alternative voice related career do please consider this as an option………(:

Voice Over Artist
The voice over artist is similar to a session singer providing their vocal talents to backing track producers, jingles producers, advertising agencies, radio stations and television stations.

A wide variety of voices are required for all sorts of projects both spoken and sung.  Various short courses for the spoken voice are available. Both In-House and Freelance voice over artists are employed for different projects and a demo cd showing your full vocal and spoken versatility will be required by potential employers.  Community radio stations offer a good way to gain experience and provide an essential service at the same time. 

Voice Therapist
There are different types of therapists that specialise in aspects of vocal therapy.  Some are also qualified singing teachers and combine their skills to aid people in regaining their voice after throat and vocal chord operations.

There are also voice therapists who concentrate on using music and voice as a means to communicate and encourage mentally and physically handicapped people. Whilst some medical knowledge is required, vocal therapists are not always qualified doctors.

Wedding Singer
Appearing at weddings throughout the world……… well, maybe not!!  If you want to gain some insight then zap down to your local video store and hire the film ‘The Wedding Singer’.

A varied repertoire is required that appeals to all the family, so many wedding singers team up with a friendly dj to provide a full evenings entertainment.

World Singer
World music is a general term that covers bangra, african, oriental and other forms of music.  Popular in their country of origin, ethnic rhythms, sounds and styles have been successfully combined with pop, rock, dance and other genres.

The crossover into western charts has opened up possibilities for singers worldwide in live performance, radio, recording and television.

Diva
The term ‘Diva’ is used to describe a great female singer or prima donna whose voice and style are considered to be unique.  Many singers aspire to be like their favourite ‘Diva’ and whilst the term was originally used for for temperamental opera singers it is now used to describe female singers of any style that fit the criteria.

To become a ‘Diva’ takes dedication and hard work which may never produce the recognition required…….. the term is granted by their peers and public opinion and not by the singer themselves (as much as they would wish otherwise!!).

Folk Singer
Folk singers have been around for centuries and were probably the first ‘Bards’ who travelled the country translating events into stories which would be sung in return for lodging and food. Old folk songs like ‘Greensleeves’ are still in use today.

There was a big revival during the 60’s which provided a platform for artists like ‘Bob Dylan’ who continues to influence artists of today.  Folk singers can find performance opportunities at folk clubs and festivals worldwide although like ‘Blues Singers’ the gigs may be scattered and wages low, folk music is generous in its acceptance of beginners who are encouraged to practice their art regardless of age/ability.

Gospel Singer
Gospel is a form of music used by certain religious establishments to praise God and encourage positive feelings in their parishoners.  Many singers who perfected their art performing in gospel choirs have since become successful recording artists like Aretha Franklin and niece Whitney Houston but the majority of singers are unpaid volunteers from the local community.

Holiday Camp Singers
Working as a redcoat for holiday camps are a great way to learn about the entertainment business and get paid! The hours are very long as staff are expected to do pretty much everything including learning dance, comedy, dj’ing, comparing and singing to entertain the holidaymakers, organising games for the children and taking care of the clients.

The amount of experience required depends on the job applied for as holiday camps also employ resident bands, entertainers, solo singers, tribute artists and named bands during the course of the season. 

Jazz Singer
Jazz has developed considerably from the traditional form with musicians and singers incorporating ethnic rhythms and modern sounds to produce offshoots like ‘progressive’, ‘modern’ and ‘acid’ jazz. Extreme competance and control are required from a jazz singer who is expected to vocalise with and around the music whilst restraining power and energy, it is rare to hear a loud jazz band who unlike rock bands prefer intricate syncopation and understated technical expertise to volume.

Jazz clubs, festivals, radio, record companies and televised events worldwide provide vocalists with performance and recording opportunities.

KARAOKE HOST
Karaoke nights produce a host of amateur singers of varying standards and are a good introduction to performing in front of a live audience.  The host is responsible for encouraging participation, comparing, co-ordinating tracks to singers and filling in whilst the locals are getting up the nerve to have a go.

If you love singing but recognise that your voice is not going to make you a living then this is an ideal job!  Popular karaoke hosts are usually those whose voices are less than perfect but have great fun personalities.  This encourages the audience to participate far more than an excellent singer whose voice is likely to make the listeners feel uncomfortable at participating.

Lead Singer
Frontman (person) or Lead singer is the term used to describe a vocalist who sings the lead melody in front of a band regardless of the type, style or standard of music played.

Any vocalist competant in their field of music can become a lead singer although wages will depend on the ability of all the musicians. A good covers band can work practically anywhere from local pubs, clubs, festivals and sight readers could find themselves employed as resident bands or session artists.

Bands performing original material can expect little or no initial pay unless they can build and retain a following, produce their own album or get signed by a record company.

Music Librarian
Working in a library music department requires a sound knowledge of music and organisation.  Singing may not be part of the job description but the advantage of being able to browse a roomful of sheet music, music books and records is a bonus of the job!

There are also opportunities to perform as many local councils recreation departments organise acoustic and semi acoustic live music evenings.

Opera Singer
Opera is considered to be one of the most demanding forms of singing as the standard is exceptionally high and pupils are expected to have extensive vocal training.  A popular form of classical singing which many vocalists aspire to achieve proficiency in, singers are expected to pass examinations which are graded by presentation as well as performance technique.

The scene is highly competative and many excellent singers never receive the recognition they deserve, however there are a myriad of competitions, venues, educational establishments and grant funded groups to encourage, employ and promote all standards and the possibility of worldwide recognition for successful artists.

Pop Singer
Pop is an abbreviation of Popular. The term describes music having wide general public appeal, usually with easy to sing melodies and repetative choruses so any age and standard can sing along.

The majority of songs performed by pop acts are ‘covers’ of songs that were made famous by other artists. Most pop singers are required to include dance routines into the performance. The standard varies considerably from the local pop pub singer to famous pop idols. 

Want a career in the singing business? I came across a site that lists all the possible careers you can have in the singing business. Vocalist.org  reveals to you every possible career! And as I read there are just so many! I’d like to list them all, and see for yourself where you can possibly fit. It’s a three-part series, which just says there are really many!

Acappella
Acappella is the term used for singing without the aid of accompaniment and takes far more skill than the listeners realise.  All styles of music can be performed in this manner, (although some are more suited than others) and artists must be extremely competent to be able to start (and stay) on pitch, in time and where applicable, harmonise in exact tandem with their fellow singers.

For instance, Barbershop Singers, Gregorian Chanters and choirs are a formation of several singers who perform in harmony completely unaccompanied by any other instrument than the human voice.  Pop music has also had it’s share of vocal acappella groups the most notible of which are the Flying Pickets who had hits in the 80′s with ‘Only You’ and ‘When Your Young and in Love’ and probably the most well known acappella song is ‘Mercedes Benz’ performed by Janis Joplin. Whilst this form is not the current ‘flavour of the month’ singing without the aid of any backing means the performer can demonstrate their abilities anywhere and are popular in folk, blues, alternative and early music circuits. Wages are usually low and many singers choose this more for pleasure than pay, however it is not as easy as it sounds!

Backing Singer
Backing Singers are the vocalists who provide harmonies and vocals complementing the melody performed by a Lead Singer. Used in many forms of music including Rock, Pop, MOR, Soul, the backing singer has played an integral role in song production.

There are many types of backline vocalists ranging from the band member who sings a bit to dedicated Session Singers who are employed by major touring artists and recording studios.  A good backing singer should be experienced in harmonizing and keeping in time with both the lead vocalist and fellow backing vocalists, sight reading isn’t essential but the ability to ‘hear’ yourself and learn songs quickly is!

Many vocalists start their careers as a backing singer as it also presents possibilities of being noticed by A & R!! Examples of this are ‘Sam Brown’ and ‘Alison Moyet’ both of whom had hit songs in the 80′s.

Blues Singer
Blues has been a huge influence on modern music with artists like the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Eric Clapton and Gary Moore combining the old style feel with a rock edge.  Whilst there will always be heated discussion on the validity of modern blues compared to the old style, blues music still continues to be popular with established circuits throughout Europe and the USA.

A full time career is possible although many performers combine their love of the blues with a second source of income.

Busker
Busking has been performed by musicians of all styles worldwide. Ranging from acappella singers to one man band complete with his multiple instruments, they perform at fairs, fetes, subways, shopping centers and street corners for whatever the general public are prepared to donate into the hat.

In the last few years it has become more regulated with performers requiring licenses to publicly entertain on designated pitches.  Favourite areas for buskers include Covent Garden and underground stations where a high amount of walking tourists and travellers may be persuaded to stop and listen for a while.

Cabaret Singer
A large percentage of professional singers make a career in Cabaret.  Venues range from the local working mens club to the grand casinos in Vegas.  The standard ranges considerably and relative amateurs can be found working the circuit to gain experience. 

The Cabaret artist is expected to know a wide range and style of songs to cater to audiences ranging from teens to oap’s with the ability to work equally well with backing tracks, reading musicians, the resident compere and cope with in house P.A. systems.  Most cabaret artists prefer to use their own equipment and engineer although this depends entirely on the type of venue and quality of equipment provided.

Artists like Sheena Easton and Tom Jones started their careers using this route and there are many cabaret singers who become internationally acclaimed in their own right.

Carol Singer
Fun for all ages and standards, Carol Singing started as a form of church choral singing which appealed to all ages.  The types of song performed include hymns and christmas songs of all styles, usually performed acappella prior to and during the christmas period.

Small groups of singers can be found raising money for their local church or charity by performing at their neighbours doorsteps, functions and charity events.  The participants are usually unpaid volunteers although the choir master and organiser may receive a small amount of expenses.

Childrens Singer
Performing for children can be a rewarding experience.  Patience, tolerance and a good sense of humor are more important than a great voice and technical ability!  The childrens singer ranges from those who entertain at parties, functions or corporate events to singing actors employed on childrens programs and include session singers who would overdub a cartoon caricature to teenagers and bands who visit schools to gain experience and build a following.

This is also a good way to introduce an eager youngster to performing live, most schools will encourage their pupils to participate in small shows for their friends, parents and teachers.

Choral Singer
The school choir is often one of the earliest experiences of singing with a large group that a child has and is certainly an area of performance where age is not an issue.

Religious institutions use the concept of group singing to it’s fullest with the use of acappella, accompanied, solo and group vocals co-ordinated by a Choral Director.  Young boys are popular for their unbroken sweet voices, whilst older singers ‘fatten’ the sound with their deeper vibrant tones producing an overall rich sound.

Whilst the majority of choral singers are local unpaid volunteers, there are a some choirs who perform at major venues and produce albums for their devotees.  Soloists have also had chart hits, like Aled Jones with the title song from the cartoon film ‘The Snowman’ and several RnB/Soul/Pop artists like ‘Whitney Housten’ and ‘Aretha Franklin’ started their singing careers performing with Gospel Choirs.

Chorus Line Singer
An essential part of musical theatre is the Chorus Line. The term describes a group of individuals who are competant at singing, dancing, acting and co-ordinating with others.

The type of songs performed range considerably in style so a versatile voice and ability to learn quickly are necessary requirements.  Preparation time is usually limited and competition is fierce as singing actors and dancers are also keen on getting the part!

Amateur productions at local theatres are an excellent introduction for beginners whilst professional shows like ‘Cats’, ‘Miss Saigon’, ‘Buddy’ and ‘Oaklahoma’ demand high standards but provide decent wages and the opportunity for recognition.

Country Singer
Country & Western is a popular form of music with a wide circuit of venues mainly in the USA.  There is a thriving albeit smaller country circuit in the UK, with some opportunities for performance at ‘Themed Events’.  Line dancing has become a big craze requiring country bands, singers and dance step callers.

Constantly in and out of the charts, country singers are varied in style with some artists like ‘Shania Twain’ crossing over into pop and dance artists like ‘Whitney Houston’ performing versions of songs written by country singers. (I Will Always Love You was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton).

Cruise Ship Singer
Jane McDonald has became one of the most recognised Cruise Ship singers after the broadcasting of a BBC TV documentary series following the lives of on board entertainers and personell.  The musicians and entertainers are expected to be of a professional standard with the ability to read music and work long hours.

Being confined to a ship (no matter how large) means that all crew are expected to be on duty 24/7 ……. in other words, be nice to the passengers even if you have a sore head, runny nose or bad day plus be prepared to cover a variety of other duties when staff are off sick.  Staff are usually contracted for the duration of the cruise and can expect good wages with accommodation and meals included.

Disabled Entertainers
Certain physical or mental handicaps may cause some difficulties for people who wish to pursue a career in music or singing… but that does NOT necessarily mean the individual will be unable to pursue their dream! There are many artists who have achieved successful writing, recording and performing careers despite their handicap. So wether you stammer like pop singer Gareth Gates or are more severely physically challenged like country singer/songwriter Reba Schappell, winner of the 1997 L.A. Music Award for best new country artist (who is conjoined with her sister Lori), there are opportunities to pursue.

Young people with special needs can apply to the Chicken Shed Theatre Company which integrates children with special needs into community theatre and music. A collection of physically challenged professional performers can be found at the Paisley Wheelchair Experience.

How to sight sing? Wikihow tells you how.

Learning how to sight read is important for musicians. Just by looking at the notes on a sheet of music, they can play it immediately. It is just like reading letters, but in notes. Singers can do the same, and it is called Sight Singing. They might read the sheet music, and hum the tune quietly to themselves, and then able to perform or sing it immediately.

STEPS!

1.  Learning how to sight sing starts with learning the musical notes and knowing how to sight read them. You have to hear them with your ears, so that you can duplicate them by singing, or by your voice. A piano or keyboard is necessary so that you can hear and play, and learn the scales, and how different they sound when played as a sharp or a flat.
2.  Practice playing each note, and concentrate on how it sounds. Continue to play, ending up by closing your eyes, so that your ears can hear them so the tone can be concentrating on them without sight.
3. Constant practicing will train the brain to reproduce what the ears hear. It is similiar to learning how to type. By not looking at the keyboard, we teach our brain to lead our fingers to each individual key. Therefore, it is our brain that is learning, while our ears hear.
4. Realize that many voice students who only study singing intervals, can lead to them not being able to use proper intonation. it is important to also be able to look at any melody,and immediately be able to hearinwardly how it sounds.
5. Studying only the notes of the scales is not enough to learn to be able to become a good vocalist. It is very important to learn the scale in both major and minor, learn to hear the rhythm or beat. For a student who wants to learn at home, there are many good books that can teach. It is very helpful to own a keyboard or piano to practice with.

Learning to sight sing takes patience and practice, and it takes the right kind of practice. Be careful to choose a system that that will grow with you and won’t restrict you to simple tonal music. (:

Singing is an art as well as a science. As an art, singing involves intuition, where your perception and sensitivities as a singer is essential; inspiration, which is the stimulation to do creative work; talent, that is, your natural ability; and creativity, which is your imaginative skill. As a science, it involves techniques, which are the procedures & skills required & the treatment of the basics. Also, singing as a science involves the nature of the singer, including the intrinsic and essential qualities of your voice.

I have heard the stories of well-known and legendary singers share their love for singing. For them it is a passion, it’s their field where creativity flows, originality wells up, ingenuity pours and inspiration runs over. In effect, as they sing their songs, such qualities are diffused to their audiences and their listeners. They serve as inspiration themselves to those who hear their music. Oh yes, that’s what you call art.

But singing is also a physical activity, it’s similar to the other kinesthetic pursuits like dancing or athletic undertakings. There is awareness and coordination in singing, like when you learn to ride a bike or drive a car. It requires a tremendous amount of concentration. And when you gain muscle memory, eventually the physical part of it becomes natural to you, and you can then concentrate on other aspects. Here’s where techniques becomes effortless because they’re already automatic to you. When you’re able to develop these techniques and know the personal characteristics and features of your voice for your own gain and improvement, you’ll be able to focus on the artistic articulateness, creative self-expression and the delight of using your voice to stir and encourage others.

In the end, singing as an art and science goes hand and hand. One can not go without the other. (:

Do you have a voice which could lead you to great heights in the music business? Or do you have a voice which leads you to awkwardness and object of mockery? Either way, voice lessons are for you!

Many people have reservations about being able to learn how to sing, because they have the notion that only those born with a talented voice can sing, and you have to be born with it to be able to do it. Others say you have to learn at an early age and there’s no hope for you if you try to take voice lessons at an older age. But voice teachers say, anyone can sing! Even if you are just moderately able to sing, they say with studying, practice and building your voice can lead you to a career in singing. If you are ready to face your fears, see yourself clearly and commit to regular lessons with a teacher, you can sing. Voice teachers also agree that if you’re born with a great voice but you take it for granted, even if you’re extremely talented, you’d go nowhere.

So either way, whether you have a brilliant voice or a not-so dazzling voice, it’s best to ask the help of a specialist. Find a voice teacher to help you sparkle!

Voice teachers note that not all can sing anything. One’s voice, even how good it is, can not necessarily sing all types of music. The purpose of taking voice lessons is finding out about your distinctive instrument and what it is perfectly suited for. That’s why it is important to take voice lessons even if you already have the inborn talent, to become keener of your gift. Even advance singers take voice lessons, because it’s useful for them to have another trained pair of eyes and ears. A teacher can assist you in arriving at your aims and ambitions more swiftly and effectively.

So, you want that singing career? Voice lessons will help take you there. (:

If you are a singer and wants to be one, take a look at what famous people and singers themselves have to say about singing, and get inspired!
 
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
 Maya Angelou, American Poet
 
“Music is the purest form of art… therefore true poets, they who are seers, seek to express the universe in terms of music… The singer has everything within him. The notes come out from his very life. They are not materials gathered from outside.”
Rabindranath Tagore, Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist
 
“I think all the boys that write the screaming stuff would write the best love songs…. because they have the most to hide. The guys that are in the most pain are usually the ones with the biggest hearts.”
Tori Amos quotes, Pop Rock Singer
 
“Sing, Sing a song, Sing out loud, Sing out strong, Sing of good things, not bad, Sing of happy, not sad, Sing, Sing a song, Make it simple, To last your whole life long, Don’t worry that it’s not good enough, For anyone else to hear, Sing, Sing a song.”
Joe Raposo

“When a singer truly feels and experiences what the music is all about, the words will automatically ring true.”
Monserrat Caballé quotes, Spanish operatic Soprano

“Singing is such an excellent thing, that I wish all people would sing”
Richard Byrd

“Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.”
Aretha Franklin quotes, American singer of soul music
 
“I don’t want to be just a straight pop singer. I’m a vocalist and that’s what I want to be seen as in the long run.”
Christina Aguilera quotes, American Singer
 
“I always wanted to be a singer, it’s what I wanted to do since I was little. I’m doing it now and I couldn’t be happier.”
Britney Spears, American Singer
 
“I was always a singer and a dancer, and I always wanted to be an actress. For me, it’s all just one thing.” 
Jennifer Lopez, American Actress, Singer and Model
 
“If a thing isn’t worth saying, you sing it.”
virtuosogal Pierre Beaumarchais, French Comic Playwright

I read about one news write-up in the health section of a news network that singing can help the brain relearn communication skills. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease are recorded to have unlocked their communication block through singing. Usually, people with dementia tend to withdraw themselves and stop communicating with others; they are not able to hold conversations.

Some relatives of patients with Alzheimer’s tried singing with groups, where their loved ones showed some personality changes like being able to hold conversations, gaining focus and recovering from slurred speech due to a stroke. 

One group which helps such patients is Singing for the Brain, which started three years ago to give aid to patients with dementia. The founder said their weekly sessions had proved popular and successful for patients. They have an avid following in the group they have and families believe it has enhanced their lives and in some ways it has kept people well longer.

The group chooses things to sing for people that have an emotional resonance, things that allow them to express their emotions such as feeling irritated or sad as well as happy. They say that music has the ability to access words and people who have lost their ability to speak can access songs and words from the melody. The singing sessions also appeared to have positive effects on participants’ cognitive powers, their physical ability and their emotions. They likewise seem to enjoy doing something jointly with other people and being socially engaged is good for people with dementia.

It was explained that the part of the brain that worked with speech is different to the part that processes music, allowing those who had lost their speech to still enjoy their music. Rhythm had also been shown to be beneficial, particularly for those with diseases like Parkinson’s where movement was a problem. Listening to rhythms could be very helpful.

Knowing the home remedies for your vocal problems in the previous post, it’s also good to know about products that are beneficial for your vocal health. Given that you are a professional singer, or even someone who just loves singing, you should be ready when throat strains occur, so you should always have vocal health products in hand, like throat sprays, lozenges and tea.

There are a lot of throat sprays available in the market, which lubricate, hydrate and dilate vocal chords. They include combinations of herbs in glycerin, aloe or alcohol base. If you have dry, hoarse or sore throat, throat sprays quickly improves throat comfort and vocal quality. They soothe tired voices, relieves scratchy throat, keep your voice crystal clear, moisturize and strengthens as well. These sprays also warm the lungs and increase oxygen uptake. Some sprays offer flavors to choose from, like lemon, mint, peach or apple, though some products are not for pregnant or nursing women.

Lozenges are also another kind of vocal health product which reduce swelling and protect your vocal chords from abrasions. These products relieve minor discomforts and protect irritated areas in your throat. They act by dissolving and allowing the natural substances to coat your throat like paint. They are rather efficient at lessening swelling in the throat muscles and membranes. As singers, they are also helpful for your vocal health since they guard against abrasions caused by poor tone creation choices. One of the known organic ingredients of lozenges is slippery elm. Its inner bark is grounded into a powder and then combined with a crystalline substance to form a throat lozenge.

Teas likewise support throat health, since teas usually include herbs traditionally used to enhance the structure and function of the throat. There are also herbal candies for the throat, which you could pop into your mouth before singing. (:

If you are a singer, your voice is your precious gem. You have to know the tricks of trade in guaranteeing your product and service which is your voice, is on shape and in tune…and healthy. When your vocal chords get strained, troubles occur like hoarseness of your voice and your work gets in trouble too!

You should know what to do in instances your voice seems to croak like a frog, or when a sore throat or cold disturbs your voice…because they’re just not pleasant to the ears! Ailing vocal chords needs treatment, like sipping cough drops, some melted in a cup of boiling water. There are many available throat drops like Halls and Ricola.

There’s also this dry mouth syndrome. It’s hard to sing, even speak, with a dry mouth. There are home made cures to avoid and treat this problem, like looking after the foods you eat. It’s helpful to keep away from caffeine, sugar, chocolate and dairy products since they can get you thirsty or dried up. You can also spread something like a lubricant on your teeth to help out your upper lip to slide over the teeth and create saliva. You can also bite the tip of your tongue just enough to create saliva.

Drink plenty of water. That’s a great habit for singers to do. But do not drink ice-cold water! Water in room temperature is just good. Add some lemon too which helps. Surely, smoking and drinking are hard on the throat. So better avoid such vices!

When you sing, what you wear is important as well. Your clothes should be loose-fitting around the waist to help you take in air better and around the neck so it doesn’t smother you. Doing vocal warm-ups is always good. Sing in the shower, do cheery humming and formal vocal warm-ups are effective. And also, stand straight! Good posture can help your voice stay healthy!

Familiar with local singing karaoke shows where contestants try to fill in the missing lyrics? America has one too, a music game show in which contestants “sing in the blanks” when presented with partial song lyrics. Holly Cruikshank is the Honey Bee in the show, Tom Sartori played himself for seven episodes and its host is Joey Fatone.

It’s a one hour game show, also known as ‘The Great American Singing Bee.’ According to a reviewer in one site I saw, the show’s better than she thought it would be. It’s creative, and liked the fact that it is more like a game show than a competition. Contestants are changed every week, which makes the show more exciting than just seeing the same people over and over. It seems to be set up pretty good as well, and the songs are actually well known, and commonly confused songs, instead of songs that no one in their right mind would go.

With this NBC’s reality series doing so well in the ratings, the network has decided to renew the show for another run during the fall television season. The premiere drew about 13 million viewers, while the second episode earned a 6.8/11 ratings share. The karaoke competition will remain on the network’s Tuesday night lineup when it comes in the fall. The Singing Bee starts off each week with six contestants, who then try to advance to the next round by completing songs played on the show.  The first four who provide the right set of lyrics move to the next round, where they go against each other in pairs.  The two contestants from the winning pair then go head-to-head in the championship round.  Whoever wins the championship round gets the chance to earn big money during the Final Countdown.

Though it has been two months late, rainy season here in the Philippines has stepped in, and stormy days are frequent since last week! Therefore, there are frequent suspended classes, heavy traffic and flooded thouroughfares (even Quentin Tarantino had to ride a pedicab just to get to Malacanang to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award from 9th Cinemanila International Film Festival), and of course lenghty time to snuggle in bed and snooze! Why not take the opportunity especially with students to have some fun while there’s no classes? Sing it out! Maybe rains would go even harder because of your voices, but so what? You’re enjoying!

How about sing songs about the weather? Select from the built-in songs the tunes about drizzles and mizzles, rainfalls and raindrops! Or slot your song chip and look for weather singles, I’m sure there are songs about the rain that you can find under pop, or love songs, rock songs, hip-hop songs, country songs, jazz songs and more.

Here are some of the many many songs with rain on them (:

After the Rain has Fallen (Sting)
All I Needed was the Rain (Elvis Presley)
April Showers (Dru Hill)
Black Summer Rain (Eric Clapton)
Blame it on the Rain (Millie Vanilli)
Bring on the Rain (Tim McGraw)
Can You Stand the Rain? (Boyz II Men)
Cloudburst (Oasis)
Cold and Rainy (10,000 Maniacs)
Come Rain or Come Shine (Frank Sinatra)
Don’t Rain on My Parade (Barbara Streisand)
Everyday It Rains (Mary J. Blidge)
Fire & Rain (James Taylor)
Ghetto Rain (Master P or Silkk the Shocker)
The Gentle Rain (Dianna Krall)
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Here Comes the Rain Again (The Eurythmics)
Here I Stand and Face the Rain (a-Ha)
I Can See Clearly Now (Johny Nash)
I Made It Through the Rain (Barry Manilow)
I’m Only Happy When It Rains (Garbage)
A Kiss in the Rain (Michael Learns to Rock)
Kiss the Rain (Billie Myers)
Let it Rain (Cypress Hill)
Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain (Tory Barnet)
No More Rainy Days (Destiny’s child),
No Rain (Blind Melon)
November Rain (Guns N’ Roses)
One Rainy Wish (Jimi Hendrix)
Purple Rain (Tori Amos)
The Rain [Supa Dupa Fly] (Missy Elliot)
Rain King (Counting Crows)
Southern Central Rain (REM)
Stormy Monday (Allman Brothers Band)
Through The Rain (Mariah Carey)
Why Does it Always Rain on Me? (Travis)
You Are the Sun, You Are the Rain (Lionel Richie)
With that, you’ll have plenty of time singing while raining!

In medieval Europe, the music of a choir, which is a group of singers chant together, was an essential part of church masses. Usually during this period, the monks in monasteries sing in Latin. At present, music sung by choirs is based on this tradition of the church, called choral music.

Another kind of singing in groups are large scale musical performances called oratorios, where they sing a story. This type is based on Bible stories of the Jews and the Christians. Unlike choir music, oratorios do not have to be executed in church. An orchestra, with a choir and soloists, perform orations where the soloists sing necessary elements individually. The narrator conveys the tale in form of a song. Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer, is famous for his church cantatas, which are stories sung by one or two singers who are complemented by different instruments.

Gospel music is one type of singing in groups as well. It’s particular among the Black American church singers who blend touches of jazz, hymns and their religious folksongs. Gospel choirs are worm and emotional, with audiences stamping their feet, clapping and dancing.

Of course, not all who sing in groups are choirs. Music groups include pop and rock bands, jazz bands, folk singers and a lot more. In a band, two or three can sing in the group, with one lead and the rest as back-up vocals. All of them can sing together too, like folk singers who can also alternate in singing.

And who wouldn’t be familiar with the famous boy bands singing in groups? There was New Kids in the Block during the early ‘90s, and in the mid to late ‘90s, more singing male groups emerged like Westlife, Backstreet Boys, and N’sync, to name a few. Indeed, their crooning and serenading, blending in their different tones made a lot of girl fans scream and shout!

Wouldn’t it be fun to sing in a group? Why not grab your friends and have a singing spree–sing like a choir, or perform like a boy band (or girl band for that matter). (:

There is a diverse array of instruments under the strings category, one of which is the most versatile and unique of all the stringed instruments. Read through and find out. (:

In the 1500s and 1600s there were the six-stringed instrument called the viol, then the violin emerged which is a smaller instrument and makes a louder sound than the viol. Violinists made marks in music like the Italian musician Niccolo Paganini, modern violinists Yehudi Menuhin and Korean Kyung Wah Chung. Then there’s the family of strings which can form the string quintet. Besides the violin, there’s the viola, cello and double bass. Charles Mingus is an American jazz musician who plays double bass standing up.

Lyres and harps are popular all over the world during the ancient times. From the legend of Orpheus playing the lyre, to religious festivals of Africa, lyres and harps were used. The lute is another kind which is plucked like a guitar. Banjos and ukeleles were played in America and England, sitars made raga music in India, zithers were played in China, Japan, and Korea, while guitars originated in Spain. There were classical, acoustic and folk guitars, until in the later years electric guitars were developed. Orville Gibson, Les Paul and Leo Fender are just three of the well-known names in guitar making. When it comes to guitar playing, one of the legends is American guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

A keyboard is also a stringed instrument, which includes the clavichord, harpsichord and the piano. If you open the lid and look inside, there you’ll find the strings. But the most versatile and unique of all stringed instruments is the chords found in your voice box. The human voice has its own vibrating strings and resonator in just the same way as a stringed instrument like the guitar does. You sing high notes by tightening your vocal chords; low notes are created when your vocal chords become looser. We have a range such as the soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The three tenors Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti are among the great singers of the world, thus have great stringed instruments in them!

Backup singers are also called second singers. They provide the second voice, fill-ins and supplementing voice. They enhance and highlight the main vocal. I like listening to songs, especially band songs with second voices, and how their melody completely harmonizes with the lead vocals.

Backup singers have necessary skills present in them—listening and blending in. They are able to listen when to blend in with the main vocal. They are alert and watchful of the main vocalist, like when the main vocal wants to repeat a verse or start from the first verse. They also know how to phrase. They know when to jump in at the right time at the beginning of the song. They begin gently and slowly rise in the same level with the lead. They also know how to do the same thing at the end part.

I have also learned one important trait of a backup singer, about beginning and ending consonants. It said in one article I read that at times when two or more people are singing a phrase, there can be multiple popping “p’s” or sibilant sounds as each singer attempts to sing at the same time. It says there that a careful trick to prevent this from happening is for the backup singer to leave the first letter, the consonant, totally. For example, if the lyric is like, Jack and Jill went up the hill to pick a pail of water, the backup vocalist might sing “ack and ill ent up a ill o ick a ail of ater.” It allows the chief singer to have the clear-cut initial consonant of the phrase without the backup singer colliding or overlapping with them, or being incompatible and in disagreement with them.

Speaking of backup singing, did you know that there is a Magic Sing that serves specially for the backup singer? It’s the Magic Sing Sub Microphone! It can also serve as the second microphone for duets, but that’s another topic to talk about! (: The Magic Sing Sub Microphone must have a Magic Sing microphone to operate.

Cheers to another great Magic Sing product!

There are a lot different styles of singing and vocal techniques we hear from various singers. So, if you are a singer, what’s yours?

If you can produce musical effects by having a regularly pulsating change of pitch, where you can use this style to add articulation, then your technique is what we call vibrato. If you can sing smoothly, transitioning from note to note, where there’s no superseding silence, your method is legato.
If you sing where you can produce strong soaring pitches using your chest voice, then you are a vocal belter baby! Voice created in belting is technically known as chest voice or middle voice, and this kind of voice a powerful one indeed. In the popular music, be it rock or general pop, belting is commonly used to sing higher notes than the normal vocal range.

Moreover, you have clean vocals when you have melodic and clear singing style. It is especially used to label voice of heavy metal singers. This they say, is an alternative to coarse, scratchy screaming vocals or growling vocals, which can be heard from really hardcore metal bands. If you are in a heavy metal band, then you probably have clean vocals. If you are in a solid hardcore metal band, then your technique is almost certainly screaming and growling. Or you can use both techniques, whichever of the two kinds you are into. There can even be an operatic voice in metal music, singing simple melodies then having rough screaming, which they use in what is called melodic death metal.

If you are not a belter but you are not a screamer or growler either, you can have other techniques as well, such as having a breathy chest voice which is different from belting, or a metallic voice. If you don’t scream or growl, there’s even grunted vocals which is nearer to those two.

Whatever style, whatever technique, it’s up to you. Just sing and have a heck of a time doing it.

Have you ever dreamed that you are the next Kelly Clarkson, rising high from being a simple lass to an über popular singer after winning a singing competition? Or that you are a pretty young girl with a pretty young voice, and you daydream of switching places with Jojo for a day? Wondered how being famous is like, singing in front of thousands of crowds in huge theaters, seeing large posters waved by fans, signing autographs for thousands of followers, and selling multi-certified, multi-awarded, multi-million albums?

If you have the dreams of being a much-admired singer, hold on to those dreams. You never know, your dreams might someday come true.

Everything starts from aspiring. Every songster that has carved a name in music wouldn’t be who they are if they did not aspire. They say, desire is the starting point of all achievements. So if you want to be a known singer one day in the future, keep that desire. It’s where you begin.

In every singer’s story, success isn’t achieved in an instant. They did not become famous overnight. There are always the stories of trials and tribulations of an aspiring singing star. But then, they wouldn’t be where they are now if they didn’t choose to go through the rocky roads towards musical triumph. So, be determined. No matter how frustrating it might get, go on. If you have to pass through pain to achieve the pleasure of succeeding, so be it. As long as you’re sticking to your desire to sing sing sing, then you’re solid determination would get you through.

Famous singers all started from doing hard labor of auditioning, scouring locations and opportunities where they can perform and be heard, and working their way to finally get their break. They hone their skills, practice singing until they improve and become better singers. This spells hard work. If you want to be victorious, you have to work on it as hard as you could. Earning something from hard work has the sweetest rewards.

So keep in mind to always hold on to your dreams, be determined, and add hard work along the way. These are just some points to learn by heart on how to fulfill your singing dreams. As you become what you want to be, keep your feet on the ground and remember how you got there.

Congratulations to your awaiting stardom!

One time my dad joined a contest in a local fm radio station asking their listeners what the first musical instrument is. Luckily, he was picked as the winner, and received a CD as the prize.

His answer was vocal chords.

My guess was the lyre, and it wasn’t even close. The lyre was invented waaay after this first musical instrument’s discovery, which was since the beginning of time. Before the arrival of classical music, and even before the invention of archaic tribal instruments by prehistoric men, humans were already creating rhythms using their own built-in musical implement–the vocal chords.

Vocal chords are these lower of two folds or bands in the throat which produce sound when made tighter or loosened when air is breathed out while speaking or singing.  Vocal chords have the ability or power to produce musical tones. For some people it comes out effortlessly. For some it needs thorough training. While for some, it’s just something they have accepted they can’t acquire (ahem).

To look at it, it’s the only instrument that produces an ample diversity of pitches,  elaborate timbre, and various tones all in one. Our voice can create a story on its own with just striking different melodies, even without putting words. That reminds me of a vocalist humming all the way through the song, and yet it’s tells a whole tale. It also brings me in awe with what amazing things this body part can do. It can croon. It can hum. It can yodel. It can scat. It can chant. It can carol. If you can do at least one of these skills, then you can produce musical tones yourself. We all can. I take that it’s-just-something-they-have-accepted-they-can’t-acquire back. I can hum, at least.

Literally meant producing musical sounds by structuring words to form a medley, almost anyone who can speak can sing.  Singing has been associated with music, like a baby when they hear that soft music when someone sings or a musical instrument radio is switched on, they often sleep deeply that is their means of relaxation.  Singing here is informal.However, on the other hand one may also do singing formally like in a choir, presentation, orchestra, or a recording studio.  In this type of singing, it requires a great deal of practice so sounds will blend well in the group.  What audience normally does in a formal singing is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the presentation that would normally be held in theatres, churches, and parties.

Unlike a baby where they still can’t utter words and is still being guided by medley music, adults are different, they normally does informal singing themselves as their form of relaxation just like you and any other adults going to the shower just singing out aloud while sprinkling water flows unto our undulating body, admit it that almost all of us has had experienced this.  Another is that amidst of that stressful and busy day at work, when you arrived home, before taking rest you normally would want to spend time to family. With this, you simply do listen to music before going to bed.

However, relaxation does not only mean turning and listening that musical instrument but you can always switch on your karaoke, pick that microphone up, and here it goes, you are ready to sing!

Karaoke products usually comes in with a microphone with keypads where all one has to do is to press those number codes of the song, then music automatically loads, and now one is ready to sing.  This makes it one of the hottest and most affordable instruments that captivate the need to enjoy every man’s perennial hobby and interest – singing.  Where it is considered to be a highly touted product available in the market rather than buying those traditional huge instruments that might be time and space tedious

In this accord, life’s medley music is captured through the individuals’ body and soul that gives him one of life’s best forms of relaxation – TO SING.