*** How (and where!) to Sing! ***

10 Steps to Better Singing! 

My top tips to improve your voice and your confidence to use it!

1. Learn to Breathe properly - use breathing
   exercises - or you could even take some professional lessons

2. Stand up straight - proper
   posture can help your delivery and confidence

3. Warm up with some easy scales - you wouldn't run a marathon without a little warm up so why should the muscles in your throat be any different than the muscles in your legs? Try Humming every day for an hour or so - it keeps your voice 'supple' without damaging it (try straining for a high note with your mouth shut - it's impossible!)

4. Practice!!! - if you dont use it you will lose it!

5. Record yourself - Hearing an improvement is going to give you confidence, and getting used to how you sound is only going to help your future as a superstar! - (see my section on online recording)

6. Join a group - singing with other singers helps you sing louder and stronger and helps you confidence - you will also make great friends!

7. Learn to Express yourself - singing in different styles and keys can only help improve your range and character - but don't strain.

8. Learn to use what you have - if you can't sing like Whitney Houston, don't try! It doesn''t mean you can't sing her songs - if every cover version sounded the same where would we be?
   
   It doesn't matter if you can't hit the high notes, there are plenty of great songs where you don't have to - sing songs that make the best of your voice (if you're not sure ask your friends!)
   
   For an example of the worst voice in the world making a song perfect and even moving - listen to 'Fairytale of New York' by the pogues!

9. Do Karaoke - Karaoke is an excellent way to practise real songs in front of real people. Online Karaoke makes it possible to practice online, share songs and make singing friends all over the world

10. ENJOY YOURSELF - You perform at your best when you are confident and having fun so try not to get nervous and remember, you are the one brave enough to give it a go - everyone else is just watching and wishing they had the nerve!

Top Tips to recording yourself online 

1. Get a Good Mic! - although you can get some great results from headsets and cheap microphones, I really would recommend a high end USB Mic or audio interface if you want to add reverb etc. If you want to get professional it really is worth the investment (see my Mic shop)
2. Don't hold the microphone while you sing! - wherever possible get a headset or a mic stand so that you can see the screen as you sing, can operate your mouse, and you don't get annoying squeaky sounds on your recording!
3. Find the original version on itunes! - singing along to the original not only helps you get familiar with the song, it also helps you to warm up for your prize winning recording
4. Practice your song - you don't have to save the first recording, play it back and take notes on where you think it could be improved before making it live to millions of viewers!
5. Make sure you have a quiet room recording by a busy road or when your sister is shouting outside your bedroom is not going to make your recording any better! Pick a quiet time when everyone is out or just ask for 10 minutes silence! It doesn't matter if your family want to listen - it will help you get used to your audience! (tip: you can always make them record one in front of you!)
6. Clear your cache - make sure your recording is in synch by clearing all temp files and browser cache before you hit record! It makes a big difference to the delay sometimes experienced as you record live.