How Can You Improve Your Voice Without a Vocal Coach?

While taking voice lessons from a professional can be highly beneficial, there are still ways to improve your singing without one. Read on to discover some effective strategies for improving your voice.

Why Consider a Vocal Coach?

A vocal coach or music teacher can provide invaluable feedback and guidance that can significantly enhance your singing. They can help you correct bad habits, improve your technique, and build a strong foundation for your voice. However, if you're finding it challenging to find a vocal coach or a music teacher, there are still steps you can take to improve your singing skills.

Seek Out Help from Experienced Singers

If you know someone who sings well or has excellent knowledge about singing, consider asking for their help. Even if they don't provide formal lessons, they can offer invaluable insights and tips based on their own experience. This can be a great option if you're trying to cut down on costs or you're in a tight location where professional lessons are hard to find.

Utilize Online Resources

There are numerous online resources that can help you enhance your singing skills. YouTube videos, forums, and online courses offer a wealth of information on proper singing techniques, breathing exercises, and body posture. Additionally, music-related apps can help you practice at home and provide instant feedback. Some popular examples include Sing! and Perfect Ear.

The Risks of Self-Taught Singing

Improving your voice without guidance can be risky. An ignorant approach to singing technique can cause permanent damage to your voice. If you attempt to learn on your own, you may develop bad habits that are difficult to break and can lead to long-term vocal issues.

For example, one of my professional singer friends, a trained coloratura, got exhausted during a tour and forgot her training. She spent over a year under a doctor's orders, not even to speak, because she had injured her voice. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it's crucial to seek professional help.

Proper Technique for Singing

Becoming a better singer doesn’t necessarily require a vocal coach. However, there are modern tools and resources available that can help you improve your singing techniques. Understanding proper breathing techniques, body posture, and the science behind creating great music are essential aspects of singing.

You can educate yourself through online research and apply that knowledge to your practice. The internet and various streaming services can be excellent places to learn new songs, hone your craft, and progress as a singer. However, it’s critical to understand that learning the proper technique to sing classical music and opera takes years of good lessons and extensive practice.

Avoid Learning Singing from the Internet

While the internet offers a vast amount of information, it’s essential to exercise caution. One can usually croon into a microphone if they have a pleasing sound, but learning the proper technique takes years of good lessons and hours of practice. Bad teachers can cause irreparable damage to your voice within 3-5 years. At the very least, they can teach you many very bad habits that are exceedingly difficult to break and can damage you for life.

Proper vocal technique requires extensive muscle memory from many different muscles at the same time. Effective practice takes at least 90 minutes every day, and drinking 90 minutes before a practice or lesson is crucial for cellular-level lubrication of your throat.

Seek Professional Assessment and Recommendation

If possible, find a good music department at a university and ask for a professional assessment. This can help guide your decision and provide a recommendation to an excellent teacher. A professional evaluation can be a valuable resource in steering you in the right direction and ensuring that you receive the best possible instruction.

Improving your voice is a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you choose to work with a vocal coach or utilize online resources, the key is consistency and dedication. Remember, the effort you put in today will shape your future performances and your voice for years to come.