I've been singing on the drive to and from school and work for about three months, and I want to get better, but I can't afford a vocal teacher...does anyone have any ideas as to an alternative? Does a vocal teacher really help out THAT much? Also how much of a role does effort actually play? Well, I worded that wrong..how good of a singer can someone become who wasnt 'built to be a singer'?

Hi!

Well I've been singing randomly all my life, but I've been having singing lessons for the past year. I've improved loads since having lessons and from attending my school choir.

If you're serious about singing, then getting singing lessons is a good idea, but as long as you are dedicated enough then you would still benefit from buying some singing books and by doing vocal exercises. For this you wouldn't need a teacher, and you could sing along to the vocal cd's or tapes in the car!

If you haven't done already, to improve your voice, I'd suggest drinking plenty of water, and to practise singing scales daily. When you warm-up your voice (which it's important to do, so that you don't damage it), start off by humming, as this is the quickest way to warm your voice up. Then gently sing some scales using different vocal sounds like "ee" "ahh" and "ooh", and smile! - this will get the resonators in your head working properly ands will make your voice sound better.

Remember when you do sing or warm-up, don't push your voice, as this will do more harm than good! And remember your larynx is a muscle, so just like you would after exercise, cool-down your voice too by gently humming!!

And you asked about whether you'd make a good singer if you're not built for singing? In my opinion, anyone can be a singer. You just have to practise breathing and control, and when over time you learn what you can do with your voice you'll be able to really show off the good parts and use books and internet sites to help you improve the weaker parts. Dedication and practise is also a must!!

Good luck, you'll make a great singer if you really want to be!

Laura
XxX

Everyone can sing!!! ;D And I mean, everyone!!! My Acting teacher's friend is a professional singer in one of the military bands, and she did a vocal workshop with us and said everyone can sing!

I just have learned how to sing through that one little workshop, and just singing along with tunes I like :D

I do not think there is "a born singer", but obviously people are vastly different and more when it comes to artistic talent.

If a person is "tone deaf", that is unable to know if a tone is right or wrong, I am afraid it will be very difficult to sing (and also, to play any instrument not having a keyboard).

Some people can self-learn to a reasonable good level, but normally some guide an advice to develop the technic is necessary.

Intuitive singers can do without training, mainly in music types like heavy rock or rap. In fact, in some bands the worst the leading voice sings, seems to be the better. And rappers just "sing" monotonally for the most and I always doubt to call eal "music", no matter how poluar it can be.

A couple of sub¡ggestions, if yo ca not afford a teacher or attending a music accdemy (there are group classes, like the one I attend):

- Have other unbiased people listen to you and give their opinion,
- make a recording of yourself and listen to it, compare with what it sounds against a professional singer (but do not be too severe)
- post a mp3 recording of you singing along or alone and let others (we, here), opinate

Thanks jose_luis!

I know I am not tone deaf, because my friend whose taken voice lessons says I can sing.

I am just not as good as i want to be lol.

Not many people are "born singers", but trying the best you can is good!