When I was a youngster, someone once made an innocent but very hurtful comment about my singing, and I have never sung in public since. However, when singing in private, I can usually reproduce a given note and given a few wobbles, can sing along with a tune. Someone once placed my voice as mezzo-soprano, and since I can't hit top of soprano or bottom of alto, I would tend to agree with that.

So at the beginning of the year I made a resolution to finally get myself some lessons and learn to sing properly (to gain a little confidence if nothing else) and I'm in the process of finding a teacher.

I don't want to sing sacred or classical music, but I like the idea of singing in something like a jazz choir (although we don't seem to have that many in the UK). I'm keen to sing jazz standards and stuff of that ilk (I'm very keen on Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne), not really into pop, and I don't see myself as a rock singer.

Also, I'm not entirely without musical knowledge. I played keyboards from the age of 13 to 21, and have played clarinet and saxophone for eleven years. So until I secure those lessons, is there any general advice any of you can give me? Also, would you recommend private lessons or perhaps one of these adult singing workshops that seem so popular these days?

Cheers all.

<Added>

Don't worry - I'll ask elsewhere.

Ellie,

Congrats on getting back into the sing of things!(I know, terrible pun, moving right along now =) ) The best thing for you to do until you find a voice teache is sing sing sing!!! I wouldn't recommend really trying to work on anything on your own, because you don't work on something that isn't broken. Having a voice teacher is extremely beneficial (I found) in the beginning. That is where you find out what you're already doing naturally, and what you need to work. Knowing what you need to work on is really key. For now I'd suggest trying out different songs, and having fun with it. Maybe pick a couple of songs that you'd eventually like to work on. Decide which kinds of songs you're going to want to sing.

You could also do some breathing excersize. One that my voice teacher suggested is lie down flat on your back and take a big breath in. When you start to feel like you're going to run out of breath(note, when you START to feel it, not when you're about to burss holding your breath)take another breathe in and hold it until you can't anymore. This works on your expantion and helps you in the long run tremndously. Good lungs are a HUGE benefit when it comes to singing. When you don't know a lot about it, it's nothign something you think is hugely factiored in the whole thing. But really, good lung control and being able to take nice big deep breathes will make singing so much easier for you, and it'll sound better too!

I hope that things go well for you! If you have any question/feel inclined to update on your progress, feel free to pm =)


Lyanne

Hey , every one told me I coudnt sing, so I set out to prove them wrong. My singing teacher showed me how to play the piano and keep in key. You have any advantage, you can already play. Do you sing when you play... Also I bought a tuner, like a guitar tuner but for the voice. Play a c and sing a c are you in key, sing to sheet music and check your own notes. Interesting... mine were out. Ive beeen singing for two years now, on stage at karaoke three nights a week and I love it. Just do it and dont worry what anyone says and improve as you go along.

betyababy is right. Anyone who is told they can't sing is being fed a load of hogwash. As a professional singing teacher in the US, I can tell you that often times those who seem the most hopeless or tone-deaf often have hidden treasure just beneath the surface; it just takes a little digging.

Although you mentioned that you're not really interested in classical or sacred music, I would advise getting some basic classical training under your belt to start with (for at least 3-4 months or so). Breathing, resonance and such can be applied from classical techniques to any other type of singing you can think of.

I teach contemporary singing styles (pop, jazz, musical theatre), but always start my students off with pure classical techniques and vocalises. Then we can move from there into the different stylistic requirements for non-classical singing.

Also, be wary of singing teachers who insist that classical singing is the only "correct singing" method there is. I am a trained classical tenor, but I know that classical singing can be done incorrectly as well. Many singing teachers are not comfortable teaching contemporary techniques such as "belting" - good teachers will admit their shortcomings; bad teachers will say that theirs is the only right way to sing. Find a teacher who clicks with you, and don't be afraid to keep looking until you find a good match.

Best of luck, and keep singing!