How to Practice Singing

In singing, as in sports, the muscles needed for performing have to be exercised. For singing, you also need to develop a discriminating ear. Daily practice will give you the confidence to sing whenever the occasion arises.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music Stands
• Sheet Music

Posture and Relaxation

1. Make sure you are standing properly and without tension.

2. Do the exercises recommended in "How to Prepare Your Body for Singing." (See Related eHows.)

Exercises

3. Be alert and listen carefully.

4. Say, Ma-Me-Mi-Mo-Mu, letting your breath flow evenly.

5. Make the transition from speaking to singing on the sounds of Ma-Me-Mi-Mo-Mu as described in "How to Do Vocal Exercises."

6. Sing on just one note that is comfortable for your voice range.

7. Listen to evenness of tone, volume and pitch on that note.

8. Make the sound flow evenly in a "bow stroke": (Ma...Me...Mi...Mo...Mu...)

9. Continue with the exercise and find the sounds you enjoy most. Use those sounds as models for the rest.

10. Sing Ma-Me-Mi-Mo-Mu on five different notes within a small range up and down the scale. Starting on the note C, that would be Ma = C, Me = D, Mi = E, Mo = F, Muuuuu = G-F-E-D-C.

11. Try not to force the sound in any way. Don't waste breath; focus is what you're after.

Breathing

12. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to prepare yourself mentally for singing.

13. Consult "How to Do Breathing Exercises" for help on how to breathe right.

Tips & Warnings

• Imagine yourself as an orchestra tuning up. Your voice is your instrument. If your instrument is in good shape and your energy focused on the task at hand, your performance - with or without an audience - will most likely be a success.

[antkawal]

on 9/27/2008 What should I do,when I speak or sing, I am not using my diaphragm but my throat..How to have an exercise that my voice won't be interrupted by that occurence?

[bobbig]

on 11/3/2007 This is a great subject. I am also enjoying the helpful comments from readers. The comment on how to know you are using your diaphram singing was one I am particularly grateful to read. thank you

[Song-Writer]

on 10/25/2007 Sing loud.
You can most likely sing quiet but try singing out loud...
Sing with your mouth open.
Don't be afraid to let your natural singing voice come out.
And also get good at moving up and down on the high/low scale.
It's good exercise

[Song-Writer]

on 10/25/2007 Sing loud.
You can most likely sing quiet but try singing out loud...
Sing with your mouth open.
Don't be afraid to let your natural singing voice come out.
And also get good at moving up and down on the high/low scale.
It's good exercise

on 9/2/2006 Lay on your back. Take a good swallow. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a relaxing place. Hold your nose evenly closed and now inhale...exhale... three times. Count to about thirty and try to speak clearly and normal. Then say the alphabet clearly. Then stand up and do it. Do this exercise daily. And you should learn to use your diaphragm.