So glad that you, dear reader, are back again for more information on improving your singing skills! I am so sure that working on these techniques will empower your voice and song! Ready for three more tips? These are perhaps a bit more advanced, and really effective!
1. Correct breathing keeps you and your song alive
Breathing!!! The ultra-important basic skill for a singer. Standing or sitting very upright with excellent posture, take in a “gulp” of air— expand your lower abdomen which allows the diaphragm to lower, which pulls air into your lungs. You should feel your belly, sides and back expand with each intake. (But watch your shoulders! They stay down.) This intake of breath will not be felt very much in your throat (that would be a “gasp”, not a “gulp”). Then, as you sing, monitor the flow of air from your lungs, up your throat, into your mouth, and then shaped by your vertical mouth. Don’t let all your breath flow out all at once; allow your breath to flow in a measured fashion. Keeping your abdominal muscles tight while singing is important- one of my voice teachers suggested I hold one end of a book or folder against my lower abs and press the other edge against a wall to remind me to tighten those muscles. You will find that practicing breath control will provide more air at the end of each phrase, and you can sustain your singing longer.
2. Help the listener understand the lyrics
Then there’s diction… the precise pronunciation of words. Avoid regional accents, which confuse the understanding of words. Differing accents prevent your group from having a unified sound. Singing in a group sounds best when everyone cuts off at the same time. So be very, very careful of final “t” or “s” or “r” sounds. Stay on the vowel as long as you can! The word “mother” for instance… at the end of a musical phrase, avoid singing “rrrr”, as in pirate talk! Instead, sing “motheh”… the word will sound like “mother” but will not have an unpleasant “rrr” ending. As for terminal “t” and “s” sounds, less is more! Practice minimizing these final consonants, and counting so that all singers in the group end together. The key point is to pronounce the lyrics so listeners understand what you’re saying and can benefit from the meaning of your song.
3. Monitor pitch–are you still on key?
Staying on pitch is often a struggle- the best singing ensembles continue to work on this. A keyboard or any pitched instrument (guitar, uke, flute…) or even a pitchpipe will help monitor your tone or pitch. Make sure you write down the beginning note for each song you sing, so you start at a good range for the singers in your group. Then check your pitch when you’ve finished singing- did you go flat or sharp? And, does it even matter! If you are including songs in your rituals and ceremonies, perfect pitch is not that important. But, if your group sings for other people, you will want to sound as good as possible. And if someone can play an instrument while you sing, that automatically keeps everyone in key.
So, good luck and energy for your wonderful singing to become even more glorious! There is Majik in making beautiful music, and satisfaction in sounding your very best. Please use the songs created by the Crowwommyn, and do experiment with making your own songs! Ask for Majikal assistance, and it will be provided! Good wishes to all of you, and may the Goddess bless your songs and your singing!
