How to Learn to Sing on Your Own
By Kirill ZolyginKirill Zolygin
March 3, 2024 – 5 min read
Whether in the shower or on stage – most of us love to sing. But many hold back because they feel insecure and want to train their voice first. But do you really need an expensive vocal coach?
In this article, I’ll show you how to improve your voice and learn to sing even as a complete beginner. I’ll share the best tips and tricks for effective self-study.
Whether you're dreaming of singing as a hobby or performing on big stages – these techniques will definitely help you level up. So warm up your voice and let’s get started!
Why Learn to Sing on Your Own?
There are many great reasons to train your voice and learn the art of singing:
- You love music and want to interpret your favorite songs yourself
- You dream of performing and captivating an audience
- Singing makes you happy and feels like personal fulfillment
- You want to boost your self-confidence by learning a new skill
- You use your voice professionally (e.g., as a teacher) and want to improve it
- You want to give your voice more expression and make it healthier
Whatever your motivation – you can reach your goals without a vocal coach! The tips below will show you how.
The Challenges
The biggest hurdle in self-taught singing is the lack of feedback from a vocal coach. You may not know if you're doing things correctly and can struggle to notice technique errors on your own.
This can lead to:
- Shallow chest breathing instead of diaphragm support
- Vocal strain from singing too loud or high
- Exercises that don’t suit your voice type
- Skipping warm-ups before singing
While a coach can help a lot, with the right mindset and tools, you can overcome these on your own.
How Can You Learn Singing by Yourself?
To learn singing successfully without a teacher, it's essential to focus on the fundamentals. Here’s a quick guide:
Proper Posture and Breathing
Stand upright with feet slightly apart and shoulders relaxed. Breathe deeply into your belly and ribs so your diaphragm expands. Your diaphragm provides the pressure needed for a clear, strong tone. Practice intentional breathing for 5–10 minutes daily.
Finding Your Vocal Range
Every voice has its natural range where it feels most comfortable. Sing vowels (a, e, i, o, u) at different pitches to explore your range. Stay within this zone at first and expand it gradually.
Use Apps and Online Resources
There are great apps and online courses that support self-taught singing. They offer practice routines, feedback, and tutorials. Popular apps include SimplySinging, Yousician, and SingTrue. Look for courses with qualified instructors, like on TakeLessons or Sängerkraft.
Structure and Discipline
Improving your voice takes consistency. Schedule fixed sessions of 20–30 minutes. Start with breathing and warm-ups before moving on to songs or scales. Increase range and volume only when you're comfortable. Stop immediately if you feel strain or hoarseness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with strong motivation, mistakes happen. Here are some of the biggest ones you should watch out for:
Incorrect Breathing
Never sing with shallow or no breath support – it causes tension and poor tone. Use belly breathing with your diaphragm for vocal strength.
Vocal Strain
Ease into practice and avoid long or loud sessions when you’re tired or sick. If your voice gets tired after just a few minutes (instead of after longer practice), check your technique.
Singing the Wrong Songs
Beginners often pick impressive-sounding songs right away. Avoid songs that are too high or low at the start. Stick to a comfortable range so you don’t overwork your voice.
Skipping Warm-Ups
Warming up is essential! It loosens your vocal cords and preps your muscles. Without warm-ups, you risk vocal damage.
Where Should I Begin?
Set Realistic Goals
Be patient and aim for small wins. “Singing perfectly” isn’t a beginner goal. Focus on hitting your first few notes cleanly.
Start with Simple Songs
Children’s songs and folk tunes with small ranges are perfect for beginners. Move on to more complex pieces as you improve.
Beginner-Friendly Apps
Apps like SimplySinging or Yousician offer interactive exercises and clear guidance for newcomers.
Online Courses for Beginners
Courses from platforms like "Meistergesang" or "Sängerkraft" are great for learning the basics without pressure.
Choosing the Right Online Course
Compare Course Content
Make sure essential topics like breathing, vocal techniques, and range are covered. Do they fit your level?
Instructor Experience
Choose qualified teachers! Ideally, vocal coaches or professional singers who know what they’re doing.
Price & Contracts
Cheap often means poor quality. Look for transparent pricing and flexible plans like monthly subscriptions.
Read Reviews
Check participant feedback. Are most users happy? Are the complaints valid?
What Are the Best Singing Apps?
Features (e.g., pitch tracking, playalongs)
The best apps offer real value – pitch analysis, scale exercises, and more. Go beyond simple karaoke tools.
Ease of Use
The app should be intuitive and guide you clearly through learning. Clunky menus can be frustrating.
Value for Money
Most apps have free versions with paid upgrades. Compare what you get before spending money.
Reviews from Singers
Read app store reviews from real users. Popular picks include Yousician, SimplySinging, and SingTrue – they support singers at all levels.
Why a Vocal Coach Can Still Help
Even if you go the DIY route, vocal coaching has some great advantages:
Personalized Feedback
A coach gives direct input tailored to your voice and issues. You'll catch mistakes you’d miss on your own.
Voice Health
A trained teacher helps you avoid harmful techniques and keeps your voice safe long-term.
Motivation & Structure
Nothing motivates like investing in yourself. A good teacher helps you stay on track and progress faster.
Final Thoughts
Yes – you can absolutely learn to sing on your own! With the right approach, helpful tools, and consistent practice, anyone can develop their voice and enjoy singing.
The best strategy? Combine self-study with occasional coaching to get expert feedback. Stay motivated, celebrate small wins, and don’t give up – singing is for everyone!
Tags: Learn to Sing Singing Career
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