The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #142796   Message #3293893
Posted By: Crowhugger
21-Jan-12 - 09:59 AM
Thread Name: How do I sing louder?
Subject: RE: How do I sing louder?
paula t is absolutely correct about getting a teacher. I also agree with Richard's caution again pushing loudness at the risk of your vocal health. And Richard is also correct in his alert that many singing teachers aim for a classical sound.

One good way to avoid that problem with a teacher is to use a barbershop coach--they help singers develop a supported, resonant sound that doesn't "wobble" i.e. no vibrato, as well develop as the ability to use tone colours. All those skills are fully applicable to folk, blues, jazz, country, rock and bluegrass as well as barbershop. Assuming from your Mud-handle that you are male (and not female with a low voice) find a local chapter (chorus) through bhs.org and start making calls, or some chapters are on FaceBook. Women check can make those contacts at harmonyinc.org or sweetadelineintl.org.

You can probably get valuable basic vocal instruction by attending a barbershop chorus rehearsal as a guest, since nearly all choruses get the guests up singing with them for warm-ups. Better choruses often have physical warm-ups as part of their program, not necessarily strenuous but enough to waken the body and focus the mind before starting to sing. New members are typically encouraged to record the vocal warm-ups to use daily at home, and there is nothing to stop a guest doing the same. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to talk to people about what your vocal goals are and how to find the right vocal coach for you. Sooner or later they will invite you to learn a song to prepare for their audition, but you don't have to follow that path.