Can anyone learn to sing

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 06:21 PM

If Lyle Lovett and I can sing - anyone can -

Steve

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 06:41 PM

(Actually, the correct term is "vocal folds." We now return you to your regular discussion.)

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 06:44 PM

RE: the singers' club person -- maybe they could tactfully be steered in the direction of recitations!

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: little john cameron
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 06:51 PM

Years ago i was is a pals car an' he was hummin away tae hiself."Whit are ye hummin" I asked him."Danny Boy"he answered.Weel,ah wis dumbfoonert,it wis naetin like Danny Boy.Mah wife is the same.TONE DEAF!!!wHIT ABOOT THEM THEN? LJC

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 02:57 AM

Many years ago I took a class called "Seeds of Singing" with Susan Osborn, who used to sing with the Paul Winter Consort. She is a firm believer in the old proverb, "If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing." The muscles which control the larynx are among the tiniest in the body, and are incredibly sensitive to thought and emotion (ever get "choked up" or feel a "lump in your throat"?) It's possible to learn to relax those muscles, using her techniques or others, and to let a singing voice come from a previously "monotone" throat. I've heard it happen...and it's amazing.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Townes
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 09:31 PM

G'day Catters I'm Pete the person who posted the original thread back in March 1998. (Was it really that long ago!). Well I can't speak for all, but my tale is worth telling. After the info I received from the regular contributor's back then, I went away and taught myself to play the guitar and started to practice singing. I now sing in a band doing skiffle, country and green grass (as we call it) along with Celtic material certainly not settling on one particular genre that's for sure. But without doubt my greatest pleasure is the home sessions with friends sitting around and singing till the early hours or until the Guinness runs out. Sure beats putting on a CD. The hardest thing I found was to actually sing solo in front of others for the first time. A very daunting experience and for me at least, it took a lot of nervous tries to actually carry out. But once you do it, you're on the way. When you progress and get into the band thing the buzz of playing to a live audience is an unbelievable. You want to come back time and again.

I said in another thread recently music is a platform to a higher ground. I say if you want to sing, go out and do it! forget about the embarrassment the nerves etc (most of it is in the mind) and most of all enjoy.

Regards Townes

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: michaelr
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 09:47 PM

Singing along with records is what helped me get started. Pick songs you know well and that are in your range (where you can hit the high notes without straining) and sing along with them A LOT! (The same method helped me hear and sing harmonies.) I had about a one octave range when I started, and through practising a whole lot it's now up to about 2 1/2 octaves.

I do believe, however, that some people are "tone deaf". Sure, they can sing, but you wouldn't want to listen...

Cheers,
Michae;

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Alice
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 10:08 PM

Townes, that is great news. I am so glad to hear about what you've been doing since this thread started.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Feb 02 - 05:51 AM

I think everbody can sing - no learning required. The end product might be vitually inaudible or have everyone running for cover and set all the neighbourhood dogs barking. I think the question is really "Can training/practice improve this innate ability ?". The answer has got to be yes, but how far depends on you own musical sensitivity and even more on your motivation.

Folk music is a medium that will allow a much wider variation in quality of singing than most. I have always believed that "Telling the story" is more important than producing beautiful, but incomprehensible, sounds. The skills of delivery and phrasing can make up for all sorts of deficiencies in pitch and tone. If you are singing in public, projection is needed, but if you will be using a PA, not to such a great degree. Careful choice of material is VERY important - choose songs that will suit your voice/style, not just songs that you like someone else singing.

In order to sing, you must want to communicate with an audience. Performing of any kind is an ego-trip and to some extent a control-freak thing - if you don't see it that way, then why do you want to do it in the first place ? Keeping this in mind, try to develop a style and repertoire that best helps you to achieve this.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Alice
Date: 06 Feb 02 - 09:28 AM

I have used the term vocal folds instead of vocal cords in other threads on this topic. At the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center site which I linked to in other threads, it shows pictures of "Normal Vocal Cords", with this caption - Click Here"Normal Vocal Cords Here is a sequence of the vocal cords during voice production (adduction) phases of vocal fold vibration."
On the FAQ of the Voice Center site, there is this question and answer:"I have heard that drinking water is good for my voice, is this true? And how much?

Yes. The vocal cords (also called folds) vibrate against each other 100-400 times per second and require constant lubrication. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water and avoiding caffeinated drinks(cola,tea and coffee) is recommended for the "vocal lubrication."

Here is an interesting site on vocal anatomy, using both terms, "cords" and "folds". Singing Voice: Vocal Anatomy

It was strange for me to read what I had written here back in 1998. I stop in here with little time to write, and I can see that back then, too, I was typing down choppy thoughts and submitting without time to proofread. Ah, well. Time to get to work.

Alice

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 07:42 AM

This has been a fascinating thread, and I've learned a lot from it so far. But for me, the most economical statement on the question still remains this limerick:

There was a young lady from Tring,
Who said, when they asked her to sing:
"You may think it's odd,
But I cannot tell God
Save the Weasel from Pop goes the King!"

If , unlike this lady, you recognise a tune when you hear it, then you are not "tone deaf".

If you can recognise tunes, but still sing them inaccurately, or with an unpleasing tone, then good teaching and regular practice can improve your technique. (Though it may never turn you into a virtuoso.)

If, despite giving it your very best, you still hit the odd bum note, console yourself with the thought that even the best singers do this occasionally. There is a lot of snobbery in the musical world on this topic – don't let it get you down.

When an operatic diva hits a wrong note, critics say: "She's having trouble with her intonation tonight."

When a jazz singer hits a wrong note, critics say: "That was an interesting improvisation – but it didn't quite work for me."

When a rock singer hits a wrong note, critics say: "Aw, the kid's tone deaf!"

And when a folk singer hits a wrong note, critics say: "Well, I suppose folk music is meant to sound that way – isn't that why it died out?"

So, if you were written off at the age of five by your first music teacher, and ordered to open and shut your mouth in silence while the rest of the class sang - don't be discouraged. Work on your technique – be cautious about what you sing, and where – don't overtax the tolerance of your listeners – but don't give up trying. Remember, folk music belongs to the people. All the people. And that includes the many who are not gifted with brilliant voices, as well as the few who are.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,andrew2002
Date: 05 Mar 02 - 03:46 PM

is there anything on the web that can help me to learn to sing.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Mark Ross
Date: 05 Mar 02 - 05:24 PM

The hardest part of learning to sing is finding the right key. I have know a lot of people who play music. Some(like my brother)are glued to the sheet music and spend so much time trying to get the instrument to sound right they have never given a thought to whether or not the key suits their range. If you can find the right key than that is 50% of the battle.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Steven G.
Date: 05 Mar 02 - 05:55 PM

Well for me, I learned to sing by being part of choir a few years ago. Which was great for about 4 years, I certainly learned a lot.

An being a amateur musician, I am constantly listening to the radio, and with my guitar learning new tunes, and trying to get the song. And I agree, Ross, that it is a challenge for me trying to sing the song at the right key. Sometimes, I tried to sing it the way the songwriter wrote it in, and it didn't work for me. So I work on the chords until I finally find a combination of chords I can the song it in. Unfortunately, I cannot read music, but I always thought having a great ear for music was good enough anyway. But it would be great someday to learn to read music.

Anyone can sing, all it takes is practice and practice. And have a great time playing and singing

Steven G.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From:
Date: 14 Mar 02 - 10:02 AM

Does anyone know of any good singing lesson/programs, instrucional videos/books --for children????????

please emial me......

thank you

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: RichM
Date: 14 Mar 02 - 11:07 AM

For young ones? I'm reluctant to advise print/video/audio tape methods. Simply because each child should be assessed as to the best way to help him/her learn; i.e., a human teacher. At least to start with.
For a kid,musicexperience has to be enjoyable. And some kids are better at learning visually, others by ear. A music teacher can best decide.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Signe
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 09:40 PM

This was interesting reading. I went to a Chroisters Guild convention once and heard about the Mable Boyton or Boyter method for teaching children to sing on pitch. It worked for a young lad in our junior choir at church and here is how it was done. You put your temple against the student's temple facing each other and close off the outside ear of the student so they can really listen to the sound they make. Then you hum a note and ask them to match the pitch. Another way is to ask them to sing a note and then you match it. It takes patience and a cooperative student.
I think that all children should be encouraged to sing from early in life. It's awful to tell a child to just mouth the words.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Merritt
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 01:45 AM

Just read this whole thread. What Jack (known as Jack) said awhile back resonates with my experience: "Everyone has their own voice (or in some individual cases several voices), that they have to discover and cultivate through experimentation. I think the main barrier to fully developing ones own voice is the fear of just "letting it all hang out" until the best that you can do finds its way to the surface."

I've gone from non-singer to singer over the last few months at the age of 48/49. This is a revelation for me – something bordering on spiritual – so am a bit reluctant to post.

As a young child, I never sang because I didn't like my voice. Played folk-rock in high school, then rock in bar/dance bands. Always sang back-up harmonies, but never considered myself a "singer." Quit music for 20 years; got back into it playing guitar in an instrumental duo in the late-90s.

When the duo broke up, and I was faced with continuing as solo performer, putting a group together, etc., I actually started to learn to sing. Went solo last May – threw myself into the soup - found my voice and am still getting know it. No formal training involved, but attention to ways that singers across a range of genres use their voices. There's a confidence-building component to this, as well, as someone earlier in thread mentioned. My full-voice vocal range has expanded from low Eb - C# just above middle C to low C# - high G. On a good night, I can hit a high A or even B, but it's not consistent enuf to claim yet. So far, it's all been a process of just finding, claiming and getting inside my own voice.

With practice or performance, find that the longer I sing, the better my voice feels and sounds. Am picky about keys, arrangements, etc. that work for my voice.

During breaks and after performances, people I don't know walk up to me and tell me how much they enjoy my voice, my singing. I'm amazed and grateful. I feel like the outfielder who catches a flyball while daydreaming & scratching his head with his glove. Wish I could've figured this out when I was twenty. But, who knows? Maybe I didn't have a voice when I was twenty.

- Merritt

"It's all one big note." – Frank Zappa

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 11:12 PM

Pete,
When I was in junior high school I was told by my chorus instructor not to sing but to mouth the words. The irony of it is that I'm making a living singing.

In high school I got terrible grades in my harmony class also. I make a living playing music.

Getting a good voice teacher does help a lot.

The most important thing in my book is find material that you are committed to...that you love...and sing that. Do only the songs you love. You'll be all right.

Frank

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: sharyn
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 12:40 AM

Yes, except possibly the deaf and hard-of-hearing (this depends on level of hearing impairment). The "tone-deaf" or "monotones" can be taught to sing by matching pitches, as someone mentioned above -- often tone-deafness is merely inattentive listening to pitch, sometimes caused by fear or anxiety. Normal human speech uses a range of pitches, so we all have the capacity to sing, unless we cannot hear.

There is a good description of how to teach "tone-deaf" people to sing in W.A. Mathieu's book, The Listening Book (Shambala). It's the chapter called "Tone-Deaf Choir."

Also, the singing voice responds to stress, illness, emotions and thoughts quite strongly: I have found that the more I am present with my thoughts, emotions, physical states etc. the better I sing -- if I know I am tired or ill I can sing in those states if I need or want to as long as I acknowledge that I'm tired or ill and take steps to enhance my singing: for instance, I once went to a ballad camp with a heavy head cold and was able to sing for two nights until three in the morning by drinking quart after quart of water. Take care of your voice and it will reward you. Pay attention.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 03:36 AM

Encouraging responses ...but in my case I think the jury's still out!
RtS

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 01:44 PM

Think of Shane McGowan, if he can dare to get up and do whatever it is that he does, then anybody can.
Giok

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,COCO
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 07:01 PM

Can anyone learn to sing? Of course you can,not saying how good you'll be. Like everything else we practice you improve as you go along. you sound like me,I memories songs pretty quickly and sing everyday usually its only my 2 dogs that put up with my singing. Still I love singing have always thought about going for lessons. Anyway I've sang in many public places ie: cafes takeaway food places parties and karaoke. I sang a meatloaf song this night and was told I'm a great entertainer but I would have to practice my singing. Of course that was a few years ago. They reckon my entertainment has improved{my singing}!!! well its not much different still it never stops me at least I'm out there having fun and expressing myself. Much more fun than sitting with your mouth shut silently wishing you could sing out loud....Go on,be like me'Live a daring life" JUST KEEP SINGING .. GOOD LUCK. I.d also like to add I have never drank alcohol so all my singing comes from my heart.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Genie
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 07:24 PM

Something that puzzles me is how a person can play an unfretted string instrument perfectly by ear and not be able to distinguish one melody phrase, or one note, from another when he sings.


I'd assume that this person, who plays stand up bass (in addition to guitar and mandolin), could be taught to hear vocal notes and melodies, too, but when I tried to work with him a bit, he really seemed unable to repeat a short melody line after hearing it, even when singing along with me or a record. Sometimes it was a matter of being off key, but other times he was just plain singing different notes.

He is neither tone deaf nor a monotone, and he can actually sing a few melodies that he knows really well.

Any of you voice teachers out there ever run into this sort of thing? I.e., someone who can play a guitar or mandolin, even an unfretted bass, by ear but can't "play his voice by ear?"

Genie

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Janie
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 11:14 PM

It really strikes me how many of us find our voices in middle age and beyond. Might it have to do with the confidence that comes with maturity? Not confidence in our talent, perhaps, but confidence that it is really okay to do what you love; to do what feeds your spirit. Or perhaps its the confidence to try and sometimes fail or err badly in public, knowing that all you did was make a mistake like other humans do all the time.

I have been singing all of my life, but only in the past few years have I been comfortable enough in my own skin to relax enough to sing with confidence with other people. And as some of you know from another thread, I will be starting voice lessons next month, at age 51.

So many of you who have posted to this thread, and to other threads about singing and voice, are incredibly encouraging. Mudcat empowers music and musicians!

Happy Holidays,

Janie

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: mg
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 11:20 PM

I'm the opposite I guess of the person who can play on key but sings off key...when I was playing the fiddle people would always say to me..you know, you sing on tune...I'd say thanks and know what was coming next...so how come you can't play the fiddle on tune..don't know...I have a wide range of notes I'm satisfied with I guess..can't tell if I am sharp or flat and when I ask people always said both.

mg

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: sharyn
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 11:40 PM

Re: Genie's question (the person who can play in tune but not sing in tune): Sometimes people have to hear the melody notes in their exact range -- they get thrown off by octaves or even overtones because the notes don't sound exactly the same. Mathieu covers this in his book. If your friend is a man, get a man with the same vocal range to match notes with him -- tenor with tenor, bass with bass, etc. That should help. If it doesn't, have him have his hearing checked for certain frequency losses. If his hearing is O.K., it's an anxiety-problem or a listening problem and he can improve.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: BusbitterfraeScotland
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 08:35 PM

Yes everone can sing, some better than others however we can sing except those who are mute.
who just can't sing.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Genie
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 02:53 AM

Well, I never could PLAY the fiddle in tune very well, even though I took a couple of years of classes as a kid. But I could TELL it sounded bad, and I could tell when the notes sounded right.

In the case of my friend, it was not a matter of being a bit off key. He just couldn't tell an A from a C sometimes. Gotta be related to what Sharyn is talking about, though his voice was considerably higher than the lower range of his stand-up bass and he had CDs of male singers to hear. I'd imagine it's a matter of training your ear to hear what's there rather than anticipating.

Having said that about "not telling A from C," I've gotta admit that sometimes I sing harmony without intending to and don't realize I'm doing it until someone points it out (like the choir director who's trying for unison or whole-octave separations)!

Genie

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Alice
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:29 AM

Hi, Janie,
Regarding finding the confidence later in life, for me it was the awareness that time was running out and at 44 I felt like I wanted to take private lessons to know what the greatest potential of my voice could be. I'm 51 now, too, and I just returned from a smashingly successful performance in Great Falls, Montana, for their First Night New Year's Eve celebration. I sang unaccompanied Irish and Scottish songs, mixed with instrumental tunes and accompanied songs, all acoustic with no microphones. I specified that I wanted a venue with natural acoustics and got an old bakery/deli with high old tin ceilings, brick walls. I had the audience hanging on each word as I walked among them singing. I set up at one end of the long narrow room with my son on mandolin and a bodhran player and my old classical Martin guitar (the fiddler in our group couldn't make it). Between instrumental tune sets I sang unaccompanied as I walked about the tables where people were sitting. One of the audience members later told me that it was as if everyone was aware that they were *really* listening again instead of being blasted by music coming from speakers.

I had printed a stack of cards with our band logo and some info about us. The back of the card had five verses of Auld Lang Syne. Through the performance of songs, as I walked among the listeners, I handed out the cards. At the end of the night, they joined me in singing all of Auld Lang Syne. I know it was a great experience for them to be able to be included in the singing, too, and not just on the chorus. There was a woman from Galway in the audience who came up to me at the end of the night and said she was happy to hear real Irish songs. Among others, I had sung Kitty of Coleraine, Easy and Slow, Skibbereen, The Flower of Magherally... I know that when I started taking voice lessons about 7 years ago I had an OK voice, but with the training and practice I learned to have the confidence to make my performing dreams come true.

The experience was just as I had dreamed to some day be able to perform, to sing unamplified, to be close to the people and have a personal connection as they listened. It was great!

Have a wonderful new year and enjoy those voice lessons.

Alice

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 09:50 AM

Alice that sounds fantastic!!!! Its wonderful to have your dreams come true. It sounds such a brilliant evening - its made my day just to hear about it.

Kris

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Diana
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 06:30 PM

Hello My name is Diana, and I just have a few things I'd like to know. I am 21 and I've always loved to sing, when I was younger I would always sing to Opera like music especially this band I love Nightwish, metal band with a Female vocalist Opera style vocals there excellent. Anyway, With never taking lessons my voice was pretty good,not as good as I'd want it to be though. I wish I would have taken lessons when I was young, it seems like that's when everyone takes lessons. Instead at the age of 12 I took guitar lessons which didn't work out because I didn't have a passion for it. But now at the age of 21 I decided to take pravite Operatic voice lessons, I found a teacher in my area who charges $40 an hour It's a bit expensive for me but worth it. I've only had 2 lessons so far and now I'm learing how to breathe the right way, how to stand and how to keep my abdominals the right way as well, and I'm learing a simple song. I practice everyday for an half in hour. I guess what I am asking do you think I'm to old to learn being that I'm 21? and never before had much experience in singing. Do you think some people can't learn to sing even if they've practiced for years? My teacher told me anyone can learn to hold a note and sing but if they don't have a good voice then they won't be good. The thing is I already kind of have a good voice I just need to learn how to sing the right way but I have not develop my voice yet. with alrady having a good voice do you think these singing lessons will pay off? Well that's all So sorry it was so long, Thank you for taking the time out to read this I appreciate it. I hope to hear from you soon take care bye bye

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: NicoleC
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 06:40 PM

Hi Diana,

While it's true that the young learn faster, there's something adults have on kids when it comes to learning -- discipline and experience! I don't buy the theory that you have to start as a kid to be good at something. Whether or not it will "pay off" is up to you, and also depends on what your definition of "pay off" is. If you mean will you get better, the answer is YES!

Of course, I think 21 is pretty young to be worried about being too old :) Enjoy your lessons. You're never too old to learn.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: pattyClink
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 04:08 PM

Diana, you are definitely doing the right thing. You will learn to make the most of what you have. More importantly, if your teacher is any good, you will learn how to not damage your voice while using it a lot. This is priceless stuff.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Diana
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 07:17 PM

Hello, Thank you for the encouragement I appreciate it :-) I think this is a great site. I have a another question how will I know if my teacher is a good voice teacher? My first 2 lessons I've already learned how to breathe, standing the right way and keeing my abdominals the correct way when I'm singing,and she plays the keyborad while I macth the note using vowel's like V, A , La, etc.. Well that's about it Thank you!

                                                            Yours,
                                                            Diana

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Just Amy
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 07:30 PM

Diana - it sounds like you have a good voice teacher because those are the first things you should learn. Hurray. You go girl! 21 is the perfect age to take voice lessons. I didn't start until I was in college.

As a voice teacher I always thought that everyone could sing, but I must say that one friend of mine has totally blown that idea away. So, I will say that most people can sing but there are some (a very few)who just can't do it.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Alice
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 07:43 PM

Congrats on finding a good teacher, Diana. Actually, twelve would have been a little young to start voice lessons. Some people will take children as students, but I really think until puberty is over and the voice has settled in that technical lessons are not right for a child's voice. You can see now when Charlotte Church sings that she has been pushed into doing repertoire that her voice was not right for... there is alot of tension in her jaw so that it shakes up and down when she sings. She had a young sweet voice that was pushed too early.

Learning how to preserve and use the voice has been one of the most gratifying adventures of my life (and I started lessons at age 44).

Alice

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 02:59 PM

Hello Everyone, I would just like to know something I hope this question is not to odd but, I've noticed when my stomach is full because I've eatten to much or I am bloated,I find it harder to sing and practice breathing. I feel like I don't have as much air and I can't hold notes as long, like I don't have my fullest of potential. Is this normal? Thank you!

Helen

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Stefan Codrington
Date: 02 Feb 03 - 03:01 PM

Hi!

Is anyone here of the opinion that what you eat can alter the effectiveness of your singing voice?

I find that when I have dairy products, my throat becomes more filled with mucus.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Melani
Date: 02 Feb 03 - 03:24 PM

If you've got any kind of voice that's not totally irritating in the first place, yes, anybody can learn technique and sound okay. Last night I heard somebody who was previously really bad sound great, just because he had been practicing.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Frankham
Date: 02 Feb 03 - 05:31 PM

Diana,
It's been my experience that people with voices that are considered "bad" by many voice teachers have made a living as professional performers. What can you say about Louis Armstrong? He was great! Dave Van Ronk, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Mr. Dylan are able represented on recordings. Woody, Leadbelly, many many traditional folk singers have voices that are not considered to be particularly good by many voice teachers. I think that the most important thing a voice teacher can impart is how to save your voice without blowing your cords.

I think that one of the aspects of an acceptable voice is that it contains a "personality".

I haven't encountered a voice that everyone likes, yet.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: mg
Date: 02 Feb 03 - 09:57 PM

not Linda Rondstadt? mg

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Nevada
Date: 03 Feb 03 - 02:19 AM

To Steve T, (2nd message), & anyone else for that matter.
How can you tell someone to concentrate on the music, not the emotion, when the music IS the emotion???

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Frankham
Date: 03 Feb 03 - 08:53 PM

Mary,

I admit that it'll be hard to find someone who doesn't like Linda's voice but of course I am a fan. :)

Frank

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Diana
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 09:48 AM

Hi, I have a question, does everyone have vibrato in there voice? or is that something that takes training to learn how to use? because I find it a bit hard for my voice to do that. In time with my voice lessons will I get to that?      Thank you,

      Diana

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: Alice
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:32 AM

Diana, vibrato is a technique you can develop. Some people mistake a wobble in their voice as vibrato. Your voice teacher should be able to help you get a good sounding vibrato. Something to watch out for, don't let your jaw shake when trying to create vibrato. It should be produced without strain, but with strong breath support. If you don't have support, the vibrato can be uncontrolled (too much vibrato).

Alice

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: sharyn
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 09:59 PM

For Just Amy: Just what is it that happens when your friend tries to sing? Does he or she have any significant hearing loss?

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Diana
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 02:54 PM

Hello everyone, I just have a few things I'd like to say that are bothering, that I'd like to get off my chest. I love to sing and now that I'm taking lessons I'm very happy, but when I sing my father laughts at me and this discouragers me alot, I also have my couisns who live up stairs from me that hear when I practice and they also laugh, saying I can't sing why bother taking lessons like I'ma big joke. This really hurts my feels and it makes me feel like I'm not reaching my fullest of potential becuase I'm scared to be a little loud because someone mite hear me and laugh. My boyfriend is that only one who supports me with my singing,he says I have a lot of potential. He said my family doesn't know anything about music so who are they to judge.but this really really discouragers me. Do you think if I really wasn't any good would my voice teacher have told me?
I don't know I think I have potential, but when my father laughs or says something all that goes away. Well thank you for reading this.

Yours,
Diana

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: MMario
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:06 PM

Diana - thirty years later I am *still* dealing with the emotions caused by my family laughing at my singing; though intellectually I know that the people who tell me *now* that my singing is okay *are* telling me the truth.

Ignore the family.

The boyfriend may be biased; *grin*; but since he is encouraging you *don't* ignore him.

The teacher should be able to give an unbiased critique - you might ask for a review - what are my weak points, what are my strengths type thing.

Subject: RE: Can anyone learn to sing
From: GUEST,Eddie
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:11 PM

I am interested to know, if after all this advice, you have learnt to sing ? mine is, practise inside your head.