Even more singing help?

Question

Thank you for all your help before with my other singing questions. All the answers really helped, and when I tried out for the musical, they told me it was the loudest they have ever heard me sing. Now I need some more help.

1.When I sing, it sounds like I am singing through my nose, without sounding nasal-y. Does that make sense? How do I fix that?

2.How do I relax my throat when I sing? My throat is always so tense. People say it should be like yawning but that doesn't help me understand.

3.How can I stop dipthong-ing? I know that's not a word, but it it sounds fugly. I don't want to use dialect tapes because that will change my accent completely and I don't want that. Are there any phrases I can use to help with that?

4.When I sing, it sounds like I start strong, back off, then get louder again, as I am changing nots and when I am changing words. How can I stop doing that?

Thanks again.

Also, I sound like a little kid when I sing, how can I fix that? I'm 15 by the way.

There is a voice teacher in the area, and two of my friends go to her. They babysit in exchange for lessons, but if I did that, I wouldn't have time to do the musical or the other plays. She is a really good voice teacher too, but I couldn't afford lessons any other way.

I'm vegan, so no chocolate. I'm sure I can find some other food to do that with.

Answer 1

I know it sounds like a cop out, but you need to get a voice teacher. They can help you, much better than anyone over the internet, and much better than any book.

1) Besides yawning, buy some hershey kisses and put one on the back of your tongue. Try to keep it from touching the roof of your mouth. This will help you feel what a raised soft palate feels like. Singing with a raised palate will help your nasal sound.
2) Yawning, here is good as well. Just try to not be tense. Relax. Don't try to force the sound.
3) Think about singing the first vowel sound for as long as possible, until the very, absolute, last split second. Then tag on the second vowel sound. Singing does not necessarily feel (or sound to the singer's ear) like speech.
4) this is probably due to breath control and placement issues. I encourage you to find someone you can trust to give you at least a few lessons to get you on the right track. Don't buy a book - without any previous experience, or someone guiding you, it doesn't help all that much.

By the way, you are 15. Your voice still has changing to do. believe it or not, girls' voices go through a change, just like boys do. Give yourself another few years. You still have a lot of growing to do. A woman's voice doesn't reach its peak until around 30 - you still have a few years! :) It is okay to sound young. You are. To try to create a sound that is unnatural for your voice could possibly damage it.

Good luck with the musical!!

Answer 2

Hi, and good luck with your musical!

I totally agree with Amy J in that getting a voice teacher would probably be the best thing for you. They can help by giving you constant guidance and reinforcement as well as training. I read your response about the problems this may present. All I can really do is very strongly encourage you to find a way to work with a good teacher. Music is more than a talent, as I think you're beginning to understand by the sound of your postings. It takes a lot of work and dedication and time. You are obviously at a point where you are seeking advice to help you reach that next level. The best person to help you do that is a qualified and advanced professional, especially if you are as serious about music as your really seem to be. I would encourage you to take a good hard look at your life; start to make some choices and prioritize in order to work toward your goal of being a great singer. Asking a supportive adult like a parent or school chorus teacher about how to do this might help.

<>

I'm not sure how often this teacher has your friends babysit--is it a weekly-daily thing? Whatever the scheduling--you should still ask her. If you really want to take lessons go for it! You don't know what she'll say. I doubt (though I don't know) that she would expect your babysitting to infringe upon your life, especially on something like the musical. If that doesn't work, shop around for another teacher. If you truly cannot afford the rate the teacher expects, say so even though it might be difficult. They may offer you a discount on their rates, especially if they hear you sing and realize you have talent. Not everyone will do this, so don't get discouraged if someone says no. Best of luck to you. I can tell you have talent as well as the ability to succeed--I think you'll do great. :-)

Answer 3

Sing of good things not bad, sing of happy not sad. Sing, Sing a song, sing it simple to last the whole night long. Don't worry if its not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song.

Answer 4

Q1. no.
Q2. Just relax and breath. Drink some bottle water, between songs.
Q3. They might help, but I've never used them. Try to buy that book and tape: You Can Sing.
Q4. It's possible. But practice is important.

Congratulations, by the way!

Answer 5

there's alot of awys on how to sing,,, using ur diagphram, nasal, headtone, chest,,, nasal tone is use in lower tone, headtone is for high tone,,,
yaeh! thats right always remember that when u are singing its should sounds like ur yawning,,, and when ur singing u should drop ur jaw for better deliveration of the words and sounds...
whatelse...? amm... try practicing ur singing in a laydown position with pillow on ur stomach or heavy materials.... try that... and ask me more if u want here's my email add.. [e-mail]

im a choir here, from philippines...