I need advice for singing in a trio. Can someone help?

Question

I've learned my part (my notes) and I can sing them accurately...as long as I'm doing it by myself. When the other two people start singing along with me (in their respective parts) I end up either following one of them, or going flat.

Am I just hopeless, or is there a way to make myself stay on key so the correct harmony can be made?

Answer 1

the problem is you have to listen to the others, to make sure you are all "together", that you're not following them, or going flat! Try putting one finger in your ear, while you're singing, Just so you can home in and concentrate with what you're doing while still hearing the others.
you know when someone gives you a phone number, and you're trying to remember it in your head, whilst people are talking to you, or shouting out random numbers (arghhhh!) that's harder, but it's the same sort of feeling, So practise by putting the radio on full blast, listen to it, whilst you are singing your part, whilst trying to stay in tune, time etc...just a matter of multi tasking!

Practise songs in the trio like 'london's burning. or "row row row your boat" simple songs that require you to listen to yourself, whilst knowing whats going on with the others.

and another way of just getting used to it, is to improvise, just experiment with harmony, try harmonising with your favourite artist, theme tune, the piano, or whatever,

Good luck!!!

Anna

Answer 2

ask your teammates to take your trio line by line. You need some time here, just to get used to the idea of three-part harmony.
The first couple of times, really try Not to listen to the others, and pay attention to only your own part. After a couple of run-throughs, when you feel secure, then start listening to the others. You'll be able to follow your own part, and hear how it meshes with the others.
(Alternative? If there isn't much time to be had, and if you're fairly good on the piano... play one or the other of the voices while you sing your own. Has the same effect as singing it live with other folks)
After a couple of songs, you'll find you can rely on your vocal memory to keep you on track, while enjoying what the others do. This leads to a highly coordinated sense of music making, which is one of the perks.
Best wishes and keep on singing