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24/02/2006 3:13 pm
Just a couple of words regarding David Hodge's lesson "Singing In A New Year". Specifically the part where he writes: "if possible, you should record yourself singing something". My advice: DON'T DO IT! You sound horrible.
Just kidding. There must be something wrong with my computer's microphone. At first I thought it was because I was in a small room and the thick carpeting was absorbing my tone. I decided to bring my computer system into my car (no small task, though, I probably didn't need the printer) and record myself while driving to work which is when I do most of my singing. When I played back the recording, I couldn't hear my voice over the car's stereo. When I tried it again with the stereo's volume down, I had the same results I did at home with the shag rug. I'm going to pick up a new microphone today.
Anyway, would anyone like to offer some suggestions on how to practice. Recording my voice is a good way to hear how bad I sound but it doesn't offer a "real time" method to improving it. How do some of you practice singing? Do you just sing the same song over and over, or the same part of a song over and over until it sounds good? I'd like to hear from someone who thought they had a horrible voice when they started singing and then improved and what they did during their practice sessons. I'd just like to improve to the point of being "listenable". I've found a lot of encouraging articles on this site and in the forums which makes me believe it IS possible. I spent a lot of time on "Margaritaville" and my strumming and singing coordination has improved. I can't say my voice has much though.
24/02/2006 3:19 pm
Take a look at Singing 101 and go take a couple of lessons.
Find someone that teaches all styles, or at least the style you want to sing. Most teachers can get you to the most viable voice with a bit of effort on your part.
24/02/2006 6:16 pm
Most of us are our own worst critics, but that's how we improve ourselves. I suspect that the computer mic was not flattering to you, more so than anything you did or didn't do. Prob'ly not the most optimum frequency response to one of those little guys. :P
Any karaoke in your area? It may not do much for your singing-while-strumming work, but I think the sound system will give you better results than the computer. A good KJ (Karaoke Jockey) can adjust a song to a key that's better for you, and maybe add in a little reverb. (We all sound better in the shower, right? No, not all of us at once! :lol: ) Using a good cardioid mic may provide an immediate improvement.
And Nick's right. A good teacher can show you breath control and other things to help you bring out your best sound.