Your FIRST Singing Lesson (Beginner Lesson from a REAL Vocal Coach)

Summary

In this first voice lesson, vocal coach Matt Ramsey guides beginners through essential singing techniques to build a strong foundation. He emphasizes the importance of good posture and diaphragmatic breathing to fuel your voice, helping you avoid common bad habits. The lesson also includes practical exercises to improve vocal support, prevent straining on high notes, and strengthen the lower register. Ramsey offers a hands-on approach to developing proper technique with exercises that challenge singers to relax and engage their full vocal range. By following these methods, beginners can quickly notice improvements in their singing abilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 YouTube is a great starting point for learning to sing, but it can be overwhelming. Focus on the right techniques to avoid confusion.
• 😀 The first lesson is all about proving that with the right techniques and feedback, anyone can become a better singer.
• 😀 Proven techniques used by successful singers like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson are effective for vocal development.
• 😀 Good posture is crucial for proper singing technique—keep your body relaxed, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your chest slightly elevated.
• 😀 Breathing from the diaphragm is key for optimal singing. Practice inhaling with your stomach expanding, not your chest or shoulders.
• 😀 Effective singing requires controlling the breath, using diaphragmatic breathing to ensure your voice is powered correctly.
• 😀 Bad singing habits can stem from incorrect techniques like straining for high notes. Identify and address these early.
• 😀 Use a simple scale exercise (F-tone scale) to assess your singing ability and identify any tension or strain in your voice.
• 😀 Record your singing exercises to evaluate your tone, pitch, and any areas of weakness, especially in the lower or higher registers.
• 😀 Strengthen your lower register first—this makes it easier to sing higher notes without strain or tension.
• 😀 To hit high notes effectively, use a nasal 'nay' sound, which helps thin out your vocal cords and prevents strain, while supporting your voice.

Q & A

What is the first step to improving your singing according to Matt Ramsey?

The first step is to have an open mind and practice the correct techniques. Believing that you can improve and staying open to feedback is crucial for progress.

What technique is emphasized for proper posture in singing?

Singing with 'tall posture' is recommended. This involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, your chest slightly elevated, and your chin forward to keep your body relaxed and optimized for singing.

How does breathing affect singing performance?

Breathing is the fuel for singing. Using the diaphragmatic breath technique, where the stomach expands on the inhale and contracts as you sing, is essential for providing the right support for your voice.

What is diaphragmatic breathing and why is it important?

Diaphragmatic breathing is when you breathe deeply so that your stomach expands rather than your chest. It is important because it ensures that your voice is properly supported, allowing for better control and sound quality while singing.

What is the role of posture in voice production?

Good posture ensures that your body is relaxed and aligned, which allows for better breath control and vocal production. Poor posture can lead to strain and poor vocal output.

What common mistake do many beginning singers make with their voice?

Many beginning singers strain on high notes because they do not support the bottom part of their voice properly. This can cause tension and make it difficult to sing higher notes smoothly.

What is the purpose of the simple scale used in the lesson?

The simple scale is used to assess the natural tendencies of a singer’s voice, such as whether they are straining, singing too lightly, or being inconsistent in pitch. It helps identify areas for improvement.

What is the robot impression exercise, and why is it useful?

The robot impression exercise involves singing a scale using a strong, speaking voice without trying to sound pretty. It helps strengthen the lower notes of the voice, which are crucial for supporting higher notes.

How does singing with a 'bratty nay' sound help with high notes?

The 'bratty nay' sound, which is a nasal tone, helps thin out the vocal cords and provides better control over high notes. It creates a supportive sound that makes it easier to sing higher without straining.

Why is it important to listen to your recordings when practicing?

Listening to your recordings helps you identify any issues in your singing, such as being flat, sharp, or straining. It allows you to make adjustments and track your progress more effectively.