One of the most basic questions we receive is “am I a bad singer?” In this tutorial, Coach Tara and Coach Nikki share three parameters on which to measure the answer to this question.
Pitch
Pitch and the ability to stay on the melodic line is the foundation of all good singing. One way to measure your pitch accuracy is to record yourself singing along with an artist and then listen back to see if your voice matches theirs. In the spots you don’t line up, determine whether you are flat (underneath the correct note) or sharp (above the correct note). You can now focus on raising or lowering the pitch to line up with the melodic line.
Tone
This measurement is an elusive one as it’s subjective to the type of singer one prefers to listen to. Given this, think of universally, undeniable good singers and the tone they use while singing. As you listen back to your recording, ask yourself: Do I have breaks, shakes, or inconsistencies compared to their singing?
Be careful with this comparison. You may love a certain singer but find yourself getting discouraged because you don’t sound exactly like them. You won’t. You have your own voice. But you can apply some of the things you love about them even when singing a basic song such as “Happy Birthday.”
Tempo
Staying on tempo is a hallmark of a good singer. If you fall behind or run ahead of a song, this is an immediate red flag of an underlying issue whether it be not knowing the song, not having a well-trained ear, or simply being an amateur singer.
To test how you are doing with tempo, use the same process as pitch. Record yourself singing along with another artist and then listen back. Are you starting and stopping your phrasing with them? It is okay to choose to hold a note longer, but are you still able to stay on tempo within the context of the song?
One final check is to ask yourself is whether you prefer to sing a cappella over a track. If you do, the “freedom” of a cappella often masks a hidden problem with either pitch, tone, or tempo since there are no parameters of accountability.
The good news is you don’t have to assess or tackle any of these issues on your own. Sign up for a FREE 15-minute assessment with one of our coaches and let them help you take the next step towards becoming a better singer: Free Vocal Assessment.
For vocal coaching help (lessons and courses): https://tarasimonstudios.com/vocal-coaching/
