How to learn singing: Expert advice for beginners

[A guide to understanding vocal technique for beginners and aspiring singers]

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” 

— Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald’s words ring true: the more you sing, the more you grow as a vocalist. But we all know how tricky it can be to find the confidence to sing outside the comfort of your shower or bedroom. 

Have you ever belted out your favorite song alone, feeling like a star, thinking, “Wow, I sound amazing!”, only to freeze up when it’s time to sing in front of others? We’ve all been there!

Maybe you’ve dreamed of singing like Beyoncé, Adele, or Ed Sheeran, hitting those high notes and making every note shine. Or perhaps, you just want to sing without worrying if your voice sounds shaky or out of tune.

Singing is something that comes naturally to some, but for most of us, it’s a skill we have to learn and develop. 

So, whether you’re looking to sing for fun, perform on stage, or simply improve your confidence, the journey to becoming a better singer is all about patience, practice, and a lot of passion.

Well, this isn’t a rigid, step-by-step, “do this, do that” guide. Instead, think of this as a curated set of tips and answers to your burning questions, based on real-life experiences and expertise from expert singing tutors and vocal coaches at Wiingy. 

In this guide, we’re going to understand the art of singing from its fundamentals and share the key things that you must keep in mind while singing. Ready to hit those high notes? 

Let’s take a deep breath, warm up those vocal cords, and explore the exciting world of singing!

Looking to learn to sing? Find expert singing tutors whether you are a beginner, wish to restart or take your vocal skills to the next level.

The fundamentals of singing

From how you breathe to how you use your voice, singing is an art and a science! Let’s break it down into chunks that will help you get it.

Breathing: The secret sauce

You’re probably thinking, “Wait… I already know how to breathe!” But breathing for singing is all about control. The key is to fill your lungs from the bottom up, to build control over your voice and get the power to sing longer phrases without gasping for air. 

Don’t just take my word for it, treat an expert tutor at Wiingy, Valentina as your guide.

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Wiingy Tutor Diaries

“First of all, breathe properly. Good singing starts with good breath support. Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing to control your airflow and sustain your notes.”

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Vocal range: You’ve got more notes than you think

We all have a range, the lowest and highest notes we can comfortably sing. Some people have wide vocal ranges, while others have narrower ranges, but that’s okay! 

The key is to explore what you’ve got and gradually expand it with time through practising scales and singing arpeggios.

Pitch: It’s all about the right notes

Pitch is about being in tune. No one wants to be that person who’s just a little bit off-key, right? 

Being able to hit the right pitch makes everything sound cohesive and clean, whether you’re singing solo or with a group. If your pitch is off, it’ll throw everything out of sync, and that’s where things can start to feel “off.”

Tone: Give your voice some personality

Tone is what gives your voice its unique color. Two singers can hit the same note, but they’ll sound completely different because of their tone. 

Tone is really what makes a performance stand out; it’s how you connect emotionally with your audience. You can make a song feel totally different just by how you deliver it.

Diction: Singing clearly

When you sing, it’s important for the audience to hear the words clearly. You don’t want to sound like you’re mumbling through a song, right? This is where diction comes in.

Clear diction also helps with emotional delivery, as the audience can understand and feel the lyrics.

Rhythm: Keeping the beat

Rhythm is the backbone of any song. It is what gives the music its beat. Singing with good rhythm means you can keep time with the music and sync up with other instruments or singers.

The more you practice, the more instinctively you’ll stay in rhythm and give your performance that smooth, polished feel.

Can singing be learnt, or is it an innate talent?

Here’s the thing: your vocal cords are muscles, just like any other muscle in your body, and they can be trained to become stronger, more flexible, and more controlled. Through consistent practice, you can improve your pitch, breath control, range, and tone. 

Singing therefore can definitely be learnt! 

While some people might have a natural ear for music or a voice that’s naturally suited to singing, the ability to sing well is a skill that anyone can develop with practice and proper training.

Even if you feel like your voice isn’t quite where you want it to be, you can get there with the right techniques.

Take Ed Sheeran, for example. His journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success. In fact, he has openly shared that he couldn’t sing in tune until he was 16, even posting a video of himself at 14 singing off-key. 

But rather than being discouraged by his early struggles, Ed Sheeran worked relentlessly to improve his vocal skills. Through dedication and consistent practice, he transformed his voice into the one we hear today.

The key takeaway? Anyone can improve their singing. You don’t have to be born with perfect pitch or a natural gift; it’s all about training your vocal muscles and learning how to use them effectively. 

With the right approach, you can build a voice that sounds powerful, controlled, and uniquely yours. So, while some might have a head start, anyone can train their voice to do what they want it to do.

Singing vs. performing: Understanding the difference

Now, you might think they’re the same thing? I mean, singing is performing, right? Well, kind of, but not quite. Let’s break it down.

When you think of singing, you’re probably imagining someone hitting all the right notes, nailing the pitch, and sounding beautiful. It’s the vocal technique, the stuff that’s going on with your vocal cords.

But here’s the catch: just singing isn’t enough. Sure, you might have an incredible voice, but if you’re standing there stiff as a board, barely moving or making any connection with your audience. 

Now, performing takes everything up a notch. It’s not just about hitting those notes, it’s about connecting with your audience, making them feel something. You’re telling a story through your voice, your body language, your facial expressions, and all the little movements you make. 

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Wiingy Tutor Diaries

An expert tutor at Wiingy Valentina, suggested a tip for aspiring singing performers

“Technique is crucial, but to truly move your audience, you need to sing with emotion. Connect with the lyrics and let the story come through in your voice. When you infuse your performance with genuine feeling, it becomes unforgettable.”

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Occasional singing vs. singing as a performing art

Occasional singing is all about having fun and expressing yourself, whether it’s belting out your favorite tune in the shower, jamming out with friends at karaoke, or performing that one special song at your dad’s birthday, cousin’s wedding, or a college fest. 

While there’s definitely no need for perfection, there’s still the desire to make that performance feel great and to hit the right notes for that moment.

On the flip side, singing as a performing art is totally different. It’s not just about hitting the right notes, it’s about telling a story, connecting with the audience, and adding that extra flair. 

Singing as an art form takes effort and consistent practice. It’s about more than perfecting your vocal technique; it’s about conveying emotions and making the audience feel something. 

This requires working on your range, tone, breath control, and emotional delivery. You’ll also need to master performance skills, such as stage presence, facial expressions, and body language, which all play a huge part in connecting with your audience.

For example, Sam Smith has continued to take vocal lessons even after achieving major success, focusing on refining his vocal technique, improving breath control, and mastering emotional delivery during performances. 

This dedication helps him maintain vocal health while delivering deeply emotional performances on stage.

While both require passion, whether you’re singing as an occasional hobby or honing your craft as a performing artist, each journey offers its own rewards.

Learning to sing as an accompaniment to playing an instrument

If you already play an instrument, imagine how amazing it would be to sing along with it! It takes your musicality to a whole new level. When you play and sing at the same time, you’re adding a whole new layer of versatility to your performances. 

Plus, because you already have a good grasp of music theory, rhythm, and pitch from your instrument, you’re ahead of the game! You know how to listen for harmony, keep time, and hit those notes just right.

Singing along with your instrument is such a fun way to level up your musical game. It gives you the chance to express yourself in ways you might not have thought of before. Whether you’re playing solo or jamming with others, it just makes the whole experience more dynamic and exciting!

Why learn to sing?

Whether you dream of impressing loved ones or just having fun in the spotlight, singing is a fantastic way to share your creativity and connect with others.

Even singing your favorite tune during a road trip is a blast, but did you know singing can also improve your health and boost your mood? 

As Elton John famously said, 

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” 

Singing has that exact effect, it can transport you into a better headspace and help you leave behind any stress or worries, even if just for a while. 

And the best part? Singing is a powerful form of self-expression. Whether you’re feeling stressed, sad, or even just happy, singing gives you a way to release those emotions. Think of it as a personal therapy session, but with a melody.

Plus, singing in a group can boost your confidence. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about enjoying the moment and realizing that each time you sing, you’re growing more confident in your voice and your ability to connect with others.

How long does it take to develop vocal skills?

Learning to sing is like planting a garden, some flowers bloom quickly, while others take a little more nurturing. The short answer? It depends on your goals, your starting point, and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

If you’re a complete beginner, you might start noticing improvements in just a few weeks with regular practice. You’ll get comfortable with basics like hitting the right notes, breathing correctly, and maybe even controlling your pitch. 

Within 3-6 months, many people find they can sing simple songs confidently and even start exploring their vocal range.

But if you’re aiming to be the next Adele or Arijit Singh? That’s more of a marathon than a sprint. Professional-level singing can take years of dedicated practice, vocal training, and possibly working with a coach to fine-tune techniques. 

Here’s the thing: progress isn’t linear. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable, and other days, well, your mirror might be your only audience. That’s normal. Be patient, practice smart (not just hard), and celebrate the small wins, like hitting that tricky high note.

So, how long will it take? As long as it takes to fall in love with your own voice. And trust yourself, that’s time well spent.

Learning to sing: On your own vs. with a vocal coach

While learning to sing on your own, you can watch countless tutorials online, explore singing apps, and experiment with your voice at your own pace and under your budget. 

But here’s the thing – when you’re learning on your own, it’s easy to pick up habits that may hold you back.

Improper breathing techniques, over-straining your vocal cords, or singing out of tune can become routine without someone to correct you. 

And the tricky part? These habits can be hard to unlearn once they stick. Imagine spending months practicing and discovering you’ve been doing something wrong. Frustrating, right?

That’s where a tutor can make a difference. A good tutor can be your guide to ensure that every step you take is in the right direction. 

They help you establish a strong foundation by teaching proper techniques like managing your breath, controlling pitch, and expanding your vocal range. You also get personalized feedback, so you know exactly what’s working and what needs improvement.

Even the world’s most talented singers rely on expert guidance. 

Lady Gaga, for example, trained with a vocal coach daily for six months to perfect her Oscar performance, even as an established artist. 

Michael Jackson worked closely with vocal coach Seth Riggs, who helped him maintain his incredible vocal range and strength during demanding recording sessions. 

These examples highlight how essential a skilled mentor can be in refining and elevating your abilities.

So, while self-learning can take you far, a tutor ensures you’re heading in the right direction from the start. 

Important tips for beginners

Warm up your voice and release tension

Spending a few minutes warming up your voice can make a huge difference in your singing performance. 

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Wiingy Tutor Diaries

A tutor at Wiingy, Valentina Oubina once worked with a student who used to skip warm-ups, thinking they were unnecessary. However, after Valentina told the student that your voice is a muscle, and just like athletes warm up before training, singers need to do vocal exercises to avoid strain and improve flexibility.

She also incorporated some simple warm-up exercises like humming and lip trills, and the student began doing those in their practice sessions. 

Within a few weeks, the student noticed an improvement in their voice. The vocal cords were more flexible, and the tension in their throat was reduced, making it easier to sing longer and with greater control. 

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A good warm-up routine, combined with relaxing your body by stretching and breathing deeply, sets a solid foundation for your singing practice, your voice will thank you!

Listen carefully to your voice and surroundings

Being a good singer is also about being a good listener. Pay attention to how your voice feels and sounds when you sing. 

Are you hitting the right notes? Does your voice feel comfortable, or is there any strain? Recording yourself can help you hear what others hear, which is a great way to track your progress.

Find your comfortable vocal range

Everyone has a natural range of notes where their voice feels most at ease. It’s important to get to know your range early on, so you don’t push yourself too hard. 

Think of it like weightlifting: you wouldn’t start with the heaviest weights on day one! With time and practice, you’ll expand your range, but in the beginning focus on the notes that feel comfortable.

Slowly, as your voice strengthens and you gain more control, you can begin working on expanding your vocal range and practicing to reach higher or lower notes more comfortably.

Maintain proper posture while singing

Maintaining proper posture while singing is crucial for both breath control and vocal strength. 

When you’re standing or sitting with your body aligned,shoulders relaxed and chest open,it allows your lungs to fully expand, giving you better control over your breath. This, in turn, helps you sing more freely, with less strain. 

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Wiingy Tutor Diaries

Graham Marshall, a tutor at Wiingy, noticed that one of his students, initially hunched over while singing, was struggling to control their breath and sustain notes. After Graham showed the student how to align their body, keeping their shoulders relaxed and chest open, the improvement was almost immediate. 

The student could breathe more efficiently, sing with more power, and reduce strain in their voice.

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Start with your favorite songs, incorporating basic exercises

One great way to practice is to sing songs you already love – pick something you know well and enjoy. Singing a song you love makes practice fun and keeps you motivated. 

Just make sure to choose a song that isn’t too hard for your current skill level, so you can sing it comfortably and feel good about it. 

Along with singing songs, mix in some basic vocal exercises to build your skills. For example, you might do a simple breathing drill. 

Breathing exercises are key to getting the most out of your singing. Over time, practicing breathing techniques will increase your lung capacity, helping you sustain notes longer and with more power.

You can also incorporate simple exercises like scales and arpeggios to maintain pitch accuracy and improve your tone quality. These will help you stay on key and refine the overall sound of your voice as you practice. 

Take care of your vocal health

Equally important is taking care of your vocal health through hydration and proper techniques. Your vocal cords need to stay well-hydrated to perform at their best. Drinking water regularly throughout your practice keeps your voice smooth and prevents strain. 

But here’s the thing: hydration alone won’t cut it. You also need to pay attention to your vocal technique. If you’re pushing your voice too hard or not warming up properly, it’s like trying to run a marathon without stretching first – it’s just not going to end well.

Warming your voice before singing prepares your vocal cords, ensuring they’re in their best shape and ready for the work ahead. 

Use technology to aid your learning (apps, online resources)

Yousician and Smule are great tools for beginners looking to improve their singing. Yousician offers structured lessons with real-time feedback, allowing you to track progress and access a broad song library with a premium subscription.

Smule, a fun karaoke app, lets you sing along to your favorite songs, solo or in duet, with pitch correction and audio effects to enhance your practice. Both apps make learning enjoyable and interactive!

Wrapping it up

Learning to sing is a journey, and every step you take gets you closer to your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, remember, progress comes with practice, patience, and passion. 

Don’t be discouraged by challenges or nerves; every great singer has been there! And if you ever need expert guidance, Wiingy connects you with amazing singing tutors who can help you improve, build confidence, and reach your full potential. Keep singing, keep learning, and watch your confidence soar!

Looking to learn to sing? Find expert singing tutors whether you are a beginner, wish to restart or take your vocal skills to the next level.

FAQs for how to learn singing