Answer to Mr. Kanly’s email

Dear Mr. Kanly,

In asking you to explain your last comment, you answered, “What I really need from you is a note on how to sing. I mean self-training on how to improve on one’s singing skills without necessarily going to a teacher.”

I am replying to your request to give you vocal instruction online. I have made a couple of entries on technique, which you should read. One is on posture and the other is an introduction into breathing and vocal technique. These are guidelines for singers. I do not know if you already have had voice lessons or not, although you do write “improve”, which tells me that you have had lessons. I do know that you are a tenor. If you have had voice lessons already, then perhaps my guidelines will help you. However, I do believe that a singer needs a teacher who can judge his voice and progress, and lead him in learning vocal technique.

As you know, my teaching methods are based on an approach to singing that technically allows the singer to sing naturally without manipulation and is enhanced by vocal exercises and vocal literature, which are designed and chosen for the student individually. Doing this without hearing the student is not possible. Perhaps you could send me a recording of yours. Although it is hard to judge recordings, perhaps I will hear something that should be corrected.

However, Mr. Kanly, please read my entries on vocal technique and try to apply them. Then write me and explain problems you have encountered. I will try to give you some advice.

If you have had vocal training, then you might have to adjust your thoughts on breathing. This is often the most difficult aspect. Check your breath support and read my entry on “breathing”.

There are certain points that you should look closely at:
1. Are you breathing properly, as I have suggested?
2. Are you opening adequately to provide the tones with enough room?
3. Is your jaw relaxed? And are you able to articulate well? Make sure that your tongue and lower jaw are functioning independently.
4. Are you singing lightly from the top of your range downwards - NOT from below to the top. You don’t want to carry any heaviness into the top range.

Then, report to me on how you feel and how your voice reacts. Perhaps I can give you insights into your singing. Please ask questions. I repeat that this is not a substitute for a voice teacher in your area. Look around, listen to students of the teacher’s studio and listen in on some of the teachers’ lessons.
And remember, there are a number of entries on vocal technique to come.

• Author and date: Brenda Roberts (2008-12-04)
• Permalink: Answer to Mr. Kanly’s email
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