Cameron Cook

Hey i'm a beginner singer and I want to learn to sing rnb.  I've already did the beginner course, than after that i've just been going through all the diffrent exercises that you guys have to offer.  I guess what my question is, for beginner singers wanting to learn to sing rnb, whats the best exercises for me to focus on with in the next 6 months to a year that will really help me improve my voice and become a better singer?  I feel like i'm just going through all the diffrent exercises without any real direction, and the last thing i want to do is just go through the motions and waist time.  I don't know exactly what exercises i need to be focusing on for me personally.  I just want to pratice smarter rather than harder, and know the most stratigic way for me to see the quickest progress and results over time.

Great question, Cameron!

For r&b, you'll learn so much by breaking down your favorite songs and imitating the tone + style of the best r&b singers. If you haven't already, I'd determine your vocal range and then search for songs within that range. Here's a website that has both of those functions - just be sure to read the instructions on which octave to use (for male singers):http://www.myvocalrange.com/.

Technique is important in any genre, and the techniques I'd work on specifically for r&b include stretching your chest voice, controlling vibrato, working on agility (for runs), and training your ear (to improvise and create your own variations on the melody). But your ear is your best teacher when it comes to style: listen and sing along with singers whose tone and range are fairly comfortable for you to match. Record yourself, play back, and see how you did! Mastering any style is in the details, so the more detail your ear picks up on, the more accurate you can be. 

Which video in the program do I need to look at that specifically helps with stretching my chest voice?  Also when it comes working on agilty i see that you guys have a video on runs and embellishments, is that the only video that you guys offer on the program that will help me with my agility?  Also my last question was I remember on your live session this past Saturday that focused on tone you took us to a website where you played the keys and we had to match the tone.  What was the name of that website?

Also what do you mean by strech my chest voice?

By stretching chest voice, I mean extending your chest function (firm cord compression via your TA muscle) past its natural "break". See these tutorials on "belting" for more on that. The reason I suggest this is because many r&b artists utilize a lot of chest voice and/or belting.

https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/healthy-and-strong-belting/1

https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/how-to-belt/1

For agility, look for exercises that cover a wide range and/or move quickly. See below for some tutorials with more advanced exercises!

https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/advanced-warmups/1

https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/daily-routine-practice-plan-for-intermediate-advanced-singers/1

https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/daily-warmup-routine-for-professional-singers/1

And finally, see below for resources from Saturday's live lesson:

Free sites: 

Online keyboard - https://www.harpkit.com/online-tuner

Chromatic tuner - https://tuner.ninja/

Free apps for both iPhone + android:

Pitched Tuner - https://stonekick.com/tuner.html

SingSharp - https://www.singsharpapp.com/

iPhone only:

PerfectPitch - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learn-to-sing-perfect-pitch/id1409450884

How to find songs within my range (note special instructions for male singers):

http://www.myvocalrange.com/

ok thank you Camille!

Of course!