Vocal Technique
Welcome to the Vocal Technique section of 30 Day Singer. These lessons focus on developing key singing techniques like vibrato, belting, singing higher or lower, breath control and much more. We offer guidance on how to learn these techniques and perfect them so you can perform with confidence. Some of these techniques are introduced in our beginner courses so if you need more time and focus on a particular area, these lessons come in very handy. You can bounce between these lessons freely or use a set combination of these lessons as part of your daily practice routine to monitor progress.
TUTORIALS
Mastering Vibrato
By Camille van NiekerkVibrato adds life and expression to singing. Camille is ready to show you how to develop your vibrato naturally in this tutorial.
How To Sing Like a Pop Star
By Camille van NiekerkPop music emerged as a distinct style in the 1950’s, although it’s evolved a lot since then, and it continues to change as music evolves. In this tutorial, Camille will take a broad look at pop singing and define some characteristics present in the majority of contemporary pop styles.
Getting Better Tone
By Camille van NiekerkWhile we all have a general sound that comes naturally to us, we can develop and explore different tone qualities within our voice. In this tutorial, Camille shows you different tones, with tips on how to achieve consistent tonal quality throughout your range.
Runs and Embellishments
By Camille van NiekerkDo you want to learn how to riff and run like your favorite artists? If so, this tutorial is for you! You’ll learn how to create runs from scratch and break down complicated runs you hear.
Healthy and Strong Belting
By Camille van NiekerkBelting! It’s high. It’s loud. It’s impressive. And it’s on nearly every singer’s list to master. If you sing pop, rock, musical theater, or country music, this tutorial is for you!
Finding Your Breath
By Jonathan EstabrooksAn in-depth look at finding your breath, which is essential for healthy vocal technique. Jonathan teaches you how to engage your breath properly and specifically for singing at your best.
Breath Control Like A Pro
By Camille van NiekerkEver wonder how professional singers are able to hold a note forever? Watch this tutorial on pro breath control, and learn how to build up your stamina so you can master those long notes and phrases.
Avoiding Bad Vocal Technique
By Camille van NiekerkWe talk a lot about good vocal techniques. But what would be considered bad techniques? And how do we avoid them? Watch this tutorial to learn about the three most common bad techniques, and how to avoid them in your singing.
Removing Vocal Strain
By Camille van NiekerkDo you ever feel pain or discomfort when you sing? If so, please check out my tutorial on removing vocal strain! You’ll learn some tools and exercises to rid yourself of excess tension so that you can feel and sound your best.
How to Gradually Sing Lower
By Camille van NiekerkHow are your low notes sounding? If you think they could use a boost, watch my tutorial on “how to gradually sing lower”. Get ready to have some fun, and I’ll see you there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some great vocal warmups for singers start with gentle humming or lip trills to relax and engage your vocal cords without straining them. Then, work through some scales to gradually increase your pitch range and get your voice fully warmed up.
For a quick 5 minutes vocal warm up, try some lip trills or gentle humming for a couple of minutes. It’s effective and quickly preps your vocal cords for singing or speaking without overdoing it.
When your voice is sick, keep singing warmups light and gentle—like humming or low, quiet scales. Also, drink lots of warm fluids and rest your voice as much as possible.
Start with some light humming, followed by a few pitch glides (from low to high sounds) to get your voice comfortable. Finish with a few tongue and lip trills to help with articulation.
Two good vocal warm ups are humming and lip trills. These are super effective and easy vocal warm-ups that gently activate your vocal cords without causing strain. Both are great for starting any vocal exercise.
Breathing exercises and resonance drills, like humming and vocal slides, improve the quality and projection of your speaking voice. They help develop control and clarity, making your voice sound more confident.
Hydrate regularly, practice breathing exercises, and do daily warm-ups. Consistency with these habits will help your voice sound smoother and stronger over time.
To strengthen a weak speaking voice, practice deep breathing and speak from your diaphragm to add power. Also, try projection exercises like speaking in front of a mirror to boost confidence and clarity.
Focus on articulation exercises, like tongue twisters, and practice controlling your breath to avoid running out mid-sentence. Over time, these will improve clarity and help you speak with ease.
The four vocal function exercises are sustained phonation (holding a sound steadily), pitch glides (sliding between notes), lip trills, and staccato sounds on different pitches. They work together to strengthen and balance your vocal cords.
