Description:
Congratulations on completing your first singing lesson with me! Here are a few frequently asked questions to help guide your singing practice moving forward.
- How do I practice my singing and get better?
Singing is a physical and mental skill, like any other, that takes time to develop! If you want a more detailed introduction to singing I encourage you to go through my level 1 and level 2 beginner courses. Improve your technique with daily vocal exercise and improve as a singer by practicing real songs. Technique is important, but it’s always in service of making songs easier to sing. We have a whole library of vocal technique lessons that will prepare you to sing the songs you love.
- Why do I need to warm up?
Because your singing range is much wider than your speaking range, and the way we use our voices to sing is different from the way we speak! Warming up ensures that we’re in “singing mode”, if you will, and that we’re accessing all parts of our range. Check out our warm up section for the best vocal exercises to get your voice ready for a great performance.
- How long should my warmup be?
A good beginner warmup can be 5 to 15 minutes long. Over time, you’ll start to develop a feel for when your voice is “warmed up”, and when you might need a little more time. Generally speaking, a morning warmup may take longer than an afternoon warmup, simply because you haven’t used your voice much.
- How long should my practice session be?
Most beginners do well with about 20-30 minutes of practice. Of course, you can sing for longer if you’re feeling good and want to continue. But a shorter session is easier to do consistently, and when it comes to singing, consistency is more important than duration. Several 10-minute practice sessions throughout the week is preferable to one marathon session, not only because your voice can become fatigued, but also because it’s important to repeat the new coordinations you’re learning, making them become more automatic over time.
- How often should I practice?
Daily practice is ideal! Many singers, however, take a rest day. If you can commit to every other day, that’s awesome, too. Again, consistency is the goal.
- After warming up, what do I do?
I encourage you to sing through a song or work on part of a song in the majority of your practice sessions! You might also consider watching a new voice lesson video (we have hundreds to choose from here on the site), repeating an exercise for a skill you’re currently developing, doing some ear training, or listening & analyzing a new piece of music. What I want you to avoid is only doing exercises and never singing actual songs!
- How do I keep my voice healthy, and what do I do if I’m sick?
Prioritize hydration! Your vocal folds function best when they’re hydrated, and it actually takes time for that to happen, which is why singers drink water round the clock (not just when they’re singing). Warm up at the start of your practice, and consider a “cooldown” if you’re feeling fatigued or did a lot of singing. That can be as simple as ending the way you began, with some gentle humming or lip trills to help “cool down” and “reset” your voice.
If you’re sick with a sore throat, rest your voice as much as possible - that means as little singing and talking as you can get away with! A hoarse voice usually means swollen vocal folds, and swelling goes down faster when your voice isn’t in use. It’s ideal to rest completely and sing again when you’re feeling well!
I'm so glad you joined me for your first lesson at 30 Day Singer! This is just the beginning and I can't wait to see the progress you make!
Lessons:
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.