Can anyone learn to sing?

[fanuvbrak]

Just like it says. With proper training can anyone learn to sing? Are vocal cords just an instrument like everything else, or do you need to start with some natural talent?

[baimun]

I'd say it's a little of both.

Your vocal chords can be exercised like muscles to expand range and flexibility, but it takes the same kind of "ear education" to know when you're singing out of key or not.

It would be the guitar-equivalent of someone who can learn the fingerings, but often can't tell when their guitar is out of tune or their bends are always flat.


With proper training or simply a good ear, I believe anyone can sing. That doesn't automatically give everyone a 4 octave range, but whatever natural range they have, I believe that they can learn to use that range and timbre musically.

[SevenString]

I agree with baimun.

Re. the "good ear" part, I do know vocal teachers/coaches who refuse to take on a student who doesn't already have good pitch control within their range.

Basically, if you can't hear a piano note (within your range of course), then hit and hold that note with your voice, then your road to vocal prowess is going to be a lot harder than someone who can.

[micwalt]

No.
:p

[weebz]

Listen, you either got it or you ain't got it, the only way you can get what you got is if you already got it, or if you plan to get it soon. got it? :o

[tiltsta]

I think almost anyone can be trained to hit the proper notes....like one could train a dog to fetch...but the TONE of the voice is something you must be born with.

All the pro singers I hang with know TONE is in the Larynx.

[Mark Wein]

I think almost anyone can be trained to hit the proper notes....like one could train a dog to fetch...but the TONE of the voice is something you must be born with.

All the pro singers I hang with know TONE is in the Larynx.

I thought tone was in the microphone....you mean I bought this Beta 58 for nothing? :(

[Cheese Grits]

Listen, you either got it or you ain't got it, the only way you can get what you got is if you already got it, or if you plan to get it soon. got it? :o

Clips?

[Taylor Davis]

Just like it says. With proper training can anyone learn to sing? Are vocal cords just an instrument like everything else, or do you need to start with some natural talent?

I have no artistic abilities .
but I can sing note perfect and play piano and guitars and keyboards and drums and and write little stories in verse and rhyme and paragraphs and sculpt little iron aminals with blue fire but i cannot draw or sketch or paint.
begin with note matching from a piano or something. see if you can match and then hold a note.
take it from there.
Thanks for lettin me share. :wave::wave:

[Al Koehn]

If your goal is to be a professional singer of opera or classical music the physical and creative requirements are very high, and most of us won't be able to reach them. Musical theatre offers more opportunities, but it's still very demanding of special physical and creative abilities. These can often be developed with a good teacher and a lot of time.

Concerning pop, rock and country singers, there's a different set of criteria. Singing on pitch is essential, but only a tiny percentage of all people totally lack that ability. (In 30 years of teaching I've never had a student who couldn't learn to sing on pitch.) It's simply a matter of coordination between the creative mind and the physical equipment (vocal cords, diaphragm, etc). In other words, for most people, singing on pitch can be learned, and it doesn't take years. For those of you who have occasional pitch problems, there are usually just two reasons for this: First: You're not singing correctly (breath control, support, straining into the higher notes, etc.). In this case find a good teacher. You probably won't solve those problems by yourself. And the second reason is you are not thinking ahead. Too many singers rely on their physical ear to gage their pitch, quality and interpretation as they are singing. The great singers have learned to "hear" what they are singing before they sing it. Notice how a fine tennis player, golfer or diver stands silently for a few seconds before they act. What are they doing? They're mentally serving, hitting the ball, or going through the complete dive before they actually do it. Think ahead (it only takes a millionth of a second) and then follow through with what you've just created. As you become more aware of doing this your pitch will improve. It has to.

To sum up: if you have healthy vocal equipment, lungs muscles and diaphragm and normal coordination you can develop a good singing voice. But, what you do with it is another matter.

Al Koehn

[Cheese Grits]

Learning to sing on pitch and with proper dynamics is one thing. It seems to be difficult for people to change the tone of their voice, however. Some people just have ugly sounding tone. Can pleasing tone be learned?

Also, Al, I made you this avatar. :)

http://www.beauhoward.com/GuitarJamCrap/Al.jpg

[weebz]

I once sang at a family reunion. :o

[Sonic Jedi]

"Pleasing tone" can be learned to some extent. You can learn to sing in different ways to get different tones (more vowls, more "breath", more from the diaphram, etc) But just because you can change the tone of your voice doesn't mean you can train any voice to sound just like their favorite American Idol.

It will still sound like you, perhaps just a better version of you.

Singing in pitch is something some do naturally, others can learn through practice, and yet others (very few) can never learn. There are some people that are truly "tone deaf". Singing is not for them.

And then there is the question about what is good "Singing". There are some people that are terrible singers who record great songs that people like.

[Pankot]

Two points:
1) A series last year on UK tv called "can't sing, won't sing" showed how much almost anyone could improve if they practice under the proper guidance. Certainly not everyone can have star quality, but almost anyone can get to a level where they can chip in backing vocals without being dire.

2) Actual tone deafness is rarer than you might think. Some years back I knew a guy who apparently had no ear at all - he would sing along to the radio, or in the shower, and people would beg him to stop. For some reason he joined a choral society - and the regular practice, coupled with being surrounded by singers, culminated in his being able to take part in a performance of Faure's Requiem and acquit himself perfectly well as part of the chorus.

Ok, three points :)

3) The best front man I ever worked with had a vocal range of about 1/3 of an octave. But he had such magnetism on stage no-one cared!

[Bajazz]

Just like it says. With proper training can anyone learn to sing?


YES

[BLACKWINGEDBEING]

Learning to sing on pitch and with proper dynamics is one thing. It seems to be difficult for people to change the tone of their voice, however. Some people just have ugly sounding tone. Can pleasing tone be learned?

Also, Al, I made you this avatar. :)

http://www.beauhoward.com/GuitarJamCrap/Al.jpg


Learned? Nah..... All voices are good. I think it is more about intent.

From what I've witnessed it's all subjective. Now I love to hear Rush I know that many consider Geddys tone on par with killing cats slowing in a crushing machine, I don't. He's actually a wailing God in my mind becasue that's where most of his lyrics take me. They creat a vision as to where he is playing a part. The same could be said for Neil Young. For whom, while I love his lyrics, nobody make me change the station faster than when I hear his voice on a song of his I don't particularly like.

Isn't singing in Pop and Rock bands like acting anyway, well I think it's lends itself to theater alot ya know. The part playing and getting accross lyrics as if you were living the moment. Owning the song as it were. Playing the role of singer, the entertainer and the actor all in one. Man we're almost perfect people now aren't we :D

[Dr.Innovation]

Just like it says. With proper training can anyone learn to sing? Are vocal cords just an instrument like everything else, or do you need to start with some natural talent?

Anyone can learn to sing, anyone. I did without any vocal training. Learned by ear...

However singing on tune is one thing, sounding good while doing it is completely another. Having great vibrato control is hard, then knowing when to sing with a head tone versus a louder stronger tone takes only practice.

Have you noticed some singers can't hold the proper
vibrato relative to the tempo of the song, or to the measure/bar?

Example: Many "great" singers don't even use a vibrato very often-take Peter Gabriel for example. His presence is so strong he can just talk and it sounds great...

-If you have a piano, or not get a cheap synthesizer for about 100 bucks. and start doing the sound of music do re mi jive....If you can at least hit the correct notes, this is a nice beginning. From there your mind will do the rest provided you are determined to learn and push yourself.

If not, pay to have vocal lessons. The teacher will usually be forthcoming and tell you if you should pursue singing or not:thu:

[Dr.Innovation]

Listen, you either got it or you ain't got it, the only way you can get what you got is if you already got it, or if you plan to get it soon. got it? :o

Nein. Nicht.

If you don't got it and you wanna have it you go and get it, got it? If you don't think you'll get it you'll never get it and then you'll be regretting not having the opportunity to get it.:facepalm:

[Rhythm Junky]

It took me a good 25 years to get to the point where I can say that I can sing pretty good. I just developed vibrato in the past 10 years. I never had a vocal lesson, and if I did it might have sped things up a bit.

[eeglug]

Vibrato is a technique that you can choose to use or not use. Personally I can usually do without it in most rock-related contexts - I consider it a "showy" over-the-top technique best left to the Celine Dion set. I'll make exceptions for truly great singers like Aretha Franklin or Mavis Staples. I can't even think of a performance I've heard where I've said to myself "wow, great vibrato".

[dughaze]

Just like it says. With proper training can anyone learn to sing? Are vocal cords just an instrument like everything else, or do you need to start with some natural talent?

Anyone can learn to sing unless you were born without a throat or vocals chords or something....anybody.

But the ignorance that only people with some sort of natural talent can really sing or sound good can be ego inflating at times.

Get some decent lessons by a decent teacher and you will blow past the rookies pretty quickly.

[troyacus]

I think its a natural thing, I know a lot of my friends who have absolutely no singing voice what so ever, and when try I just want to shut my ears off so I dont have to hear them anymore

[Dr.Innovation]

Vibrato is a technique that you can choose to use or not use. Personally I can usually do without it in most rock-related contexts - I consider it a "showy" over-the-top technique best left to the Celine Dion set. I'll make exceptions for truly great singers like Aretha Franklin or Mavis Staples. I can't even think of a performance I've heard where I've said to myself "wow, great vibrato".

Really? Every "diva HAS a vibrato and it's usually well controlled, except for Celine-she tends to do it too fast when she hits the high notes. I dig the Mariah Carey days of old when she first came out.

I think vibrato is essential because it carries the voice to the next verse, chord change. Not overly done vibrato but subtle and effective.

[Dr.Innovation]

It took me a good 25 years to get to the point where I can say that I can sing pretty good. I just developed vibrato in the past 10 years. I never had a vocal lesson, and if I did it might have sped things up a bit.

That's a good point to bring up.
To the OP I wanted add that voices change with time, and age, so this will affect the tonal quality as well.

I know Madonna was more marketable than talented but her vibrato used to annoy the hell out of me.

Then there's the whole "Kermit" voice I hear quite often that makes me lol sometimes.:facepalm: Or singing through the nose!

[Nick*]

Singing is something that can definitely be learned. You may not be the greatest singer ever, but you can get away with singing. It's the character of your voice that is probably the 'natural' aspect. That's crucial to a singer....however, anyone can work with whatever they have.

[Chicken Monkey]

Over 10 years I went from being the worst singer in my group of friends to being the best. Most of it came from admitting that my voice was what it was, and working from there.

[Dr.Innovation]

I wonder, though how Steve Perry would have sounded without all that reverb? I think it added another layer to his already nice sounding voice.

[Bajazz]

The only thing these "born natural talent or not" discussion do is pushing those who are insecure with their ability to learn down the mud. I've seen lots of guys/girls who can't do something blossom into being real good at it. What those had in common was dedication and someone who stood behind them and supported.

So this discussion should be named "What can you do to learn to sing?". That's much more constructive.

[Dr.Innovation]

The only thing these "born natural talent or not" discussion do is pushing those who are insecure with their ability to learn down the mud. I've seen lots of guys/girls who can't do something blossom into being real good at it. What those had in common was dedication and someone who stood behind them and supported.

So this discussion should be named "What can you do to learn to sing?". That's much more constructive.

While we may have the power to do this bud, the REAL world isn't so just and kind and civil...You need to have thick skin in order to take the criticism that's coming your way when those people step outside of the box, and sing-asking others for their opinions of the performance...

So by doing this you are delaying the inevitable.
Maybe where you are from everyone picks Daisies and smiles all day long, skipping to work (and believe me I'd be there in a heartbeat!)

Now, is telling someone they can't sing- a negative thing? Is it?
Without lying how do you tell them. Shooting straight should be the goal, and this is why I think people in general fail at communicating when it comes to trivial topics such as this.

I can tell you this for sure: There are some very ruthless people that are high up in the chain that would eat those would be singer's alive. -At that moment the talent scout, or producer would have done what the sugar coater's should have done. Then that person will wonder why they weren't told the truth early on?
Everyone that sings in the shower "thinks" they can be a singer-i.e American Idol. (just an example of being lied to by your peers, then unknowingly, the person walks right into a brick wall of truth, by someone in the industry that doesn't want their time wasted, because professionally time is money (unfortunately).

I don't think I've seen anything like that here, but sometimes the truth needs to be said-However this doesn't mean the singer should like or take what was said as the holy grail of truth. It's about perception at that point....I think Britney FAILS, some people think she has the greatest voice. Which comes down to the demographical issue.

Like you said- it's all about one's determination-when channeled and focused it can sometimes have unreal results when the human mind is driven to succeed and stops at nothing to achieve it.

In closing and in my opinion singing for recreation is open to everyone.
There are those in the world who set the balance when it comes to making professional music and weeds out the talent from the non-talent....However this isn't to say that the music industry itself could use a HUGE change when it comes to certain genres where the talent is omitted for marketing and selling sex.-Like Conan, that's another story.

Life isn't fair. Closing your eyes doesn't make it go away.

[Dr.Innovation]

So this discussion should be named "What can you do to learn to sing?". That's much more constructive.

I think you should make your own thread and have it titled "What can you do to learn to sing?":thu:

[flemtone]

No, I honestly don't believe anyone can learn to sing. Just my opinion.

[Sunsetcarcrash]

I have always been a "good" singer... I had great tone, and always spot on pitch wise, but for the past month i started vocal lessons, and my power has just become fantastic... I have had more compliments after shows in the past month than i have had in my entire life... Everyone is coming up to me and telling me i am an amazing singer! YAY!

[Dr.Innovation]

No, I honestly don't believe anyone can learn to sing. Just my opinion.


Well, not wanting to 'argue' concerning what you said but....

you're "opinion" is incorrect.:thu:

[bdemon]

While we may have the power to do this bud, the REAL world isn't so just and kind and civil...You need to have thick skin in order to take the criticism that's coming your way when those people step outside of the box, and sing-asking others for their opinions of the performance...

So by doing this you are delaying the inevitable.
Maybe where you are from everyone picks Daisies and smiles all day long, skipping to work (and believe me I'd be there in a heartbeat!)

Now, is telling someone they can't sing- a negative thing? Is it?


Yes, it is a negative thing--if that's how you say it. And I agree, there are a significant number of assholes labeled as talent scouts and "experts" in what's good and you need a thick skin if you're going to put yourself out there. But it's still subjective in the end, just like No Country For Old Men winning the Oscar for Best Picture.

Constructive criticism is how it should go. You're a vocalist on par with Celine Dion, for example. If you want her range you're going to have to work hard for it. But if you're aiming for Cobain's Nirvana vibe then you will have a different set of goals.

As another example, Hendrix really wasn't that great a singer--if you're going to honestly critique his vocal abilities. But I could line up maybe a million folks who would take you on for suggesting he should have hired a "real" singer.

I think letting anyone tell you whether or now you're allowed to sing is being a jerk. :eek:

[flemtone]

Well, not wanting to 'argue' concerning what you said but....

you're "opinion" is incorrect.:thu:

Oh.

Mmmkay....

:rolleyes:

[DOUBLE J64]

Absolutely not

You can either sing or you cant, period.

You might get "better" but nobody is humming your lyrics later.

Not much differently than playing guitar, though with guitar you have a chance

[Dr.Innovation]

Yes, it is a negative thing--if that's how you say it. And I agree, there are a significant number of assholes labeled as talent scouts and "experts" in what's good and you need a thick skin if you're going to put yourself out there. But it's still subjective in the end, just like No Country For Old Men winning the Oscar for Best Picture.
Well, if that's how you feel, cool. But There is a natural intuition associated with being able to tell if someone has the talent and potential, than with someone who really should find another hobby because they can't hit a note, have the tonal quality of a pigeon, and the range of Nicolas Cage. Humility goes a long way, but I'll say that how the person goes about their talent will undoubtedly be writing their own obituary or legacy depending on their attitude-Ala "Jesus Twins..." I've never seen that movie.

Constructive criticism is how it should go. You're a vocalist on par with Celine Dion, for example. If you want her range you're going to have to work hard for it. But if you're aiming for Cobain's Nirvana vibe then you will have a different set of goals.
I share that sentiment. Especially because I'm sensitive to criticism. However the critic's credentials (I think) have either a major or minor part of validity when identifying if the person can or can't sing based upon their merits/tastes.

As another example, Hendrix really wasn't that great a singer--if you're going to honestly critique his vocal abilities. But I could line up maybe a million folks who would take you on for suggesting he should have hired a "real" singer.
There's a difference.....Hendrix could sing, and he did well.
You knew it was him when he sang even if a guitar riff wasn't associated with an instrumental intro...His guitar playing doesn't automatically give him any lee-way in my book. Either he can or can't sing. And he did it well.
Could he have filled in for Luciano P? No.

I think letting anyone tell you whether or now you're allowed to sing is being a jerk. :eek:

Normally I'd agree, but I can't fully agree because this isn't a black and white open and shut case...Why?

Well, a tone-deaf "singer" -can't sing (well). This person certainly CAN sing-by default and definition. I have different definitions for a singer that CAN sing professionally, and one who sings for fun...And guess what? The people that sing for fun as a general rule of thumb don't ask for criticism nor seek the advice as to whether or not they can sing-well.

Should this person wish to pursue a professional music career-a serious professional music career, they NEED the truth. Constructive, sure. Not denigration, but not coddling either. It's cool if we disagree but I can talk from experience that people who just aren't honest with those that cannot arbitrarily tell if they have "it" or not-take it harder later on in life or when they meet an A&R...OR they have their voice judged by professionals in the industry...

In this case seeking a vocal coach for a professional opinion is the best thing to do as surely those who have some sort of corroborative degree of professionalism will be able to tell, no?

There are two types of singers generally.
Those who can sing, really sing and just need a bit of training....(or not)
And those who are tone deaf and cannot hit a note without transposing a song to a different octave after every change in song structure, (verse, chorus or what have you)

Should we tell them, "wow?" "interesting..."neat?"

I know what you are saying and I fully agree...In the interest of this thread AND playing devil's advocate these things need to be made aware and discussed...

The person should know it themselves whether or not they can sing and therefore shouldn't need approval from strangers over the net. If they wish to share something they need to be prepared. Unless of course you are for censorship and you feel that "everyone" needs to be "nice?"

[Dr.Innovation]

Absolutely not

You can either sing or you cant, period.

You might get "better" but nobody is humming your lyrics later.

Not much differently than playing guitar, though with guitar you have a chance

Really? I think I see what you're saying...
Are you saying that the person who "can" sing may have had some major insecurity in regards to singing either in public or whatever, but that their talent was always there, ergo-they can sing....As opposed to the tone deaf person trying to sing-will never be able to?

[Dr.Innovation]

Oh.

Mmmkay....

:rolleyes:

Well, prease explain why I can sing?
No vocal training.
There was a time that I couldn't hit a note worth beans.
Meaning I couldn't sing.
I learned.
I can sing...

Flemtone theory/debunked...

[Bajazz]

Now, is telling someone they can't sing- a negative thing? Is it?It is a negative thing, because you don't know this. It's just your opinion, nothing more. Unless you are god of course. I don't know where this idea comes from. The idea that you are the one that can decide who can learn to sing or not. :confused: Anyway, I've seen people being proven wrong many times, and frankly, I can't see a reason for how you couldn't be wrong too....

[flemtone]

Well, prease explain why I can sing?
No vocal training.
There was a time that I couldn't hit a note worth beans.
Meaning I couldn't sing.
I learned.
I can sing...

Flemtone theory/debunked...

Are you 'anyone'?

Wow, that's cool.

You didn't know how to sing, you had no training, you couldn't hit a note. That doesn't mean that you couldn't sing, it meant that you didn't know how to sing. You learned, but you had the ability to sing all the time, it just wasn't used.

You learned. Congratulations. You say you can sing. I hope so, if you're singing. If not, then that explains why all those cats are on your front yard, yowling and rolling around on the grass.

Just because you did it, doesn't mean anyone can do it.

You must be a lead singer. Please get over yourself.

[Dr.Innovation]

It is a negative thing, because you don't know this. It's just your opinion, nothing more. Unless you are god of course. I don't know where this idea comes from. The idea that you are the one that can decide who can learn to sing or not. :confused: Anyway, I've seen people being proven wrong many times, and frankly, I can't see a reason for how you couldn't be wrong too....

It is only a negative thing IF the person being told can't sing takes it that way, and I suspect you've been told you can't sing. (I've been told I can't sing so it's not an attack towards you)

The idea comes from certain people who have an intuition for knowing what sounds good, who sings good, and who simply doesn't. Further, you aren't understanding what I'm saying...Whether or not I tell someone they can't sing or not is NOT the holy grail of truth, you seemed to have missed when I said that. otherwise you like to repeat old points that have been addressed? That person by another person's opinion may be told that they can sing. But can they, really? An mp3 sample of their voice and I'd be able to tell, although I see your point entirely, different strokes, right? If your point is no one can say who can and can't sing without quantifying their level of talent with say a Grammy, One million in album sales-I'd agree with you, however on the professional side of things I'd beg to differ.

I'd much rather take the opinion of a professional than Joe Blow on the street telling me I can, when in reality I won't be "successful" professionally (if that is the goal).

I'm certainly not qualified on paper to tell anyone anything about their music, and or voice...However listening to quality music and also being subjected to the quantity of music I CAN tell you I can tell whether something is good, or not. I'm no elitist, and certainly not God (if you believe in that sort of thing.)

I'm a humbug, humdrum member of the starving musicians association of America club.
BUT, this is not to say that "I" can't identify WHAT person CAN sing and WHO can't. I'm wrong all the time...

Britney Spears
PussyCat Dolls.....I could go on but redundancy isn't my thing. These two examples are highly succsexfull artitsts...
Aren't they. Surely my opinion is irrelevant in this case because marketability is nowadays 80% of what's out there, not quality, not talent.

I'm a picky person when it comes to voices, and it's my right what I wish to say whether rude or not, I just prefer to be open, and honest than a sugar coater.

I may disagree with your views but I'd never call you a jerk for it, that's childish IMO. But I guess I just called you childish for calling me a jerk huh?:facepalm:

[Dr.Innovation]

Are you 'anyone'?

Wow, that's cool.
Why yes I am, aren't you anyone?

You didn't know how to sing, you had no training, you couldn't hit a note. That doesn't mean that you couldn't sing, it meant that you didn't know how to sing. You learned, but you had the ability to sing all the time, it just wasn't used.
See post #38...I agree with you and I didn't fully understand your point because it wasn't explained. I don't really like to assume anything so I go by what people say.

I see your point, a good one (see post # 38)

You learned. Congratulations. You say you can sing. I hope so, if you're singing. If not, then that explains why all those cats are on your front yard, yowling and rolling around on the grass.

Wow, tell me how you really feel?
I own a cat, don't have a yard, no grass. Clairvoyant?

Just because you did it, doesn't mean anyone can do it. You must be a lead singer. Please get over yourself.

I disagree. I am anyone. I sang through my nose, had no tone, but I was determined to learn, so I began. ANYONE with determination CAN achieve anything they want to. I was told I couldn't sing. Did I cry and slit my wrists? No.
I took it as criticism not because they hated me, but liked enough to tell me the truth, no S&M involved. These people did it to help me. Adversity goes a long way-So does humility (hint hint)

I don't think any singer dreams to be a back up singer, right?

[rhat]

I think you can learn to sing ,,,, what worked for me was watching a friend of mine who is very very good perform. I started watching him and figured out why he was so good was his passion and lyric delivery. I started recording myself ,,, and learned to bring it up from the gut and turn on the juice and passion. People say i am a good singer now... i can do harmony. I basically taught myself to sing by recording and playing it back and working for that passion in the lyrics. You gotta sing 110 percent ,, you cant hold back or your screwed on every getting there.

[flemtone]

Dr, you miss my point.

The fact is that some people can sing naturally, some can sing with training, some can sing around a campfire and some, no matter how hard they try and hor much training they have, simply don't have the ability to match the note they hear to a note produced out of their larynx. There are people with disabilities who can never learn how to sing. There are those who just aren't wired that way, not from differences in physicality, but just in their brains.

How many times have you heard of a dancer with 'two left feet'? I'm sure you've heard the expression, but have you actually seen someone dance who had no sense of rhythm or coordination? Probably not, as someone like that probably wouldn't dance to begin with. Someone who's not 'wired' to have the ability to sing probably won't try to be a singer because, since they can't do it, they move on to something else to interest them, usually something they do have a natural talent for.

You, having gone from not knowing how to sing to being a competent singer, have to understand that the basic reason you're able to do it is that you're wired that way. That's the basic - everything else stems from that basic reality.

Oh, and as for the 'humility' jab, my first post was, as written, my opinion (post 31). Please tell me how an opinion can be wrong (post 33). Then please explain how an opinion can, without being expounded upon (post 35), be turned into a 'theory' (post 39). I posted no theory - I posted my opinion.

I started out with an opinion, which is my right. Since I didn't piss in your corn-flakes, may I ask you to respect the rights of others to have their own opinions. Treating others with respect usually garners respect for yourself.

I shouldn't have to explain this to an adult.

[SevenString]

This is my new favorite thread. :snax:

[flemtone]

This is my new favorite thread. :snax:

:mad:

[Dr.Innovation]

I think you can learn to sing ,,,, what worked for me was watching a friend of mine who is very very good perform. I started watching him and figured out why he was so good was his passion and lyric delivery. I started recording myself ,,, and learned to bring it up from the gut and turn on the juice and passion. People say i am a good singer now... i can do harmony. I basically taught myself to sing by recording and playing it back and working for that passion in the lyrics. You gotta sing 110 percent ,, you cant hold back or your screwed on every getting there.

Right on man, that's sweet:thu:
I also think the environment is a doorway when learning to sing... It's like they say, surround yourself with, well you know...

Anyway instead of complaining I took the rest of the morning and "Started" and "Finished" what I'd started....

Ahem, please have a listen... I'm so excited this is done.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=868853&songID=6891207

[Dr.Innovation]

Dr, you miss my point.
no matter how hard they try and how much training they have, simply don't have the ability to match the note they hear to a note produced out of their larynx.
In other words "those" people you mentioned cannot sing.
The "Why" isn't for you to say either because you don't know, unless you're talking about a disabled person, then the conversation from my end is why hurt their feelings if the playing field isn't level for them:cop:
I don't need to know the why to ascertain the what-they can't sing.

There are people with disabilities who can never learn how to sing. There are those who just aren't wired that way, not from differences in physicality, but just in their brains. Exactly, but there are those (the ladder from which you mentioned) that pushed themselves because they wanted to sing so badly, they made it happen. There are inherent variables in everything in life...For you to say that people must have had the ability from the start to sing is BS. Why?

-Because, I didn't. I couldn't play piano like I did now...
It's not that I'm some genius or I'm "wired" that way. I have taught people to play as I do, the difference is- they cannot play with feeling as I do-this cannot be learned, not singing for God's sakes...

How many times have you heard of a dancer with 'two left feet'? I'm sure you've heard the expression, but have you actually seen someone dance who had no sense of rhythm or coordination? Probably not, as someone like that probably wouldn't dance to begin with. Someone who's not 'wired' to have the ability to sing probably won't try to be a singer because, since they can't do it, they move on to something else to interest them, usually something they do have a natural talent for.
No offense but it sounds like you're programmed to accept failure, then move on to something easier to do? If, not explain WHY you said the person lacked the "ability" to do something so they moved on to something else to interest, as if dancing weren't the primary choice?
You, having gone from not knowing how to sing to being a competent singer, have to understand that the basic reason you're able to do it is that you're wired that way. That's the basic - everything else stems from that basic reality.
This is also your opinion. We can reverse psychology all day long to suit each others interest. I concede that your opinion is just as valid as anyone else when it comes to you saying what you originally said....However learning to be competent singer is plausible, and actual-considering I went from a tone deaf mute basically to a decent singer that can sing the correct notes, transpose correctly the key sig, know the difference between belting out a tune and using falsetto or head tone.

Guess how I learned?
Patterns dude, patterns. Every song ever singer, every method has one. Identify the pattern, emulate the characteristics, and sing with your voice-that simple.
-Not to mention Couper Perine (class mate 1st grade) could play the piano very well at the age of 5 and she frankly pissed me off because I couldn't play like that (probably because I never could play piano to begin with).

It didn't happen to me in one day, it took a LONG time.
How long did your experiment take you to KNOW for a fact that people are "born" singers or born with the potential?
I've got news for you-the HUMAN brain, the human mind can overcome anything it wishes to, and ironically it can also Inhibit limitless dreams and turn those into self deconstruction:thu: The mind is resilient and can adapt to "shortcomings" if need be.

Oh, and as for the 'humility' jab, my first post was, as written, my opinion (post 31). Please tell me how an opinion can be wrong (post 33). Then please explain how an opinion can, without being expounded upon (post 35), be turned into a 'theory' (post 39). I posted no theory - I posted my opinion.

I started out with an opinion, which is my right. Since I didn't piss in your corn-flakes, may I ask you to respect the rights of others to have their own opinions. Treating others with respect usually garners respect for yourself.You are right, it is your right, however wrong it may be. I respect myself, but I also apply what I learn AND know what I can and can't currently do.

I shouldn't have to explain this to an adult.

What does this mean? Since your enigmatic sentence structure prohibits coming out and saying how you really feel, what are you trying to say?

[Bajazz]

I may disagree with your views but I'd never call you a jerk for it, that's childish IMO. But I guess I just called you childish for calling me a jerk huh?:facepalm:I never called anyone a jerk, think that was someone else.....

Otherwise, you cleared up a couple of misunderstandings from my side, please forgive my english. You'll notice I'm from Norway.

I also agree with you at certain points, but I think you are pretty much talking about your subjective taste how singing should be.

There is much difference in sugercoating and constructive advice. When you say to a person he/she needs to do a lot of work on pitch accuracy or develop his/hers tone, I can't see how that would be sugarcoating. Helpful motivation doesn't hurt either. We are humans and throwing a nice word makes your day a bit brighter.

[Bajazz]

The fact is that some people can sing naturally, some can sing with training, some can sing around a campfire and some, no matter how hard they try and hor much training they have, simply don't have the ability to match the note they hear to a note produced out of their larynx. There are people with disabilities who can never learn how to sing. There are those who just aren't wired that way, not from differences in physicality, but just in their brains.I have never heard of, met or seen anyone having much training and not getting better. Well, you can probably claim the opposite, but let's the audience decide, so I ask: If there is anyone out there who have trained hard for years who didn't learn to sing, raise your hands?

[Dr.Innovation]

I never called anyone a jerk, think that was someone else.....

Otherwise, you cleared up a couple of misunderstandings from my side, please forgive my english. You'll notice I'm from Norway.

I also agree with you at certain points, but I think you are pretty much talking about your subjective taste how singing should be.

There is much difference in sugercoating and constructive advice. When you say to a person he/she needs to do a lot of work on pitch accuracy or develop his/hers tone, I can't see how that would be sugarcoating. Helpful motivation doesn't hurt either. We are humans and throwing a nice word makes your day a bit brighter.

Very true, so true. My stance is anyone can sing, how well (to me) depends on taking criticism, and basically channeling it to a motivated outcome...I am a happy go lucky fart, seriously. I've been subjected to cruel and unusual judgment, so that's why I'm a little verbally honest than most. Cheers...

if you have a sec take a listen to something.
Anything you say good or bad I'll appreciate:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=868853&songID=6891207

[MV4824]

I think you can learn to sing ,,,, what worked for me was watching a friend of mine who is very very good perform. I started watching him and figured out why he was so good was his passion and lyric delivery. I started recording myself ,,, and learned to bring it up from the gut and turn on the juice and passion. People say i am a good singer now... i can do harmony. I basically taught myself to sing by recording and playing it back and working for that passion in the lyrics. You gotta sing 110 percent ,, you cant hold back or your screwed on every getting there.

Recording yourself is an amazing approach to learning how to sing.

[loveyourstarfish]

Flemtone, you seriously have no idea what you are talking about. As someone who has taken lessons for awhile, and who has sucked immensely starting out (but had a good natural voice), it is complete bullshit to say anyone can't sing. Everyone has a voice, everyone speaks. Therefore, everyone has the ability to sing. No singer started off singing Pavrotti the second they opened their mouths trying to sing, just like no guitarist played a Van halen solo the second they picked up a guitar.

If you want to get better at something, you need to practice (at the right things). Some people are born with a better natural understanding whether it be guitar, singing, skiing, whatever. But to say anyone cannot sing is not an opinion. You're trying to state it as a fact when it is the complete opposite.

Cheers

[Dr.Innovation]

Flemtone, you seriously have no idea what you are talking about. As someone who has taken lessons for awhile, and who has sucked immensely starting out (but had a good natural voice), it is complete bullshit to say anyone can't sing. Everyone has a voice, everyone speaks. Therefore, everyone has the ability to sing. No singer started off singing Pavrotti the second they opened their mouths trying to sing, just like no guitarist played a Van halen solo the second they picked up a guitar.

If you want to get better at something, you need to practice (at the right things). Some people are born with a better natural understanding whether it be guitar, singing, skiing, whatever. But to say anyone cannot sing is not an opinion. You're trying to state it as a fact when it is the complete opposite.

Cheers

In other words and like I said....

Flemtone theory debunked...

This post was RIGHT on the money:

"Some people are born with a better natural understanding whether it be guitar, singing, skiing, whatever."

[flemtone]

Y'know, I wrote a lot of things right here, but I've decided that it's just not worth it. I've stated my opinion. If you have a problem with it, that's your problem, not mine.

[Sunsetcarcrash]

Flemtone, you seriously have no idea what you are talking about. As someone who has taken lessons for awhile, and who has sucked immensely starting out (but had a good natural voice), it is complete bullshit to say anyone can't sing. Everyone has a voice, everyone speaks. Therefore, everyone has the ability to sing. No singer started off singing Pavrotti the second they opened their mouths trying to sing, just like no guitarist played a Van halen solo the second they picked up a guitar.

If you want to get better at something, you need to practice (at the right things). Some people are born with a better natural understanding whether it be guitar, singing, skiing, whatever. But to say anyone cannot sing is not an opinion. You're trying to state it as a fact when it is the complete opposite.

Cheers

Sure, anyone can make noise come out of their mouth, but then the question comes into play "Is singing noise, or is singing pleasant noise?" Everybody can make a musical noise escape their mouths, but not everyone can make a noise escape their mouths that people want to listen to... So that part is all based on opinion... And flemtone did state that was his OPINION... Not that it was the right answer... Plus, Dr. Innovation, the question in the begining was "Can anyone learn to sing?" Flemtone assumed he was actually asking what people thought... not saying "tell me what you think so we can tell you you are stupid and wrong if its different from what we think..."

[Dr.Innovation]

Sure, anyone can make noise come out of their mouth, but then the question comes into play "Is singing noise, or is singing pleasant noise?"
Perception is reality, right? So, we'd have to define what is "noise" to you? I know of both amateur and professional singers that think KORN's lead singer makes nothing but noise come out of his mouth....Is it noise? Is it pleasant noise? I don't think so, his voice is unique, and he sounds great IMO. He probably couldn't sing Ave Maria, or any other opera but it still begs certain questions.

IF you mean noise as in Chicken scratch, then that person who sounds like that certainly needs to learn and apply training "IF" they can't do it on their own (like I did).

The basic definition for "noise" is unwanted sound....
So again, it's different strokes sir. Perception.
The question should be if that person who sounds "horrible" (meaning singing sounds like nails on a chalk board) -CAN they learn to sing better, then become a valid, relevant singer that COULD be a singer? Yes. It's about determination. It's about their mind. Some people can see things clearly, while others cannot. This does not make them stupid. It's just a fact some people can identify patterns while there are those who haven't. Life is all about patterns, as is learning is all about patterns.

Everybody can make a musical noise escape their mouths, but not everyone can make a noise escape their mouths that people want to listen to... So that part is all based on opinion...
Had you read all of the posts after his outlining his opinion you would have read that 'I' said he was right and conceded it was his opinion and his right to it. I just happen to be that person he was talking about so obviously I felt his opinion was/is wrong, and said so.
It's a matter of evidence, not arguing. The interpreter can make that assertion.

Plus, Dr. Innovation, the question in the begining was "Can anyone learn to sing?" Flemtone assumed he was actually asking what people thought... not saying "tell me what you think so we can tell you you are stupid and wrong if its different from what we think..."

Of course Flem didn't say that in order to call people stupid....I don't think anyone here thought that. To recap:

-The OP was not Flemtone, it was fanuvbrak
-What Flemtone chooses to assume is his right, and his business.
-Post #17 -"I" stated ANYONE can learn to sing, anyone, basically I answered the OP's question and gave FACTS to support my position, not an opinion.
-ANYONE means any one, right? Meaning chosen at random. Am I some special "chosen" being with super singing powers? ha, no way. Flemtone asked me if I'm anyone? I am. Aren't you? Aren't we all?
-weebz said thereafter that you either have it or you don't.
I said in German NO. -I learned, didn't have it in me all along.

-Post #31 Flemtone makes his 1st post, stating he doesn't believe anyone can sing and italicizes anyone. (his opinion)
-I stated I didn't want to argue but that his opinion was incorrect. Why? Because I'm just an average Joe, (anyone) that wanted so badly to play and sing-and I did it. Slowly but surely I became aware that whatever I had the motivation for, I could do it. YMMV as it seems.

What happened through the course of this discussion: he laid his cards out on the table. He stood his ground and stated his opinion, fine. His opinion was countered with FACT, that is all. He took it personal. When I have a theory, and that theory is proven wrong by say someone with hard facts, I go, "oh, cool." -And then my curiosity compels to me to learn that newly found fact.

As an example, I am not my beliefs, I'm not my opinions. If someone tells me my opinion is wrong I know for a fact there a possibility of it being so. Therefore I'd want to find out more of the others point of view before coming to my own conclusions. Even then I won't have a solid understanding unless presented with all facts and variables at that time.

Perhaps I could learn something from it because basically that's what I want. To learn from others who share a common curiosity with questions such as these, and have a group discussion about them.

[Sunsetcarcrash]

Im sorry if it seemed like i was saying that Flemtone was the OP... I knew it wasnt him... I guess i didnt check to make sure that was clear... I just dont know how you decided that you didnt have it in you... and how you believe that you proved him wrong with a fact... For all you know you could have had it in you to be one of the greatest singers ever... I guess my argument is that you have no hard facts either

[rhat]

Recording yourself is an amazing approach to learning how to sing.


It really did wonders for me. Another thing that helped alot is having a mentor. I have a friend that played in a duo that was an amazing lead singer. I paid very close attention to how he delivered lyrics and the juice he would screw on his delivery. One thing that i found out was key,, was smile when you sing. It gets your lips out of the way and you can hear the words better

[Bobby D]

If your goal is to be a professional singer of opera or classical music the physical and creative requirements are very high, and most of us won't be able to reach them. Musical theatre offers more opportunities, but it's still very demanding of special physical and creative abilities. These can often be developed with a good teacher and a lot of time.

Concerning pop, rock and country singers, there's a different set of criteria. Singing on pitch is essential, but only a tiny percentage of all people totally lack that ability. (In 30 years of teaching I've never had a student who couldn't learn to sing on pitch.) It's simply a matter of coordination between the creative mind and the physical equipment (vocal cords, diaphragm, etc). In other words, for most people, singing on pitch can be learned, and it doesn't take years. For those of you who have occasional pitch problems, there are usually just two reasons for this: First: You're not singing correctly (breath control, support, straining into the higher notes, etc.). In this case find a good teacher. You probably won't solve those problems by yourself. And the second reason is you are not thinking ahead. Too many singers rely on their physical ear to gage their pitch, quality and interpretation as they are singing. The great singers have learned to "hear" what they are singing before they sing it. Notice how a fine tennis player, golfer or diver stands silently for a few seconds before they act. What are they doing? They're mentally serving, hitting the ball, or going through the complete dive before they actually do it. Think ahead (it only takes a millionth of a second) and then follow through with what you've just created. As you become more aware of doing this your pitch will improve. It has to.

To sum up: if you have healthy vocal equipment, lungs muscles and diaphragm and normal coordination you can develop a good singing voice. But, what you do with it is another matter.

Al Koehn

I would agree with Al totally on this.

I was always a half-assed singer, but after some lessons with Al and some work on my voice using his old cassette tapes, it improved my voice a LOT.

I am never gonna be a "great" singer -- but I am good enough that I can do solo acoustic gigs, and easily handle singing 1/3 or 1/2 of a full night with a band.

I think most people can be taught to sing WELL. But the artistic part of it -- developing your own voice and style -- is the REALLY hard part.

And that was something that Al addressed from the very beginning. VISUALIZE YOURSELF singing in the style that you want. MAKE CONSCIOUS CREATIVE CHOICES. And PRACTICE!!!!:cool:

[Dr.Innovation]

Im sorry if it seemed like i was saying that Flemtone was the OP... I knew it wasnt him... I guess i didnt check to make sure that was clear... I just dont know how you decided that you didnt have it in you... and how you believe that you proved him wrong with a fact... For all you know you could have had it in you to be one of the greatest singers ever... I guess my argument is that you have no hard facts either

Oh, I see what you're saying...It makes sense.
My dad played in a band, could be genetics I guess?

Then the question becomes how do people know that they are either good at something or not good? How do they know when to "quit" as Flemtone said and do something else? -Dancer analogy?

Is this leaning towards destiny or fate?

[Sunsetcarcrash]

Then the question becomes how do people know that they are either good at something or not good? How do they know when to "quit" as Flemtone said and do something else? -Dancer analogy?

I personally think that this question cant be answered, because you can never know. Many people, dead or living, have never been through lessons, or even tried to sing, so how could we say for sure...

[LionsDay]

Absolutely not

You can either sing or you cant, period.

You might get "better" but nobody is humming your lyrics later.

Not much differently than playing guitar, though with guitar you have a chance

:facepalm:

[orbm1]

My take as a musician....

yes you can learn, anybody can learn....

for me everything in this world is 1% talent, 99% work....

True, a few people with a natural pleasant voice and good ear might learn faster than the ones that are tone deaf, but still, even if you are tone deaf, but work really hard, you can achieve everything, you might not get to be the next best singer in the world, but at least tou will not suck at karaoke... :D

So, if anybody out there wants to learn how to sing, and thinks you were not born to sing... do not do it.....or.... get ready to work harder than everyone you know, longer than everybody else, and smarter (get a instructor).... and you will succeed!

Omar :thu:

[Bajazz]

So, if anybody out there wants to learn how to sing, and thinks you were not born to sing... do not do it.....or.... get ready to work harder than everyone you know, longer than everybody else, and smarter (get a instructor).... and you will succeed!It strikes me that when I started to play guitar I spent a lot of time and was jealous of a couple of gifted/talented guys who seemed to get it all for free. But pretty soon I realized that the more I practiced, the faster it took me to learn things, and someplace along the way I outplayed those magic boys. They now have guitars in their closet while I do this for a living. It also strikes me that they didn't get it for free, cause I noticed that they'd play all the time if they had a guitar in range. Now I realize this was practice, while I thought it was just show-off at that time. So at some time I got considered being talented too and was asked if it I thanked god for my (free) gift. When I gave them the amount of time put into this they realized nothing is free.

Talent is not free, you need to work your ass off for it.

[jinks]

Have some vocal practice....Nice voice come within, start with the word confident. everything will follow....

[vanlatte]

Yes.

Anyone can learn to sing.


( this took 4 pages? )

[Dr.Innovation]

( this took 4 pages? )

Well, yes:p

Some people haven't been consciously aware of the fact or haven't actually been a living testament to what the OP was all about...

Some people felt the urge to discuss their own personal stories and views. Should this thread have just been an open and shut case? What fun is there in that?

[Aiken Drum]

Yes.

Anyone can learn to sing.


( this took 4 pages? )

This is just another version of the nature vs. nurture debate. The answer is both.
Yes, everyone (barring some sort of damage or defect) can learn to sing.
No, everyone does not have exactly the same potential as everyone else.

You see this in just about every human activity.

--Aik

[Bajazz]

Potential/talent/nature maybe cut your work by 100 hours of work, but it takes thousands of hours to be a real good singer. So it will make very little difference in the long run.

The REAL BIG DIFFERENCE is that 99% of all singers don't bother to do any much work at all....

[Silverfox]

People who are not tone deaf can learn to sing, however natural tone is something that can not be learned, your natural voice ranged cannot be pushed upwards or downwards, that will just sound false. There's a small amount of the people that are actually tone deaf, and many can train their ears to recognize the various pitches. Frankly, learning how to sing starts with learning how to listen to the various tones and pitches and knowing when you miss them and falls out of pitch.

[Dr.Innovation]

People who are not tone deaf can learn to sing, however natural tone is something that can not be learned, your natural voice ranged cannot be pushed upwards or downwards, that will just sound false.I disagree with you.
My natural voice has been pushed upwards, and I mean upwards! Practicing in my case didn't help. I don't know how you define natural tone but I can assure you that MANY aspects of singing including tone CAN be learned (and it has)

There's a small amount of the people that are actually tone deaf, and many can train their ears to recognize the various pitches. Frankly, learning how to sing starts with learning how to listen to the various tones and pitches and knowing when you miss them and falls out of pitch.

I agree with this but it's not just limited to people who are tone deaf. People with an ear and no ear alike must do this as well IF they want to sing on key. Sounding poorly is just a temporary misstep. Some people have beautiful voices but haven't pushed themselves enough to sing on key while there are subjectively bad sounding people out there that do not have a nice tone (yet) but they can sing on perfect key...

[Dr.Innovation]

Has anyone seen "Minority Report?"

Well, when they are touching the transparent computer screen, and move items from here to there, and so on....This is what I do inside my mind basically.

What I also do is play a singer's tone inside my head (take Steve Perry for example) and listen. While I don't try and mimic his ability I try and sing the song in the manner in which he sang it in...To be frank I don't have "one" tone when it comes to singing...I can sing Heidle Vise from the Sound of Music to Without You by Motley Crue...

It's just putting your mind to it.
Telling yourself "you can't do that" compels you to NOT do that. I just like to keep an open mind.

Could I sing Opera? Sure, if I tried.
Could I sing Opera Well? Yes.

I feel this can apply to "anyone" because I am just anyone.

[Silverfox]

I disagree with you.
My natural voice has been pushed upwards, and I mean upwards! Practicing in my case didn't help. I don't know how you define natural tone but I can assure you that MANY aspects of singing including tone CAN be learned (and it has)

Well, if you say so then it 's right I guess, I just said what my singing teacher told me, or atleast that's what I CHOSE to hear. :P Because, personally my voice hasn't changed at all, but I havent tried to either, so maybe it can be done. I don't know. I personally think my singing sounds like shit anyway :P

I agree with this but it's not just limited to people who are tone deaf. People with an ear and no ear alike must do this as well IF they want to sing on key. Sounding poorly is just a temporary misstep. Some people have beautiful voices but haven't pushed themselves enough to sing on key while there are subjectively bad sounding people out there that do not have a nice tone (yet) but they can sing on perfect key...

Yeah, totally. My bad for making it sound like it was limited to tone deaf. Obviously it isn't, everyone should train their ears and they will gain benefit from it. :)

[Silverfox]

Has anyone seen "Minority Report?"

Well, when they are touching the transparent computer screen, and move items from here to there, and so on....This is what I do inside my mind basically.

What I also do is play a singer's tone inside my head (take Steve Perry for example) and listen. While I don't try and mimic his ability I try and sing the song in the manner in which he sang it in...To be frank I don't have "one" tone when it comes to singing...I can sing Heidle Vise from the Sound of Music to Without You by Motley Crue...

It's just putting your mind to it.
Telling yourself "you can't do that" compels you to NOT do that. I just like to keep an open mind.

I feel this can apply to "anyone" because I am just anyone.

Wow, that's some really great advice right there, I haven't actually thought of that, but I've seen some singers pointing the tone they're singing with their hands while rehearsing. Personally I will give that a shot right away and see if I get results from it. Thanks

[Dr.Innovation]

Wow, that's some really great advice right there, I haven't actually thought of that, but I've seen some singers pointing the tone they're singing with their hands while rehearsing. Personally I will give that a shot right away and see if I get results from it. Thanks

Even if you don't like the way you sing "now" it doesn't mean it is a permanent vacation. The naysayers will tell you it can't be done, it's impossible, give up but TRY and view those responses as some type of inhibitor...TRY to see those reactions as a means for stopping your ultimate goal-To SING!

All my life I was told I couldn't sing, play basketball, play piano, guitar, drums, draw, paint....etc....

What you have to realize is this:
Those people that told you NO-you can't do * -were people (usually) with professional backgrounds in their respective field of expertize...While they may be trying to help, they DO NOT KNOW you, nor how YOU view things, nor how you take in information...The way different people from different backgrounds absorb and apply learned information vary!

Those naysayers are only speaking from what they know, personally, their own intuition...Not resolute fact! They cannot grasp there are other ways of learning music other than music theory, professional vocal coaches and the like.

If you really want something-YOU are your biggest critic, not someone else...YOU go get what you want and stop at nothing....You'll be in your own little world when you achieve the singular focus, the focus of your goal(s)

Take the naysayers' comment with a grain of nanomolecular matter! You'll thank yourself later.

I used to believe in "try your best and if you don't make it, at least you tried...." -not anymore. Now I focus ONLY on the positive, and guess what? Ever since I began opening my mind to this ideal, I've been 100% successful.

Mind over matter....When you begin to apply this to every aspect in your life, nothing is out of reach. Trust me!

Nothing.

[Silverfox]

Even if you don't like the way you sing "now" it doesn't mean it is a permanent vacation. The naysayers will tell you it can't be done, it's impossible, give up but TRY and view those responses as some type of inhibitor...TRY to see those reactions as a means for stopping your ultimate goal-To SING!

All my life I was told I couldn't sing, play basketball, play piano, guitar, drums, draw, paint....etc....

What you have to realize is this:
Those people that told you NO-you can't do * -were people (usually) with professional backgrounds in their respective field of expertize...While they may be trying to help, they DO NOT KNOW you, nor how YOU view things, nor how you take in information...The way different people from different backgrounds absorb and apply learned information vary!

Those naysayers are only speaking from what they know, personally, their own intuition...Not resolute fact! They cannot grasp there are other ways of learning music other than music theory, professional vocal coaches and the like.

If you really want something-YOU are your biggest critic, not someone else...YOU go get what you want and stop at nothing....You'll be in your own little world when you achieve the singular focus, the focus of your goal(s)

Take the naysayers' comment with a grain of nanomolecular matter! You'll thank yourself later.

I used to believe in "try your best and if you don't make it, at least you tried...." -not anymore. Now I focus ONLY on the positive, and guess what? Ever since I began opening my mind to this ideal, I've been 100% successful.

Mind over matter....When you begin to apply this to every aspect in your life, nothing is out of reach. Trust me!

Nothing.

This has got to be one of the most inspirational (if not the most inspiring) comment that has ever come across me, now I feel so pumped up. Thanks alot.:thu:

(Page bookmarked for when I feel down)

[Jersey Jack]

Has anyone seen "Minority Report?"

Well, when they are touching the transparent computer screen, and move items from here to there, and so on....This is what I do inside my mind basically.


VERY important, I think. Someone may have already said this here, but it bears repeating: Imagine what you're going to sing just before you sing it. Plotting the line imaginatively on a spatial plane is a great idea! :thu:

And I think the idea of movement from here to there is even more important: Think in phrases while you sing, not in terms of individual notes. This will help you focus on expression and style and not obsess about the quality of each note. Concentrate on the phrase and just let the notes happen!:)

[ButterflyMcGrew]

And those who are tone deaf and cannot hit a note without transposing a song to a different octave after every change in song structure, (verse, chorus or what have you)

That would be my husband, except that he transposes a song even more often than that. Can't carry a tune in a bucket. It's not his fault; I didn't put it in my specs.

When I was coming up we all sang in my family; now we're all scattered, I've got my own family but I'm the only person in it who sings. My son can sing but will hardly ever sing with me.

I had no idea that anybody thought that anything could be done for this condition.