Learning the Right Notes

LOUD AND PROUD: HOW TO BE A GREAT SINGER 
You may think that your rendition of Silent Night makes people grimace in horror, but research suggests that you are, in fact, singing in tune.

We’re born to sing Scientists from the University of Montreal tested the singing abilities of 62 people by asking them to belt out a Quebecan folk tune in a public park. A portable machine measured pitch and timing, and revealed that the vast majority were singing in tune, if a little fast. Dr Isabelle Peretz, one of the scientists, believes that our ability to sing is hard-wired in our brains. “Everybody is able to sing, much like everybody is able to speak,” she says.

But why are some people better than others? “It’s just like any talent: some people are better at maths than others; most people are average; and some people are really poor,” says Dr Peretz.

But some people really are tone deaf Dr Peretz adds that although many people describe themselves as tone deaf, only one person in 25 actually displays this clinical condition, termed amusia. Arising from faulty wiring in the brain, the syndrome causes a complete inability to distinguish one tune from another.

Vocal cords and body shape Dr Alan Watson, an anatomist at Cardiff University, says that our vocal cords influence the tone of our voice and how pleasing it sounds to others. Loose vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, allow more air through, leading to a breathy, raspy tone. Tight vocal cords lead to high, squeaky voices. According to Dr Watson, tall, broad men have longer vocal tracts, leading to a loud booming voice,à la Tom Jones.

It’s a confidence thing Richard Frostick, a singing teacher and member of the British Council, echoes the sentiment that everybody can sing. “Thousands of people think they can’t sing, but given the right encouragement, can sing perfectly well.” He believes that this is down to two things. The first is that we simply don’t sing enough to build confidence; the British are naturally reserved and don’t generally have a good singalong, unless a large amount of alcohol is involved. And the second reason? Many people are told at a young age that they are bad singers and so avoid it at all costs. “There are generations of adults who have been told to stand at the back, or just to mouth the words. They are then damaged by that experience,” he says.

How to be a good singer

Relax Try to have an alert musical mind inside a relaxed body.

Breathe Use your whole lung capacity by breathing deeply – this will help all aspects of your singing: tuning, tone, line and expressiveness.

Hum If you suspect your pitch is a bit off, hum the line. This focuses your ear on your own sound and improves tuning and tone.

Don’t copy others Your voice is unique. You don’t have to hit high notes or belt it out to be a good singer. Don’t try to imitate other people’s voices; rather, concentrate on finding your own special vocal qualities. Where are your most comfortable notes? What styles and songs suit you?

Stick with it Forget that you didn’t get into the school choir when you were 9 and ignore any teasing! It’s your voice – go for it!

via Singing lessons: do your carol renditions fall flat? – Times Online .