How To Sing: The Complete Guide for Beginners

Expert Sources: Cari Cole • Teri Danz • Mama Jan • Lis Lewis

Last updated: Nov 8, 2024

Young bi-racial female singer practicing how to sing in recording studio

Anyone can learn to sing with enough knowledge and practice
Taking care of your whole body is important for having a healthy singing voice
You must warm up before you start singing
Breathing and vocal exercises are important for finding the full potential of your voice

Introduction
Can Anyone Learn To Sing?
How To Sing Better
1. Step 1: Warm Up Your Body and Then Your Voice
2. Step 2: Release Tension In Your Voice and Body
  1. Throat and tongue posture
  2. Jaw tension
3. Step 3: Don’t Take a Breath Before You Sing
4. Step 4: Don’t Hold Your Breath While You Sing
5. Step 5: Open Up
6. Step 6: Stay Relaxed
7. Step 7: Get Into the Song
8. Step 8: Warm Down Afterward
Voice Training: How To Practice Singing
1. Sing high, stay low
2. Speak on pitch
3. Take care of your body
4. Breathing exercises
5. Vocal exercises
6. Practice proper posture
7. Articulation and diction
8. Song repertoire
9. Recording and self-evaluation
10. Seek feedback
11. Regular practice schedule
12. Take care of your voice
Singing Courses and Tutorials That Will Teach You How To Sing
1. Jacob Vocal Academy - free
2. Madeline Harvey - free/paid
3. Berklee College of Music - paid
Sources

You’re about to read a complete guide for beginners on how to sing.

And it includes insights from singing coaches who have worked with Usher, Justin Beiber, Rihanna, and many other pro singers.

Can Anyone Learn To Sing?

Short answer: yes, anyone can learn to sing.

Celebrity vocal coach Cari Cole (Courtney Love, Diane Birch, American Idol & The Voice Finalists) told us she taught herself to sing until she started taking voice lessons.

“You can sing along to other singers, copy their vibrato and the way they’re singing,” she said.

“There’s a lot you can learn just by singing along with other singers. But at a certain point, if you want to take it more seriously, you do need to train because you want to protect the health of your voice.”

Recording artist and vocal coach Teri Danz (2019 Billboard Chart-toppers Sweet Eve, Ximxia, Kian Blume) agrees with this idealogy, saying at some point it’s “better if you are taught by someone or come from a musical family that sings.”

And voice teacher and performance coach Lis Lewis (Rihanna, Miguel, Kali Uchis) encourages young singers to explore what their voice can do.

“There’s a lot you can do on your own,” she said.

“Just singing teaches you about your voice, when it gets tired, and what sounds your voice makes that you love.”

"The real question...is whether or not someone can teach themselves to sing well. I believe that feedback...provides information for improvement that one cannot receive objectively on their own." — Mama Jan, singer-songwriter/musician, Grammy-nominated producer, and multi-platinum certified vocal coach (Usher, Drake, Justin Bieber)

How To Sing Better

Here are some tips from the experts on how you can improve your singing voice…

Step 1: Warm Up Your Body and Then Your Voice

When your body is energized and “activated,” your singing voice will respond more quickly.

How much should you be warmed up? You should definitely get your heart rate up, and it’s a good sign if you start to sweat. At that point, you can do your vocal exercises.

Cole emphasizes how important warming up your voice is.

“Warming up is a really important thing,” she said.

“When you haven’t done any training, you tend to sing along with other Singers, and that feels like your warm-up. But when you start to understand the mechanics of the voice and that the instrument actually needs the proper warm-up to feel open, then you want to try some exercises.”

Mama Jan points out it’s all about blood flow. Your vocal cords needs oxygen to work well.

“Warming up your voice is equally important as it is for a professional runner to warm up their body and stretch their legs before running a marathon,” she said. “It’s about making sure that blood flow and oxygenation are circulating in the voice and through the vocal cords to optimize performance.”

In that same vein, Lewis said you need “more sleep and more water” in order to sing as well as you can. These things are part of the warming up process.

Cari Cole – vocal warm-ups

Tari Danz – vocal warm-ups

Step 2: Release Tension In Your Voice and Body

Tension in your body will affect your singing voice. So it’s a good idea to incorporate things like yoga, deep stretching, and massages in your routine to stay loose.

You also need to make sure your throat and jaw stay loose. Here’s how…

Throat and tongue posture

Sing a phrase of a song and watch yourself in the mirror. If you notice any tightness in your throat or face, you’re probably adding tension to your voice.

If you feel tightness in the larynx (voice box), gently place your thumb and forefinger on your voice box while you sing.

Is it rising or feeling tight? If so, try this exercise: sing the phrase again, focusing on keeping your larynx relaxed.

Now, to make sure your tongue is not tight, place your thumb underneath your chin and feel the muscles between your voice box and chin. Sing the phrase again and check if those muscles are tense.

If they are, consciously try to relax them while singing.

Jaw tension

The jaw has a big impact on your vocal tone and pitch. Your jaw should move freely with the vowel you’re singing.

To let your jaw relax as you sing…

Choose a phrase that feels a bit tight or constrained
Look at your face and mouth in the mirror and speak the words of the phrase
Notice how your jaw opens vertically as you speak
Now, sing the phrase and let your jaw open to the same height as when you spoke the words
Don’t let your jaw hang lower or higher than it was while speaking

Step 3: Don’t Take a Breath Before You Sing

I’m sure this sounds contradictory to what you’ve heard. But think about this: we don’t run out of breath in the middle of talking. We naturally take in enough air to get our sentences out.

In the same way, you need to let your breathing happen naturally. Just think about the words you need to sing and you’ll automatically have the right amount of air in your lungs.

Step 4: Don’t Hold Your Breath While You Sing

As you’ve been reading this article, have you noticed yourself holding your breath? No, you didn’t. That’s how singing should feel. Don’t hold your breath. If you do, you’re creating more tension. Just breathe normally.

Step 5: Open Up

Some artists may choose to sing without opening their mouth very much, but that’s a singing style choice and not actually the proper way to sing. You need to open your mouth.

Go ahead and yawn. That’s how your belly should feel and how wide your mouth should be when you’re singing. In other words, at least two fingers’ width between your teeth.

Step 6: Stay Relaxed

As you sing, don’t let that tension you released in step 2 return to your body, throat, or jaw. Keep your jaw slack, your tongue fat, your lips loose, and your neck mobile. Imagine your head is floating.

Step 7: Get Into the Song

A huge part of singing well is singing with emotion. You’re a human and you’re singing for other humans, so be human. Get into the emotion of the song you’re singing. Put yourself into it. Relate it to something in your real life. Dig down and pull out an emotive performance.

Step 8: Warm Down Afterward

When you’re done singing for the night, do a warm down. This is when you slide from the highest pitch you can easily reach down to the lowest note you can comfortably sing. Do this for a few minutes. It will re-lubricate your vocal folds.

Voice Training: How To Practice Singing

Now that you have the knowledge to start singing, it’s time to apply it. Practice is essential for becoming a better singer.

Here are some tips to help you structure your singing practice effectively…

Sing high, stay low

When you sing a high note, keep your chin down. Many singers want to lift it up and even stretch their neck back. This can hurt your vocal cords and also makes it harder to hit the high note. Keep your chin level when you sing high.

Speak on pitch

Singing should feel like singing. Put your fingertips on your Adam’s apple (or where it would be if you don’t have one) – what you feel is your larynx, which is where your vocal cords are.

When you swallow, you’ll feel it move up. When you yawn, it moves down. When you speak normally, it stays still.

So when you sing, your larynx should behave like you’re talking – it should stay relatively still, regardless of pitch. So try to relax and keep it still when you sing.

Take care of your body

Singing is like a sport, which makes you like an athlete. So you need to pay attention to and take care of your whole body. This will help you have the proper oxygen, energy, and dexterity to sing well and perform emotively.

Breathing exercises

Practice deep breathing exercises to develop proper breath support and control.

Focus on diaphragmatic breathing, where you inhale deeply into your lower abdomen and engage your core muscles to support your voice.

"If you sing through the back of your throat and push a lot of air, you lose resonance and tone," she said. "With pushing, it is harder to hit notes. Then, your voice is probably going to get tired, and you can become hoarse more easily." — Teri Danz, recording artist and vocal coach (2019 Billboard Chart-toppers Sweet Eve, Ximxia, Kian Blume)

Vocal exercises

Use a variety of vocal exercises into your practice routine. These exercises can include scales, arpeggios, intervals, and vocal runs. Work on different vocal techniques like dynamics, articulation, pitch accuracy, and vocal agility.

Practice proper posture

Maintain good posture while singing to optimize breath control and vocal resonance. Stand or sit up straight, relax your shoulders, and keep your body aligned. This allows for better breath support and unrestricted vocal production.

Articulation and diction

Pay attention to your articulation and diction while singing. Practice vocal exercises that focus on clarity and precision of consonants and vowels. Work on pronouncing words and phrases distinctly without sacrificing vocal technique.

Song repertoire

Choose songs that fit and also challenge your vocal abilities. Practice singing different genres and styles to expand your versatility. Start with simpler songs and gradually progress to more complex pieces as your skills improve.

Recording and self-evaluation

Record your practice sessions or performances to listen back and evaluate your progress.

Pay attention to areas that need improvement. Then take note of your strengths and weaknesses and set goals to get better.

"...Buy some kind of recording device like a digital recorder: something where you can sing along with karaoke and hear what you sound like. Listening to what you sound like gives you a place to start." — Teri Danz, recording artist and vocal coach (2019 Billboard Chart-toppers Sweet Eve, Ximxia, Kian Blume)

Seek feedback

Consider working with a vocal coach or instructor who can provide professional guidance, feedback, and personalized exercises.

They can help you address specific vocal challenges, improve your technique, and guide you in reaching your singing goals.

"If you’re not singing in tune, you need another person to help you figure out when you are singing in tune and what that sounds and feels like. That can be fixed–you can get better. That’s definitely possible." — Lis Lewis, voice teacher and performance coach (Rihanna, Miguel, Kali Uchis)

Regular practice schedule

Establish a consistent practice schedule to maintain regularity and progress. Aim for daily or regular practice sessions, even if they are shorter in duration. Consistency and frequency are more important than long, sporadic practice sessions.

Cole emphasized the importance of regular practice.

“It’s good to do exercises every day,” she said. “Pick a Vocal Coach and stick with them for two weeks to see what it feels like.”

"Singing is wonderful. It’s fun and it’s joyous and you should do it because you love it. There’s nothing more wonderful than being able to open your mouth and have the song come out. Sing all the time. Sing to the radio and turn the radio down a little so you can hear your own voice. Sing along to videos. Sing everywhere because it’s fun and you’ll get better by just doing it." — Lis Lewis, voice teacher and performance coach (Rihanna, Miguel, Kali Uchis)

Take care of your voice

There are several ways to maintain your vocal health, including:

Staying hydrated
Avoiding excessive throatclearing or yelling
Practicing proper vocal hygiene
Resting your voice when needed
Avoid straining or pushing your voice beyond its limits
Avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
Avoid smoking
Get a good night’s sleep

Singing Courses and Tutorials That Will Teach You How To Sing

If you’re serious about learning how to sing, it might be helpful to take a course or tutorial. So below are some of the best online singing courses and tutorials.

Jacob Vocal Academy - free

Jacob Vocal Academy is a YouTube channel that has posted over 600 videos that will teach you all the basics of singing. They haven’t posted since 2022, but the thing about singing lessons is that they’re evergreen. So this channel is a great place to start!

Madeline Harvey - free/paid

Madeline Harvey is a singing teacher and vocal coach based in Nashville, TN. She has nearly 400 videos on YouTube to get you started, and then she offers one-on-one voice lessons as well as vocal evaluations.

Berklee College of Music - paid

The widely respected Berklee College of Music offers tons of singing courses specific to what you want to learn and even the style of music. And you can complete them all online.

Sources

Cari Cole

Celebrity vocal coach, artist development expert, and new music business mentor Cari Cole is reimagining how we invest in the future of music through rethinking how we value our artists.

As a thought leader, Cari is helping to shift the music business paradigm back to being more artist-driven by raising the bar on the quality of independent music one artist at a time. In the current music industry climate, when resources available to empower and nurture talent are slim, her robust platform offers singer-songwriters a gateway to a professional life in music.

Cari’s comprehensive program for artistic success includes vocal coaching, artist development, and new business mentoring. Informing these offerings are principles from psychology, holistic health, new media marketing, and personal branding. Clients can study under Cari in a multitude of settings, including private and group sessions, and interactive educational opportunities.

Central to all of Cari’s work is her warm candor, uplifting outlook, humility, empathy, and her profound life journey of reinvention. It’s these qualities that have earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Lion” by her students.

“I am here to inspire people to unlock their brilliance and create without fear,” she explains. “I am often the one to tell artists what’s not working, what they may not want to hear, but in such a way that greatly accelerates and enhances their progress in a constructive, but compassionate way.”

Cari’s own music career accomplishments extend into diverse arenas. In the realm of vocal coaching, she is one of the most in-demand instructors in the profession. Her work is distinguished by its focus on the techniques that define contemporary commercial vocal styles. It’s an approach that has been recognized by prestigious academic institutions and some of modern music’s biggest stars. She’s taught at Columbia University, NYU, and was on the Board of Directors of NYSTA (New York Singing Teachers Association) for several years. In addition to a rich roster of select emerging and independent artists, her clientele also includes such legends as Courtney Love and the band Journey, Grammy winners Donald Fagen/Steely Dan and Chrisette Michele as well as singer-songwriters Diane Birch and finalists from the hit TV series American Idol and The Voice. Her unique method’s focus on health and wellness tenets has garnered her referrals from doctors to treat vocal ailments such as nodules holistically. Cari is currently writing a breakthrough book for vocalists that explains her results-driven techniques and philosophies.

As an artist development expert, Cari’s transformed the career of numerous musicians by that compassionately critical voice. “As the industry has been downsizing, artists are losing the benefit of getting the chance to incubate. They need the opportunity and the extra push to deepen their work, she explains. Her authority in this capacity has made her a popular speaker at some the industry’s most distinguished forums, including the CMJ Music Marathon and The Grammy Foundation. Cari’s work as a beloved and trusted vocal coach, talent developer, and business owner have enabled her to formulate viable strategies for artists to develop sustainable lives in music. “I’ve worked with celebrities and artist becoming famous, witnessing the stories—how things happen for artists. Through having an insider view, I’ve been able to identify many key factors the successful artists have in common that I can pass along to help guide my artist development clients,” she says. Cari’s also formally studied trends in marketing to empower her clients with personal branding ideas and new media essentials to further their careers.

Cari Cole, the artist, at 40 years old, released the enlightening and award-winning CD Circle Of Fire, a transformative musical statement based on the New York Times bestselling book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. She was signed to a record deal with the publisher of The Four Agreements, and Circle Of Fire went on to sell over 40,000 records worldwide.

Cari’s personal story is both fascinating and inspiring. Orphaned at two, followed by a few years in a foster home, she grew up with her aunt and uncle in a musical household where she learned the fundamentals of music studying classical guitar and flute at the age of 6 on. At fifteen, she boldly left home and left high school early to embark on a self-made spiritual journey that included hitchhiking cross country, hippie gatherings with American Indians, the struggling artist/ bartender/waitress routine, and, finally, an epiphanic period studying voice with her mentor renowned vocal coach Katie Agresta (Cyndi Lauper, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and the Dave Matthews Band). Through her studies with Katie, Cari became one of Katie’s celebrated teachers, found her own calling as a celebrated vocal coach, and reinvented herself as the artistic authority she is today.

“It’s my mission that no artist be left undiscovered. That every artist has the equal opportunity to become the vision they behold.”

Teri Danz

Teri Danz is a club hit Recording Artist, America’s Vocal Coach, and Vocal Producer. She combines her love and passion for singing with a desire to give others a toolbox of techniques they need for pop singing and professional speaking. Named a Top Vocal Coach by Backstage Magazine, she had three students in the Top 20 on the Billboard Charts in 2019 (two of whom she vocal coached and produced in the studio). Danz recently won a Global Excellence Award for 2020 – Vocal Coach of the Year (West Coast USA).

Her diverse and extensive experience lends itself well to assisting others in pursuing their dreams. Danz is an expert in pop technique and brings her experience as a recording/label artist to dynamic workshops and lessons that take singers to the next level in their career and development. At the ASCAP Expo, Danz co-facilitated the Neumann workshops with Brian Walker (Sennheiser/Neumann expert), coaching singers on the microphones.

A classically trained musician, Danz studied with renowned vocal coach Raz Kennedy (of Bobby McFerrin’s VOICESTRA, and coach to Adam Duritz of Counting Crows) and many others. Credits include 12″ dance/club hit, BMI songwriter, songs in Indie films, Tower records in-stores (with her band), national press – Women Who Rock Magazine, Sennheiser and Mackie NAMM booth performances, acoustic recordings with Buddy Halligan (Barry White, Ray Charles, Anita Baker), and many others. Danz also worked with legendary rapper/producer Father MC (FAMBODY) and Gerry (The Gov) Brown (Alicia Keyes, Tina Turner) on a nine-song R&B hip hop production.

Vocal producing/coaching clients include recording artists Ximxia (#19 on the Billboard Charts 2019), Kian Blume (#17 on the Billboard Charts 2019), and Sweet Eve (with student Tony Francis #15 on the Billboard Charts 2019). Danz received a nomination for Best Female Vocalist of the Year, All Access Music Awards 2005, has PRO Endorsements by Sennheiser and Casio, and garnered national press in Women Who Rock Magazine and others.

She has appeared and performed on TV (network and PBS). As a pop vocal expert, Danz is a published writer, having written many articles in magazines such as Electronic Musician, Music Connection, Guitar Player, and various online outlets. Danz recently sang on the Charity single “People Are People” at www.risingvoices.net. Her new YouTube video, Pop Singing Secrets, shares her pop technique.

Danz has extensive studio recording experience both as a singer and coach. In addition, her education includes a degree in Speech Communications/Pathology and a Master’s in Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo and studying at Blue Bear School of Music (San Francisco).

Mama Jan

A nationally recognized singer/songwriter/musician, Jan Smith is also a Grammy-nominated producer, GA Music Hall of Fame inductee, and a multi-platinum certified vocal coach/vocal producer who has tended to some of the most distinctive voices in the business. Owner of Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, a state-of-the-art vocal coaching, artist development, and production facility offering services nationwide to record companies, artists, producers and motion pictures. Clients include Usher, Rob Thomas/Matchbox Twenty, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, The Band Perry, Jill Scott, India Arie, David Crowder, Sugarland, Drake, Mastodon, Nicki Minaj, FLA/GA Line, Jesus Culture, etc. (www.jansmith.com). Vocal consultation and production credits also include Tyler Perry Productions, Warner Bros Pictures, Universal Pictures, Paramount, Disney, New Line Cinema, Fox Television, as well as work with award winning actors Liam Neeson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Christina Applegate, Ed Helms, Jamie Chung, Terrence Howard, Christian Serratos, the girl group STAR on Fox, and White House Correspondent John Roberts.

A frequent media guest and sought-after speaker, Smith has been featured with Usher on MTV’s hit reality show Duets, with Ciara on BET’s Behind the Scenes, on UPN’s RUtheGirl? with Chilli and T-Boz of TLC, on Bravo’s popular Housewives of Atlanta, with Justin Bieber in Paramount’s documentary of Never Say Never, on Nightline’s vocal reporting on singer Adele, on E!’s The Wanted Life (a Ryan Seacrest & Scooter Braun production), and on multiple network news and cable programs. She has been a keynote speaker for such events as the Vineyard SE Arts Conference, TAG Digital Media Summit, the Women of Worth Conference, Grammy in the Schools, the “Project Light” Arts Conference, and most recently was a featured speaker at LeaderCast Women’s inaugural event and the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. Additionally, Mama Jan was asked to consult the Chinese Audio-Visual Association on the creation of awards categories for their prestigious Golden Disc Awards and continues her work with pop artists from Beijing and Korea.

Her extensive work with artists worldwide and reputation among leading vocal surgeons has provided Smith the opportunity to rehabilitate and help heal some of the highest profile voices for endurance under their demanding schedules. Through her membership at Passion City Church and her ministry with the worship singers for all of the North Point Community Churches (Alpharetta, GA), Jan has tailored vocal workshops directed towards the specific needs of contemporary singers, Christian and gospel artists, and worship leaders in the church and beyond. Among other industry related events, she has provided master classes and intensive vocal workshops for Bethel Music (Redding, CA), the Vineyard SE Arts Conference, The Grove Church, Willow Creek Community (Chicago), the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church Conference, H-Rock Church (Pasadena, CA), Watkinsville Baptist, Mt. Paran Churches in greater Atlanta, Jesus Culture, Destiny Praise, Worship Circle, and Passion City Church worship leaders. Mama Jan continues to provide ongoing vocal consultations for many worship leaders, pastors and touring evangelists, in addition to assisting many public speakers, politicians, and television news anchors.

Smith has served as President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy for two terms, as a National Trustee for several multi-year terms, and continues to participate on national committees as a voting member of the Grammys in good standing. She continues to see clients worldwide, produces records in her Atlanta Homegirl Entertainment studios, and develops aspiring artists under Mama Jan Music. Jan Smith Studios has created employment opportunities for many others and hosts the largest roster of charting artists of any vocal coaching and artist development facility in America

Lis Lewis

Lis Lewis is a Voice Teacher and Performance Coach in Los Angeles, CA. She has been training recording artists for over 30 years. Learn more about her private voice lessons. Her website, The Singers Workshop, provides information, news and products for pop singers. Lis is the Author of the books The Singers First Aid Kit and The Pop Singers Warm-Up Kit, both published by Hal Leonard.

In addition to private coaching, she has worked in collaboration with Managers, record labels, Producers, bands and Songwriters in the recording and rehearsal studio to get the best performances from their artists.

Her own training started as a child at the world-famous Dalcroze School of Music in New York City as well as with Private Music Teachers. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and has a Masters Degree in Theater and Music. She has taken postgraduate classes in management, publicity and marketing.

Her work has been spotlighted in Billboard and by Atlas Obscura.

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