We sing along to the radio; we sing in the shower – it’s fun!

But the majority of us never take it any further, and that’s such a shame.

Perhaps you have dreams of singing professionally, or maybe you’d love to join a choir.

It might be that you simply find joy in singing and would love to be better at it.

So why don’t we pursue it? Often, we believe we don’t have enough time, or we’re not good enough.

But isn’t it time you made the time and started to believe in your potential?

Whether you’re searching for karaoke confidence or operatic excellence, there’s no time like the present to start singing and here are 10 reasons why…

1. Singing Reduces Stress

Singing is a wonderful natural stress reliever.

When you sing, your breath is controlled, and you breathe more deeply, which releases tension and helps you relax.

It also triggers the release of endorphins, leaving you feeling calmer and more positive.

2. Vocal Skills Can Be Learned

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t sing!

Singing is a skill that, with the right training, can be developed and improved over time.

With the right tuition, you can become the great singer you’ve always wanted to be – and the sooner you begin, the better!

3. Singing Can Help You Build Friendships

Singing often brings people together.

You might join a group singing class, put on performances, or join a local choir.

When you sing with others, you form friendships with like-minded people that can last a lifetime.

4. It Will Help You Build Confidence

When you take singing lessons and begin to notice your progress, it’s an amazing feeling.

You’re really achieving something and getting better every day.

Your self-belief will improve, and you’ll feel more confident in your abilities.

If you can learn to sing, then what else can you achieve?

And when you take to the stage to perform in front of others, you’ll gain confidence that extends ways beyond music.

These are skills that can be easily transferred to the work environment and your everyday life.

5. Singing Improves Lung Capacity

Learning to sing involves learning how to control your breathing, and the breathing exercises you’ll practise will help to increase your lung capacity.

This will support your overall health and improve your stamina during exercise.

6. It Boosts Your Concentration and Memory

Singing enhances your thought processes in several different ways.

From learning lyrics and melodies to focusing on your breathing and pitch, vocal training provides some valuable brain training.

7. You Can Entertain Others

You can find so much enjoyment in singing, but it’s also fantastic to be able to share that pleasure with others!

Whether you’re getting up on stage to perform, or simply entertaining your friends, you’re making people happy – and that’s priceless!

8. Singing Improves Your Language and Public-Speaking Skills

Vocal training will help you with a wide range of skills such as improving your projection, pronunciation and clarity of voice.

This will help you communicate more clearly in other areas of your life, and can be particularly beneficial for public speaking in a professional setting.

9. It Offers a Creative Outlet Away from Devices

We spend so much time in front of the TV or glued to our phones; it’s so refreshing to have a hobby that takes us away from technology.

Singing enables you to do something different, something that’s real and tangible, and incredibly rewarding.

10. You’ll Feel a Huge Sense of Achievement as You Progress

With a good singing tutor, you will improve, and it’s likely that you’ll find your progression quite noticeable.

When you achieve a new milestone, you’ll feel amazing – a true feeling of satisfaction when you successfully hit that elusive high note, learn a challenging new song, or step out onto the stage for the first time.

It’s time to take the next step

So what are you waiting for?

The time to sing is now!

Why not book your first singing lesson today and start an amazing new journey?

Related Articles:

• Singing Is More Than Sound – It’s Storytelling
• 7 Ways Singing Helps Reduce Stress
• How to Properly Prepare for Your First Singing Lesson

Think about when you stand up on stage to perform.

Your whole body is involved – every aspect of your posture, your breathing, even your state of mind, can affect your voice.

The Alexander Technique is widely used to treat issues such as bad posture or back conditions arising from working at a desk for long hours, but this innovative technique also offers some amazing benefits for singers.

What Is the Alexander Technique?

Named after its creator, Frederick Mattias Alexander, this technique focuses on increasing awareness of our bodies and the tension we hold within.

Many of us are totally unaware that we are over-tensing our muscles.

Let’s try something… think about your shoulders right now.

Really focus on them, and now relax your shoulder muscles.

Do they sink a little?

You’ve just let go of the tension you didn’t even know was there.

Simply put, the Alexander Technique is all about becoming aware of our unconscious habits of holding tension in our bodies and learning how to change these habits so that all our tension is released.

A Closer Look at the Benefits for Singers:

Improved Posture for a More Natural Stage Presence

We all know good posture is important for singers, and so it’s in our minds that we need to stand up straight, but by doing this, we tend to become too rigid in our stance.

The Alexander Technique takes us beyond simply standing in that fixed position.

It teaches us to release tension and stand more naturally, in a way that feels more comfortable.

You’re not braced and tense, you’re grounded and free – you’re relaxed rather than stiff, allowing for more expressive movement, and this will show in your performance.

You’ll move more naturally on stage, and you’ll appear more confident and at ease with yourself and the audience.

Reduced Vocal Tension to Improve Range, Volume and Resonance

One of the key ways in which the Alexander Technique can benefit singers is by teaching us to release the tension we unknowingly hold in our shoulders, neck and jaw.

When you lose these unconscious habits, your voice will naturally be more open and flexible.

Many singers find that the Alexander Technique enables them to expand their range and develop a more effortless control over their voice, resulting in greater resonance and a richer sound.

Breathe More Naturally – Without Strain

Breathing is such a natural process, but it’s also very easy to force your breathing or hold your breath while singing, which can result in strained vocals.

By studying the Alexander Technique, you can learn to release tension in the chest to allow your breath to flow more freely.

You’ll find it easier to breathe while singing, taking more efficient and effective breaths.

Want to sustain that top note effortlessly?

The Alexander Technique could be the key to success.

Benefits Beyond Singing

The Alexander Technique is incredibly beneficial for your singing, but it will also bring other benefits across all aspects of your life.

Your coordination will improve, as will your overall posture and flexibility.

It can help reduce pain, particularly in your back, neck and joints, and it can protect your body from injury as you move without tension, reducing strain on your joints and muscles.

In addition to the physical benefits, there are also a wealth of benefits for the mind.

Stress levels are reduced, and the ability to concentrate and focus increases.

Are You Ready to Learn the Alexander Technique?

This valuable technique is not something that you can pick up instantly; it’s a process of understanding your own body and changing your habits accordingly.

It takes time, but it’s certainly time well spent, as you develop new habits that last a lifetime.

While it is an ongoing process, it is likely you will notice a difference fairly quickly, but just like learning to sing, you’ll get better over time.

With practice, being aware of your body and letting go of tension will become second nature.

If this is something you’d like to explore, your singing tutor will be able to advise you on the best approach to learn this technique – the perfect complement to your vocal lessons.

» To work with a qualified Alexander Technique practitioner, visit our experts page.

It’s a powerful yet subtle feature of a singer’s voice that comes naturally to many, but can be elusive for others.

While the presence of vibrato can signal vocal maturity and a high level of skill, a lack of vibrato is not something to become disheartened by.

It certainly doesn’t mean that you are not talented, nor is it something that cannot be overcome.

We take singing lessons because singing is an ability that can be learned and improved upon.

So while some people are born with perfect pitch and impressive vibrato, these skills can be gained and developed with a little time and effort.

So don’t be despondent if your voice doesn’t yet have natural vibrato—you can make it happen.

Why Is Vibrato Important?

Vibrato adds an extra dimension to the voice. It makes the sound richer and more resonant, and it can help to add unique style and personality to your performances.

Vibrato symbolises high-quality, professional vocals.

But it’s not just about how your vocals are received or improving the quality of your voice.

Vibrato happens when your throat, jaw and vocal cords are all relaxed and at ease.

The skills required for vibrato are the same skills you need to accomplish tension-free singing, which is excellent for your overall vocal health.

In essence, vibrato arises as a result of excellent technique, so it’s incredibly beneficial all around.

Don’t Force It

Vibrato is something you need to allow to happen, not make happen.

Pushing your vocals to create those oscillating tones is counterintuitive.

You need to create the perfect environment for vibrato, and then it should come naturally. So how can we unlock our natural vibrato?

Relax

Tension is the enemy of vibrato.

Focus on your throat, jaw, and tongue; are they all loose and relaxed?

Then move down to your neck, shoulders, back, and even your legs.

Are you standing tensed up or sitting bent over, restricting your breath? Take a moment to relax your muscles and find a position that is loose and unrestrictive.

Learn Good Breathing Techniques

A lack of steady airflow can also be problematic.

There is a wealth of effective breathing exercises that will help. Just a few minutes each day spent working on your breathing can work wonders for your vibrato.

Ask your singing teacher to show you the best exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing techniques and vocal control exercises.

Practise Vibrato-specific Exercises

There are several exercises that are designed specifically to encourage vibrato.

Practise them often, and you will achieve your vocal goals.

Exercises such as lip trills, pitch oscillations, and humming with oscillation will help you develop an awareness of how vibrato should feel.

Your tutor will be able to teach you these incredibly helpful techniques, and then it’s down to you to put in the work.

Regular practise and consistency, without overdoing it, is the key.

Practise every day if you can, and record yourself regularly so you can track your progress.

Don’t start out trying to add vibrato to those high notes.

Work at a pitch that’s most comfortable for you and focus on one thing at once.

Once you’ve mastered vibrato at that level, you may find it flows instinctively to both the higher and lower notes.

And remember, don’t force it; true vibrato needs to come naturally.

You Will Get There

If it feels impossible right now, don’t give up—you will get there, it just takes patience and commitment.

Eventually, you’ll learn to add vibrato to your vocals, and over time, it will become effortless and spontaneous.

The rewards are well worth it when your voice becomes more full-bodied and dynamic, conveying an extra depth and level of control that previously seemed out of your grasp.

You’re now on your journey to discovering a sound that is truly yours, one that adds an extra flourish to every performance.

Mixed voice is one of those techniques that can hugely enhance your capabilities.

While it may not be easy to master, with practise, you can achieve the smooth transitions and strong tone that are synonymous with singing in mixed voice.

What is Mixed Voice?

Mixed voice is a technique that seamlessly blends the lower tones of the chest voice with the higher notes of the head voice.

Have you ever sung a song and felt a significant strain when transitioning from lower to higher notes?

Do you sometimes feel as if you’re moving between two distinctive singing styles rather than casually transitioning across your entire vocal range?

Or perhaps you find yourself restricting your song choices to those that stay within a limited-range comfort zone.

This can be frustrating, but it can be overcome.

The answer is to find and develop your mixed voice! In time, you too will be able to sing effortlessly in mixed voice, just like Freddie Mercury, Beyoncé, Axl Rose, Celine Dion and Dolly Parton, who are all known for their mixed voice talents.

The Benefits of Perfecting Your Mixed Voice Singing Abilities

Learning to sing in mixed voice can take time, effort and patience, but it’s so worth it! Over time, you will:

• Expand your range – You can increase your repertoire when those high notes become easily attainable. It’s an excellent skill to learn if you enjoy singing across a range of different musical styles.
• Increase the power of your vocals – With mixed voice, you’ll find you can sing with greater power and control, even on the high notes.
• Develop a more consistent sound – There’ll be no awkward break or change in sound when moving between your chest voice and your head voice.

Finding Your Mixed Voice Zone

So without further ado, let’s begin our journey to perfecting mixed voice.

The first step is to identify your ‘passaggio’ – which is the point at which your voice transitions from chest voice to head voice.

If you’re already taking singing lessons, then it’s likely you’ll have covered these basic singing registers, but let’s have a recap anyway:

• Chest Voice – This is the deeper tone that resonates within the chest. You use this when you speak normally, so say a few words out loud, and you can feel the tones reverberate within your chest. The same applies when you sing lower notes.
• Head Voice – When we sing high notes, we’re using our head voice. Imagine you’re a tiny baby chick. Say ‘cheep cheep’ in a high-pitched voice. Can you feel that resonance, not in your chest, but high up in your forehead? That’s your head voice in action.

An Exercise to Locate Your Passaggio

Pay close attention to the sensations of your head voice and chest voice, as this is the key to finding your passaggio.

Repeatedly sing scales, sliding carefully from one note to the next, until you find the spot where you’re moving from chest voice to head voice.

Once you’re familiar with this, it’s time to begin learning to blend these two registers so you traverse them seamlessly.

Practise Makes Perfect

Put in the time, and you will get there—but don’t strain.

Slow and steady is the best plan here, so consider setting aside just 10 – 15 minutes a day to work on your mixed voice.

Ascending and descending scales, carefully and with thought, across all the vowels—OO, OH, EE, AH, AA—will help you get to where you want to be.

Try to take your head voice lower and your chest voice higher. The goal is to develop an overlap of the registers rather than having two distinct sounds.

Keep your jaw loose and focus on your breathing. Keep at it.

If you’re finding it difficult or feel you’re actually sounding worse, stick with it.

It’s also a great idea to record yourself, so you can listen back and identify weak areas.

Keep your recordings long-term, too, so you can see how you’re improving over time.

Unlock Your New Singing Superpower

Learning to sing in mixed voice can be transformational.

Practise regularly, and speak to your singing tutor for some tailored help and exercises.

Eventually, you’ll find that the most challenging songs become less formidable, as you use your newfound control to bring confidence, power, and range to every performance.

»Take your mixed voice to the next level with expert guidance — start your singing journey at the London Singing Institute.

Our lives are full of song, from hymns to the latest chart hits.

We’re surrounded by music and singing. But have you ever considered how we, as a species, started to use our vocal cords to create music?

Did We Learn to Sing Before We Could Talk?

It’s likely that mankind has been singing in some form since before we even developed language, with prehistoric man using vocal sounds to mimic nature or communicate feelings.

Before man developed tools, which would eventually lead to the invention of musical instruments, voice was an instrument in itself.

Just as we do today, it’s easy to imagine that early man soothed infants with melodic vocal utterances.

A Wonderful Way to Tell a Story

Then, as we move through time, singing begins to serve a wider variety of purposes.

While the development of language supersedes the need to use the tones of the singing voice to communicate ideas or feelings, song is still used as a communication tool, to tell stories and entertain.

Before the ability to read and write became commonplace, word of mouth was the only way to pass on information across the general population, and so songs were popular for telling tales.

Of course, even to this day, many songs have a deep meaning, or a story to tell, but it’s fascinating to listen to traditional folk songs and imagine the people who have sung these songs over the centuries, songs that have remained relatively unchanged, telling stories that might have been lost to time had they not been recorded in song.

Songs have a way of enduring in a way that words alone cannot.

The world of folk music is full of fascinating stories and cautionary tales, covering a gamut of subjects from romance to horror.

The Role of Song in Religion and the Community

As well as being a tool for storytelling, singing has also played a major role in religion, with prayers and incantations being sung to honour deities across the globe.

While religion has divided people, song has a tendency to bring people together, and so throughout history we see people gather together in song.

Raising your voice with others, singing the same words to the same tune, gives a feeling of fellowship and union.

So whether it’s in church, or at a family celebration, joining together in song is a common shared experience that promotes a pleasant feeling of oneness.

Music Features Highly Throughout History

Archaeological evidence has shown us that music and singing have been part of life across the ages.

Ancient Egyptian Musicians

The ancient Egyptians used music in their religious ceremonies, and we can see from artwork uncovered in archaeological excavations, evidence of a wide range of instruments including drums, harps, lutes, flutes, and trumpets.

Scholars believe that both male and female voices formed part of the musical performances in Egypt, and indeed, music was so prevalent that professional musicians were employed, to sing to the gods, and to entertain at celebratory events.

Sadly, the ancient Egyptians did not have any written form of musical notation, so we cannot recreate the songs of these times, but who knows, the power of song persists, and perhaps some of the songs passed down through the generations have their roots in ancient times.

Greek and Roman musical culture

Music played a huge role in Ancient Greece.

The Greeks believed music to be a gift from the Gods and was a part of daily life.

It was far more than simply a form of entertainment, music and singing ran through every aspect of life, from religion and the military to festivals and parties.

Learning a musical instrument was commonplace for students, in a world where the arts were revered.

The Greeks placed a huge focus on the use of music and song as a method of storytelling, giving us the incredible Greek tragedies and comedies that are still performed to this day, albeit in an adapted form to better suit a modern audience.

One might say that the Greeks were obsessed with music, and it also played an important role for the Romans who adopted many of the Ancient Greek musical traditions.

For the Romans, song was a common way to mark important occasions such as weddings, religious celebrations, and even funerals.

The Middle Ages and Beyond

As we head into the Middle Ages, music becomes increasingly diversified.

From the haunting melodic chanting of Gregorian monks, to the thrilling storytelling of the travelling minstrels, music reached everyone, from royalty to paupers.

More complex instruments were developed, and the use of vocal harmonies became popular, opening doors for composers that would lead to the artistic renewal of the Renaissance.

This period saw huge innovation and creativity in the world of music, with the harpsichord increasing in popularity, bringing music and song into the homes of the wealthy.

The grandeur associated with music continued to grow during the Baroque period, and it was during this time that an exciting new vocal style was developed – opera.

I wonder if those early opera-goers realised what a sensation this was going to be – a vocal art form that would endure, barely changed, for centuries.

Vocal and musical trends have come and gone over the years, but there has never been an era without song.

It’s as if every generation has a drive to create something new.

After the over-the-top opulence of the Baroque era, music became more simplistic, as time progressed, musical innovators continued to break the mould with minimalism and impressionism.

This is a trend that continues to this day, with singers constantly pushing the boundaries and paving the way for the next generation of musicians to do it their way.

From rock and roll in the 50s to punk rock in the 70s, revolutionary originality is par for the course along the timeline of musical history.

Music and Song – The Heartbeat of Communities

Traditional songs have persisted across the centuries, shared history and heritage have shaped music and song for groups of people around the globe.

Take for example the indigenous music of Native Americans or Aboriginals, each has a distinctive style of music, and songs that tell the stories of these unique civilisations.

Rooted in history, each musical and vocal style is different and recognisable.

While modern artists put a new spin on the ancient, the essence of the musical form unique to a particular culture pervades.

Music and song, steeped in history, with songs that tie us to our community give strength and a sense of belonging, creating a feeling of oneness with those around us.

Songs to celebrate, to give us hope for the future, and also to console.

Traditional songs that encompass the myths and legends of indigenous people, still passing stories from generation to generation, are a timeless tradition.

You Are Part of History – Where Will Your Musical Journey Take You?

We think of history as the past, but of course, history is endless, and we are just at one singular point in it.

One day, we too will be ancient history.

The future is uncertain and unpredictable, but if there is perhaps one thing that we can say for sure about the future of our world, it is that song will prevail.

Through the good times and the bad, music and singing serve as a means to voice our joy, or as a panacea in the tougher times.

Music and song give us a way to express ourselves, and in some cases to unite. This is evident in the wealth of songs released during WWII.

From sentimental songs for those waiting for loved ones away fighting, to light-hearted anti-Hitler lyrics, history is forever recorded in song.

So here we are, in our own point in history. Now you get to choose the next move.

When you learn to sing, you have the chance to be a part of musical history.

Where will you go with it? Will you learn the traditional folk songs of your ancestors, or invent a whole new musical style?

Will you sing in a choir on stage in a huge stadium, or will you simply sing beautiful lullabies to lull your baby to sleep?

Either way, you’re part of the ever-enduring story of music and song, and you’re a part of history.

Do you have some favourite songs you really want to be able to sing but you avoid them because some of the notes fall outside of your own vocal range?

While our vocal range is to some extent predetermined, for example, if you have a naturally low voice it’s unlikely you’ll be replicating the talents of Kate Bush any time soon, it’s certainly possible to extend your vocal range somewhat, opening up opportunities to potentially expand your repertoire.

Proceed with Caution – Don’t Overdo It

We will discuss some ways in which you can broaden your vocal range, but first a word of warning.

Pushing your voice too hard can actually be harmful.

Any attempts to increase your range need to be done with care.

Your voice is a valuable tool and it needs to be well looked after.

Never push yourself too far, and don’t spend too long on range-extending vocal exercises.

Little and often is the key here.

Top Tips for Extending Your Vocal Range

Learn these tried and trusted safe methods to get the very best vocal range possible…

Remember to Warm Up Your Voice Before Singing

It can be tempting to launch straight into a song, but if you don’t warm up your vocal cords, you won’t get the best out of your voice.

It’s also important to warm up so you don’t strain your vocal cords, so get into a routine of warming up with some humming, trilling, and scales.

Your singing tutor will teach you a selection of good warm-up exercises, and you’ll also find plenty of great tutorials online.

Learn the Best Breathing Techniques

The way you breathe has more of an impact on your vocal range than you may think.

When we consider breathing exercises with regard to singing, we tend to think of lung capacity, and the ability to sustain our notes, but by learning the best breathing techniques you can actually begin to extend your range as you sing with your diaphragm and gain better control of your voice.

Stand Tall – Good Posture Is Important

You can also ensure you’re getting the maximum potential from your voice by standing up straight.

When you’re hunched up, you’re limiting your lung capacity and breathing abilities.

Stand tall and straight.

Keep your shoulders back and your head held high, but don’t force it, it should be a natural position.

Standing tall and true will allow the sounds to effortlessly resonate from your body more clearly and with greater power.

Chill out – relaxation is key to a greater range

You won’t sing at your best when you’re tense, and so by relaxing, you may be able to increase your range and have more success hitting the high notes.

Incorporate gentle stretching exercises and neck rolls into your pre-performance routine.

Get in the habit of warming up your body and your voice. It’s excellent for getting the most out of your voice, and it’s a great way to banish tension and nerves too.

Perform Range-Extending Vocal Exercises Regularly

Everyone has their own vocal range. Some performers have naturally high or low voices, and it doesn’t mean that you’re not a great singer if you don’t have a wide vocal range.

There are many professional singers out there who have achieved fame and fortune with a limited vocal range.

So if you struggle to sing along to Cindy Lauper or go low with Barry White, don’t worry, it’s important to accept and embrace your own style, but there’s always room for improvement.

By regularly performing range-extending vocal exercises, you could well extend your range by a little, or a lot!

Speak to your singing teacher about exercises such as octave slides and sirens that can easily be done on a daily basis, and over time, it’s likely you’ll find your vocal range broadens.

Look After Your Voice

You’ll only achieve the goal of increasing your vocal range if you take good care of your voice.

You can enhance your singing voice by living a healthy life and making a point of protecting your vocal cords.

To give yourself the very best chance of boosting your range, be sure you keep well hydrated, get plenty of good quality sleep, and watch what you eat and drink, avoiding foods that are particularly spicy, and mucus-inducing dairy products.

Don’t shout or push your voice.

If you find yourself yelling, rein it in, as raising your voice can damage your precious vocal cords.

When you drop the words ‘singing lessons London’ into Google, you’ll find a seemingly endless list of private tutors, music colleges and singing schools, but which one should you choose and what’s the difference?

While of course, some tutors will be better than others, it’s not simply a case of distinguishing between high-quality singing lessons and inferior tuition, it’s also so important to get the right tutor to suit your own needs.

Not every singing teacher will be the right match for every student, so it pays to do your research in advance and decide on the style of tuition that’s going to be the most beneficial to you, so you learn loads and have fun along the way!

So Should You Pick a Private Teacher or Sign Up for a Singing School?

Luckily, for anyone looking for singing lessons in London, there’s plenty of choice.

You’ll find several schools and a whole host of self-employed singing teachers. There’s no right or wrong way to choose, we’re not here to tell you which option to go for, or indeed which teacher or school to choose.

As much as we’d love to have you as a student with us, it’s entirely your choice, we’re just here to guide you along the way!

There really is no overall, ‘one size fits all’ solution.

So perhaps a better question to ask is ‘Which is better for ME – a private teacher or a school?’

Let’s Check Out the Pros and Cons

Whether you opt for a school or a private singing tutor for your singing lessons in London, there are potential advantages and disadvantages with either option.

It all depends on your own needs and goals.

Are you looking for reliable regular lessons?

A school will have a strict timetable. Your lessons will be scheduled and they will go ahead.

If a teacher is unable to take a lesson, due to illness perhaps, a school will have other staff members to step and help in an emergency.

With a private tutor, other personal obligations may take priority.

You may have to miss lessons when your tutor goes on holiday, or they are ill. Overall a school is the most dependable option.

Is cost a major consideration?

On the whole, it’s likely that private tuition will be at a lower price point than taking your singing lessons at a school.

A self-employed tutor will usually work from home, thus eliminating the overheads of a school, and so they can afford to keep their prices low.

Many tutors teach singing as a hobby, to supplement their retirement income or alongside another job.

If cost is paramount, then you may find some budget-priced singing lessons if you search hard enough, but singing lessons with a school, while being good value for money, are unlikely to be at bargain basement prices.

What if you don’t establish a rapport with your tutor?

It’s important to connect well with your singing teacher.

You need to feel they understand your needs and what you wish to achieve through your singing lesson journey.

If you’re nervous, you’ll want a tutor that can help you with your self-confidence.

If you’d love to sing gospel, folk music or heavy metal, you may prefer a tutor with specific skills in your genre of choice.

If you hire a private teacher, then you’ve got one shot to make the relationship work.

Of course, they may be the perfect fit for you. A good singing lesson teacher will be able to adapt to the needs of any student and should be able to help you with any style of vocals.

But, if you opt for a school, there will be several tutors available, so you’ll be matched with a teacher that best suits your needs, and if it doesn’t work out, you’ll easily be able to change to another tutor.

You may even opt to take lessons from several singing teachers so you can take advantage of their unique experience and vocal styles.

Will You Choose a Private Tutor or a School for Your Singing Lessons in London?

With all these points to consider, have you decided which option will work best for you?

Take your time, and look for positive reviews.

Booking your first singing lesson is an exciting time, but it’s not something you should rush.

Make the right choice and singing lessons can be a truly amazing experience – good luck and have fun!

How are you feeling?

Are you looking forward to trying something new and keen to learn new skills, or are you feeling a little nervous?

Either way, it’s good to be prepared so you can get the most out of your very first lesson.

So here are some things to think about now, in advance of your first singing lesson…

Don’t Worry or Feel Embarrassed

Your teacher is there to teach you how to sing better.

If your singing voice was already perfect, then there’d be no point in having singing lessons!

A good singing tutor will teach students of all abilities, and we all start somewhere.

If you think you’re out of tune, don’t worry, your teacher will work with you on this.

It can be nerve-wracking singing in front of someone for the first time, but once you make that leap, and put any feelings of insecurity behind you, you’ll have so much fun.

Singing is amazing, it’s so uplifting, it’s excellent for your mental well-being, and the more you sing, the better you’ll get, especially when you have expert tuition.

So just get stuck in and don’t feel nervous before your first singing lesson.

The more you sing, the more confident you’ll become.

Think About What You Want to Achieve

It’s good to have some goals in mind to discuss with your singing teacher, so they can tailor your lessons to perfectly suit your needs.

Is there anything specific you’d like to work on?

Are you looking to improve your vocal range?

Do you want to build your confidence?

Is there a specific song you’d love to be able to sing well, or a particular musical genre you’d like to focus on?

You’ll also have more fun when your tutor understands your musical preferences.

If you’d rather be singing rock songs then just let them know!

Drink Water and Take Some With You

Keeping hydrated is great for your vocal cords.

When you’ve been to a concert, you’ll usually see the singer with a bottle of water.

This isn’t just because they’re feeling thirsty mid-performance, it’s to keep their vocal cords well lubricated so they can give their very best performance.

So drink some water before you go to your lesson, and take a bottle with you.

It’s thought that room temperature or slightly warm water is ideal, as cold water can cause muscle constriction and have an adverse effect on your singing voice.

When it’s your very first lesson, you may also be feeling a little nervous, and nerves can cause you to have a dry throat, so sipping water before and during your lesson can really help with this too.

Go with an Open Mind

Your first lesson may be more focused on getting to know you and understanding your needs, but bear with your tutor, as you’re laying the groundwork for the most enjoyable and beneficial lessons.

There are also some aspects of singing lessons that may not seem relevant at first, but they will hugely benefit you.

You may learn breathing techniques, or be asked to repeat vocal exercises.

Don’t dismiss these as pointless or silly.

These are tried and trusted methods used by some of the very best singers in the world.

When you put in the work and trust your teacher, you’ll reap the rewards down the line.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

These are YOUR singing lessons, and your teacher wants you to have a great time while improving your skills.

If you don’t feel happy about any aspect of your lesson, then be sure to say something and your teacher will adapt your tuition to ensure you’re happy.

Perhaps you truly hate a song you’ve been asked to learn or you feel particularly uncomfortable singing unaccompanied right now.

Don’t be afraid to speak up, your teacher wants you to feel happy and at ease.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Lesson

Most importantly of all, relax, and have fun!

You’re not studying for a maths exam, you’re there to improve your singing ability and have a fantastic time along the way.

So what if you forget your words or a line comes out horribly out of tune?

Laugh about it, pick up some tips from your tutor on how to do better next time, and give it another go!

Lesson by lesson, you’ll get better and better, and that’s an amazing feeling.

When you sing, you use many muscles, throughout your body, not just your facial muscles, and they all need to be well-rested.

In addition, with a good night’s sleep, our memory works better, which is ideal for remembering lyrics, and we’re more calm and relaxed, which can help to combat nerves and stage fright.

You’ll also feel more energised, ready to put on a great performance.

So now we’re clear on how vital it is to get that all-important restorative sleep, let’s take a look at some tips to help you get the very best sleep night after night…

Create the Perfect Environment

Having a relaxing, comfortable bedroom can make all the difference to the quality of your sleep.

How is the temperature? You won’t sleep if you’re too hot or too cold.

Is the room completely dark? Light from streetlights or passing cars can prevent us from sleeping well.

If you’re disturbed by light from outside, you should consider blackout blinds or an eye mask.

This also works well if you don’t want to be woken up at the first light of day.

Or perhaps noise pollution is a problem.

If your neighbour slams his car door every morning at 4 am when he returns from working the night shift you might want to think about using earplugs or investing in a white noise machine.

Have a Set Bedtime

You may not have had a specific bedtime since childhood, but having a regular sleep pattern can really help you, particularly if you struggle to drop off to sleep.

When you have a routine, your body learns when it’s time to relax and unwind ready for sleep.

You’ll find getting to sleep becomes much easier when you go to bed at the same time on a regular basis.

Don’t Use Your Phone in Bed

When your mobile phone is by your bedside, it can be tempting to pick it up, just to check your emails or the weather forecast for the following day, only to then spend the next hour on Facebook or watching TikTok videos.

In addition, phones give out blue light, which fools your brain into thinking it’s morning.

To get the best night’s sleep, leave your phone outside the bedroom, and instead, read a book.

Reading is proven to be highly soporific, and you’ll soon find yourself feeling calm and sleepy.

Watch What You Eat and Drink Before Bed

If your body is digesting food, you’re less likely to be able to sleep, so try to avoid eating late.

Spicy food can also put your stomach into overdrive so for the best night’s sleep, stick to light meals before bedtime.

Caffeine is notorious for stopping us from getting to sleep, and it can stay in your system and affect your ability to sleep for many hours, so it’s wise to switch to decaffeinated drinks after noon.

Keep Hydrated, but Don’t Overdo It

When you think about it, a whole night is a long time to go without a drink and it’s no wonder we sometimes wake up feeling dehydrated.

Keep a glass of water by your bed so you can have some sips before you go to sleep, and it’s on hand should you wake up in the night feeling thirsty.

However, don’t be tempted to gulp down lots of water all at once, as that will only mean your sleep is further disturbed as you wake up needing to visit the toilet.

Don’t Lie There Tossing and Turning

When you can’t sleep, or you wake in the night and you just can’t back to sleep, it can be so frustrating.

The longer you lie there, the more annoyed you get, until you’re so infuriated there’s just no way you’re going to get back to sleep.

Don’t let your annoyance get to this stage.

If you find yourself awake, sit up, read a few pages of a book, or go and sit in another room for a little while.

This gives you a reset, and you can return to bed calmer, ready to go back to sleep.

Clear Your Mind

Do you have a busy mind? Is your brain overflowing with thoughts, ideas or worries when you’re trying to get to sleep?

This is a common problem, and a good way to deal with this is to write all your thoughts down.

Write down your ideas, get your worries out of your mind and onto paper, letting go of them for the night.

Listening to music or following a guided meditation can help to clear your mind ready for sleep.

As a vocalist, your voice is your instrument, and it deserves the same level of attention you’d give any other instrument.

Look after your voice, and you’ll always be able to give your best performance. Check out our top tips for maintaining excellent vocal health…

Don’t Neglect Your Warm-up Exercises

It only takes a few minutes to perform some vocal warm-up exercises, but when you’re eager to sing a particular song, it can be tempting to neglect the warm-up process.

However, warming up your voice properly really can make a difference to the quality of your voice, and it can also help protect your jaw muscles from becoming strained.

Drink Lots of Water

Perhaps the most important factor in good vocal health is hydration.

Dehydration can cause irritation to your vocal cords which will affect your performance and could result in longer lasting adverse effects.

So be sure to drink plenty of water as part of your daily routine.

Increasing your water intake has many health benefits, so it’s a great habit to get into in general.

Sipping water between songs when you’re performing will also help to lubricate your throat and stop it from feeling dry, particularly if you’re standing under hot stage lighting, so don’t forget to take a bottle on stage with you.

Quit the Bad Habits

Smoking can cause a wealth of health issues, several of which can impact your voice.

If you’re a smoker, quitting can be tough, but there are so many benefits to giving up.

You’ll have a healthier heart, a longer life, more energy, and a better singing voice! If you’re struggling to quit, help is out there.

Take a look at the NHS Quit Smoking website for practical advice and support.

Your voice can also be affected by caffeine and alcohol as they both cause dehydration, and an excess of alcohol may also adversely affect your ability to sing in tune!

So keep your consumption to a minimum, particularly before a performance.

Instead, you could opt for a cup of hydrating herbal tea. Consider camomile to relax your nerves, or peppermint to help you focus.

Avoid Dry Environments

Dry air can cause problems with your throat and vocal cords.

If your throat often feels dry and scratchy, or you find your breath is more laboured, it could be that the air around you is too dry.

This can be a common problem in our modern, highly insulated and well-heated homes.

Consider using a humidifier to add extra moisture into the air and make sure your home is well-ventilated so it doesn’t become too stuffy.

Don’t Overdo It or Push Your Limits Too Far

It can be tempting to practise pretty much continually before a big performance, or when you’re learning a new song, but it’s important not to overdo it.

Vocal strain is real and you certainly don’t want to lose your voice just before you’re due to perform!

So take regular rests, and don’t sing for hours on end.

If you’re feeling at all unwell, if your throat feels sore, you have a cough or your voice is hoarse, then take time out to rest and heal.

Pay close attention to how you feel and how you sound.

Look out for the warning signs and react quickly to protect your vocal health.

You should also be careful of pushing your limits too far.

Of course, it’s good to challenge yourself, to extend your range or experiment with a different vocal style, but if you’ve decided to start singing screaming heavy metal, you might just want to take it a little slowly.

Be kind to your voice!

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A tired body and mind can lead to a tired voice.

When you get plenty of sleep you’ll be more energised, and more focused, and the quality of your voice will improve.

If you have trouble sleeping, make sure your room is conducive to a good night’s sleep, not too hot or cold, dark and quiet.

Try to avoid using your mobile phone late at night and consider learning some relaxing meditation techniques.