How do vocal classes/coaches work?
I'm thinking about maybe taking some vocal (singing) classes, because I want to have something more than just "acting" going for me, and because I don't have any doubt that somewhere down the line I'll have a part that forces me to sing, and I don't want to miss out on it because I can't.
What I want to know is what I should look forward into a class, and how they teach you to sing better. I've heard they teach you to sing from your chest instead of your throat and head, but what else?
Comments
I'd get arthritis if I tried to write everything, but . . .
Yes, singing is actually done from the diaphragm [down by your stomach], not from the throat. What that means is that the support and breath control is done down there and simply makes the vocal cords vibrate from the air flow, rather than over-manipulating the vocal cords in an attempt to make the sound. This makes no sense as written -- which is why in-person lessons are necessary. :-)
You'll do things like breathing exercises and vocal scales, but learn ways to relax all the muscles around the neck and face. Also proper tongue placement [it should always be touching the back of your lower teeth], diction, and posture. Proper singing involves just about every part of your body -- head, neck, chest, stomach, and even the spine [i.e. proper alignment].
Since you mentioned coaches in your question, though a voice coach DOES address vocal technique, it's done via working on actual songs. This way, the voice gets improved AND a song gets prepared/refined for usage in performances and/or auditions. [This is actually what I do as an instructor, rather than just straight voice teaching.]
And if you ever DO audition for a musical in the future, remember to show your acting abilities. Far too many people audition for musicals by simply standing there and singing -- the successful ones make it a point to both demonstrate their vocal technique AND show that they can act the lyric. I was an actor before I ever started singing, and now I work primarily in musicals and opera -- but I always approach the material from the dramatic aspects first, and have earned a pile of glowing reviews for being an effective "singing actor." :-)
Best of luck!
What you need to do is either check out voice classes at your local community college and/or look in your college's community classes (as opposed to regular college voice classes) where the vocal instructor is a private teacher with usually their own talent training company. You can go to the private trainer (as I said, look for the 'community classes' supplemental catalog that comes in the mail usually) and pay for private lessons or first try out a regular college class. Private instructors can give you more attention whether in their generally smaller classes of 1-10 people or teach only you in a private session.
You should look for a competent private instructor who can teach you proper vocalizing including your 'mix' voice, your head and nasal voice, and your diaphragm breathing control. If you know nothing at all about singing, I'd try a regular college course first. They'll teach you the basics so that you will be prepared for what to look for in private lessons. And don't let the private instructor talk you into taking many more unnecessary classes from them. All you need is a few vocal classes especially if you've never sung before and haven't picked up any bad habits. Other than that, go ahead and give it your best shot! Good luck and break a leg!
Having vocal classes is great, because you work good with words which comes in handy for acting. Acting, you have to sound loud not yelling and sound clear. You do sing from your chest and from your oxygen/lungs. If you are singing, you have to breath once in awhile, so they will teach you to control breath and all that. But also it would be fun, i wish i could take a vocal class.
omg they teach you waaaaayyyy more than that
1 how to breathe right
2 how to sing in your chest voice and in your nasal/head voice
3 how to do vocal exercises and increase your ability to hold a note
4 recitals = preforming in front of an audiance
there are lots more things but those are just a few you should really take lessons!! you would love it iam sure!
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one of the main things you will learn is how to breathe correctly while singing. you learn to sing from your diaphram. you will learn correct intonation and pronunciation. you will learn musical phrasing.