Learning to sing...

[epidemic1212]

All -
I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out where exactly these talented singers are starting from. Any suggestions? I'm trying to learn but on some days I'm feeling it and others I'm not. I know what I want to sound like but I don't know where to start. I seem to be an alto, my pitch between high and low isn't that wide, and i tend to come off flat. But then with some songs I seem to have it. Can anyone help me out? Am I just being impatient? Should I seek singing lessons? Any direction would be appreciated. Thanks.:confused:

[TojesDolan]

Lessons are important.

Otherwise you don't have a good settlement on where you have to start. Say, if you want to take a calculus course, you take basic math first, then some algebra and geometry, and then you go to calculus. Otherwise, you might understand some elements, but it'll take a while to fully understand what you're being told.

[Nightvision]

You need the Jam Session forum - this is songwriting and lyrics, neither of which have anything to do with your question. :)

[aworldofviolets]

Take lessons and learn good technique, one on one time with another singer is more important than anything. Obviously practicing is a good thing as well. Basically i would try to learn from as many sources as possible (internet, lessons, books, videos, etc.)

Also, unless you're a girl i don't think you can be alto. I'm pretty sure guys are bass, baritone, or tenor. And girl's are the other things (soprano, alto, etc). But i could be wrong that, it's not really my area.

[Surtr]

No that's correct. Unless you're a girl, you're almost for sure Bass, Baritone or Tenor. If you're a girl you're usually Tenor, Alto or Soprano. Though of course there are exceptions, there are girls who can sing Bass and guys who could pull off Soprano (Well, I assume, though my dear lord that's tough ****).

First step is, if you're serious about it, find a vocal teacher. Also go to church and join the choir or something. Regardless of your singing abilities that'll help some, and if you're not religious, just ignore everything going on.

Don't **** up your voice by pushing it way beyond your limits either. Warm up, and then after AT LEAST 10 minutes of just getting warmed up you can start belting it out some.

[kidthatplaysguitar91]

No that's correct. Unless you're a girl, you're almost for sure Bass, Baritone or Tenor. If you're a girl you're usually Tenor, Alto or Soprano. Though of course there are exceptions, there are girls who can sing Bass and guys who could pull off Soprano (Well, I assume, though my dear lord that's tough ****).

First step is, if you're serious about it, find a vocal teacher. Also go to church and join the choir or something. Regardless of your singing abilities that'll help some, and if you're not religious, just ignore everything going on.

Don't **** up your voice by pushing it way beyond your limits either. Warm up, and then after AT LEAST 10 minutes of just getting warmed up you can start belting it out some.

Agreed on the vocal teacher. It really makes a HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HUGE HUGE HUGE
difference. I listen to how my voice was before a vocal teacher, and after. My range got bigger, my tone got better, and then those 2 things influenced my songwriting by allowing me to have more options tone and range wise.