Can anyone do it ?!?

[PCH (Paul)]

Hi all,

this question is totally nothing to do with astronomy, but is absolutely harmless and completely uncontroversial in any way.

I'd love to be able to sing well and in tune.

So this is my question .....

.... can anyone learn, or be taught, how to sing well and in tune, even if the voice isn't all that good to start with (bit of an understatement there, to be honest ) Or do you basically have to have a pretty good voice to start with, before singing lessons sort of fine tune it.

Any thoughts from members who sing at any level would be much appreciated

[Octane (Humayun)]

Paul,

I'm afraid I can't answer your question, but, here's some inspiration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1QO1daK688

H

[Nortilus (Josh)]

I honestly think everyone can sing...just been able to hear yourself to keep in tune...if that makes sense...
and knowing what in tune sounds like...how to know you are hitting the right note...

[Nortilus (Josh)]

and may i ask why you would like to sing?

[koputai (Jason)]

There are a lot of people out there making money as singers even though they can't actually sing.

You just have to watch any music show, or 'Glee' for example. People sit at home at gasp at how
wonderfully these actors can sing. It's faked, just like 50% (my estimate, picked from where the
sun don't shine) of 'commercial' music.

Google 'Autotune'.

Cheers,
Jason.

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by Octane

Paul,

I'm afraid I can't answer your question, but, here's some inspiration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1QO1daK688

H

Hi H,

thanks for that. I have that, through your posts, I understand a little of your musical tastes. And I'd have to say that we are worlds apart musicall, so I'm not sure whether you think your guy on the you tube sounds great, or erm ... not so great. But either way, he has a voice like an angel compared to mine Cheers for the reply H

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by Nortilus

and may i ask why you would like to sing?

Hi Josh,

thaniks for the replies. My reason is very simple. I've been playing guitar and piano for some time now, and especially for guitar, I just thought it might be nice to be able to sing along without frightening off all the cats and dogs for miles around

[mangrovedutch (Dutch)]

G'day Paul, Sing like noone is listening. If it brings you joy - even better.

Regards, Dutch

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

In a simple word, Paul: Yes.

According to all the singers and singing teachers we get in at work (Guitar Shop) they all say yes, anyone can sing with a bit of help.
And they say the trick is in the breathing, not so much finding the note.

Go for it. I did (after I gave up smoking).

[PCH (Paul)]

Hey Dutch,

that sounds like a winning idea - thanks

Hi Ken,

that's a very interesting reply, from someone who's done it. I knew this sort of experience would be out there - all I had to do was ask. I gave up smoking yonks ago, so that's no problem. So what was your first step Ken? Did you get professional lesson or what? If you want to pm rather than divulge your innermost secrets to all, thast would be fine

Thanks

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by koputai

There are a lot of people out there making money as singers even though they can't actually sing.

You just have to watch any music show, or 'Glee' for example. People sit at home at gasp at how
wonderfully these actors can sing. It's faked, just like 50% (my estimate, picked from where the
sun don't shine) of 'commercial' music.

Google 'Autotune'.

Cheers,
Jason.

Hi Jason,

thanks for that. I saw ther autotune stuff. Very impressive though not my cup of tea. I don't want to sing to make money though - I'm a bit past that - although you never know whats round the corner hey !?

But for the moment, I just want to sound ok to myself and family

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hi Ken,

So what was your first step Ken? Did you get professional lesson or what? If you want to pm rather than divulge your innermost secrets to all, thast would be fine

Thanks

No need for privacy.

Astro Camp attendees heard me howl out a terrible tune when I sang (Crowded House's 'Better be Home Soon') with my sons and I playing guitar.

No lessons, just lots and lots of singing at home with my boys.
We play guitar and sing a lot, so gradually I might get better.

I was quoting what singing teachers have told me, that "anyone can sing"

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by koputai

There are a lot of people out there making money as singers even though they can't actually sing.

Google 'Autotune'.

Cheers,
Jason.

Jimmy Barnes for 1

Adrian

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I have been taught to sing based on my Guitar teachers request. I have long since stopped but there is a big benefit to taking lessons even if they feel a bit embarrassing to do the scales.

Just did a check and my teacher is still around.

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

No need for privacy.

Astro Camp attendees heard me howl out a terrible tune when I sang (Crowded House's 'Better be Home Soon') with my sons and I playing guitar.

No lessons, just lots and lots of singing at home with my boys.
We play guitar and sing a lot, so gradually I might get better.

I was quoting what singing teachers have told me, that "anyone can sing"

Lol If howling is where it's at Ken, then there may be hope for me !

Adrian - "Jimmy Barnes for 1" My thoughts entirely - good point

Malcolm, thanks for the thoughts there. I do think lessons just could be a help where I'm concerned

Cheers

[Nortilus (Josh)]

It also depends what kind of music you would like to sing...I was in a heavy metal cover band as a singer for a few years and I can tell you now that been able to sing clean vocals after singing "death metal growls" is quiet a challenge and that only practice will help strengthen your vocal chords. I have had quite a few "blow outs" as they're called from pushing my voice but found that after time it was easier to sing for longer and stay in key because of practice...
Dont be ashamed to sit in your room with the stereo blaring, singing along to your favorite songs...practice makes perfect.

[PCH (Paul)]

Josh,

thanks for that advice. I guess that probably like most people, I'm thinking I'll sound pretty crappy. It will be quite a feat rising above the inital embarrassment factor when you first start hey ?!

[Nortilus (Josh)]

Certainly is. First time I sang in public was at a pub doing an acoustic set with 2 of my friends on guitar and me singing...was about 50 people in the place and I was so nervous. Did the set and I can tell you when people are clapping you get this rush and it is the best feeling, and you get over your fear of performing pretty quick...

[PCH (Paul)]

Heehee .. i'm guessing you must have had a decent voice even then, despite your own reservations and nervousness Certainly if I went and did that, they all be shouting "get off - go on - bugger off boo hiss etc!"

[Nortilus (Josh)]

I've had no formal training or anything...just gave it a go...work out what you can sing and your vocal range and stick to that...