Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column

Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column – by Jeff and Crystal Moore.

Dear Singin’ Guru,

You talk a lot about the “right” workouts. What does that mean?

Sincerely,

Need to Know

Dear NTK,

Glad you asked, and I imagine you asked because vocal lessons with anyone reputable are expensive. And they are expensive for a reason. A good vocal coach examines your voice from the perspective of a doctor, psychologist, producer, coach, and business mentor.

Everyone has different starting points for their vocal journey. Common points that we address include:

• Aural Ability:Your ability to hear and recognize pitch.
• Pitch Production:Your ability to produce a clear, accurate pitch.
• Closure:Addressing unnecessary breathiness in your voice.
• Interval Movement:Your ability to move fluidly between pitches.
• Register Transitions:Smooth movement within and between vocal registers.
• Speed of Movement:Developing agility and precision.
• Rhythmic Capabilities:Enhancing your sense of timing.
• Learning Style:Tailoring techniques to how you learn best.
• Motivation and Style:Aligning your training with your musical goals.
• Performance Metrics:Evaluating how well you deliver in live or studio settings.

It’s a long list because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why so many vocal coaches default to having students warm up and sing songs. If this is all your coach does, find another one. If your voice isn’t being challenged directly, or your weak points aren’t being addressed, you’re wasting time.

A good workout for your voice is like a good workout in the gym: it’s effective for a week or two. After that, it needs to be adjusted to match your new capabilities. Yes, you develop new capabilities over time.

Anyone can improve with consistent effort, but you must abandon the idea that using workouts designed for someone else will help you. Doing the exercises published for Beyoncé won’t necessarily work for you because your voice is not her voice. Attempting to copy someone else’s routine will likely lead to frustration rather than progress.

Just like any investment, the money you spend on your voice should yield real returns. That’s why great singers — even established ones like Beyoncé — still consult with vocal coaches. They understand that improvement is a lifelong journey.

Dear Singin’ Guru,

I have a recording contract, and the producer wants me to take singing lessons for two months to improve my pitch matching and reduce the amount of grit in my voice. Can this be done in time to record?

Sincerely,

Singer in a Hurry

Dear Singer in a Hurry,

The short answer is yes, you can improve in two months, and you will see noticeable changes if you work out regularly with the right exercises (see above question). Whether it will be enough for the producer is another matter entirely. Improvement in singing is highly individual, but with focused effort and the right techniques, you can achieve significant progress.

Many people believe that improving as a singer is like discovering a secret formula: learn a scale, memorize a tip, and suddenly, you’re a vocal virtuoso. That’s a myth. Sure, some singers may seem to have an innate advantage, but even the most “natural” voices in the industry are shaped by relentless effort. No one with a platinum-selling voice gets there simply by being born lucky or looking good — it takes consistent, hard work.

Let’s bust a common myth:

Myth: “I’m naturally awesome, so I don’t need to work hard.”

Reality: Anyone with real talent works their butt off.

Even singers who are not traditionally “gifted” can become stars. Look at Kurt Cobain; a genius songwriter who wasn’t a virtuoso guitarist or a natural voice talent. Or consider Dimebag Darrell, who became a guitar icon through obsessive practice. Freddie Mercury — often praised for his “natural” abilities — was rigorous about vocal workouts. Likewise, pop stars like Ariana Grande and Beyoncé are meticulous about their vocal training. Even Axl Rose, the ultimate rock bad boy, dedicates time to warm-ups and exercises before performances.

Here’s the real question you need to ask yourself: If you’ve landed a recording contract but your voice still isn’t where it needs to be, why haven’t you been working daily on improving it? That’s a painful truth to confront, but it’s a crucial one.

Now let’s reframe the situation:

Better Question: “Since I have a recording contract and my voice isn’t up to par, what can I do to improve my voice and continue growing throughout my career?”

Vocal improvement is like physical fitness: you can reach impressive heights, but without consistent maintenance, you’ll lose it. In just two months, here’s what you can focus on:

1. Daily Workouts:Spend at least 20 minutes a day on targeted exercises. Start with scales to improve pitch accuracy, then include techniques to reduce grit – such as breath control, relaxation, and strength building.
2. Feedback and Guidance:Work closely with a vocal coach who understands your goals and can tailor exercises to your needs.
3. Healthy Habits:Stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and avoid habits that can damage your voice (like smoking or excessive yelling).
4. Mindset Shift:Embrace the idea that vocal training isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing commitment to your craft.

As you begin this journey, remember: vocal work pays dividends. With discipline, you’ll not only meet the demands of this recording project but also set yourself up for long-term success. And yes, the “correct workouts” matter — but that’s a question for another day. Keep singing, keep improving, and keep proving you belong on the stage and in the studio.

Yours Truly,

The Singin’ Guru

Got a question? Contact the Singin’ Guru at jeff@peakmusicstudios.com. And check out the Guru author’s website for their most recent book release: “Your Singing Questions Answered: A Handbook for Beginning Singers.” On sale at Amazon and other retail locations.

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