Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column

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

Dear Singin’ Guru,

I’ve been taking voice lessons for six months, and I want to know if I’m ready to perform. How can I tell? 

Signed,

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

Performance and lessons aren’t separate — they go hand in hand. Start performing as soon as possible in venues that match your current skill level. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that you should always compete in situations where you have a chance of success. You don’t have to win, but you need a fighting chance. The same applies to singing. If you’re completely unprepared and know you’ll fail, then it’s not time yet. But if you can reasonably sing the song, remember the lyrics, and present yourself confidently, then take the stage.

All musicians want that perfect performance, but those are rare, even for pros. What matters is readiness—and that doesn’t mean flawlessness. The real test of whether you’re ready to perform is:

1.   Can you sing all the necessary notes in the song?
2.   Are the lyrics memorized?
3.   Can you present confidently on stage (even if it feels awkward at first)?
4.  Are you performing in front of the right audience?

That last point is critical. If you’re just starting out and sign up for America’s Got Talent, you’ve got the wrong audience. But if you’re singing at an open mic night, a coffee shop, or even a karaoke bar, then you’re in the right place. You grow into performance, so don’t wait until you think you’re “good enough” because that day will never come unless you start now.

If you’re serious about improving your performance skills, follow these seven key steps

1.  Take lessons – a solid vocal foundation makes everything easier.
2.   Work out daily (15 minutes) – consistency beats marathon practice sessions.
3.   Choose the right song – pick something you like and can sing well.
4.  Strive for, but don’t expect perfection – great performances come from experience, not just raw talent.
5.   Pick the right audience – find a space where your current skill level can shine.
6.   Don’t apologize for mistakes – learn from them and move forward.
7.  Have fun! – this is supposed to be exciting!

Think of performing like climbing a staircase. You’re always ready for the next step. As your skills improve, better venues will become the right venues. Start singing, start performing, and most importantly, keep going.

Forever Yours,

The Singin’ Guru

Dear Singin’ Guru,

My choir director says I’m an alto, but I LOVE Mariah Carey songs! Can I sing Mariah?

Yours Truly,

Mariah Lover

Dear Mariah Lover,

The short answer is yes! Your choir classification doesn’t define your full vocal potential. Unfortunately, traditional singing pedagogy hasn’t always kept up with modern vocal science, so many singers believe they are locked into a specific range. Voice coach Jaime Vendera says, “The biggest mistake singers make is assuming their current voice is their permanent voice. You don’t know what your voice can do until you push it systematically for at least two to three years.”

Your choir director likely placed you as an alto based on what they hear in your speaking or natural chest voice. Choir directors often look for “pretty” voices—ones that blend well, have moderate volume, and fit into the needs of the ensemble. This classification is useful for choir balance, but it does not reflect your full vocal potential.

Dr. Ingo Titze, a leading voice scientist, states: “The ability to extend range is not fixed at birth. With proper training, nearly all singers can increase their range by an octave or more.” This means that even if you are assigned an alto part in choir, you may have the ability to develop high, soprano-like notes — or even hit whistle tones like Mariah Carey. Research has shown that vocalists can stretch their tessitura (comfortable singing range) through structured exercises and technique.

Dr. Robert Sataloff, otolaryngologist and voice expert, notes: “Vocal folds are like any other muscle group — they adapt to the way they are trained. With effort, most singers can sing well beyond their initial range.” This means that someone classified as a bass could train into the soprano range with dedicated vocal work.

While choir is an excellent environment for harmony, teamwork, and discipline, it does not develop certain key vocal techniques needed for pop, rock, or R&B singing. Most choirs focus on either chest voice or head voice, often neglecting mixed voice—the critical blend needed for powerful high notes.

If you try to sing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston using only chest voice, you will likely struggle. But with mixed voice training, those notes become accessible. Additionally, choirs don’t typically train vocal effects such as: belting (powerful, chest-dominant high notes); runs & riffs (fast, intricate note changes); whistle register (Mariah Carey’s signature technique); and vocal distortion & grit (common in rock and soul music).

A common mistake is treating choir singing and lead singing as the same discipline. They are almost as different as driving a car vs. piloting a boat — both get you places, but they require different handling. Choir singing tends to follow a classical approach, with precise blending and vocal balance. Lead singing, however, requires individuality, vocal stamina, and emotional connection.

If you want to sing Mariah-like songs, you’ll need to train specifically for those styles. This means: 1) developing mixed voice to navigate high notes; 2) strengthening vocal support for sustained belting; 3) Learning agility for fast vocal runs; and 4) practicing vocal effects used in pop and rock.

Enjoy choir for what it is — a structured, beautiful art form — but don’t let it define you. Being told you are an alto doesn’t mean you can’t develop a powerhouse high range. If you’re serious about expanding your abilities, work with a vocal coach who specializes in contemporary singing styles. The bottom line: your voice classification is just a starting point, not a final destination. Keep training, keep exploring, and don’t be afraid to belt those Mariah notes!

Yours Truly,

The Singin’ Guru

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