Mastering Pop Music 

Successful pop music is usually measured in terms of commercial success with little regard to artistic merit although it generally has a good dance beat and hook to the song — performed by charismatic singers who may or may not be technically talented, look attractive, fashionable, and have the ability to dance well. The Image of the performer is often regarded as just important as or more than the music itself in this particular genre.

There are different techniques used in pop singing that cross over into many other styles or genres of music as well.  Speech singing, belting, twang, staccato notes, quick phrasing, breathy vocals, vocal runs, using the head voice/falsetto, attitude, and delivery are all key components in pop music. By using a combination of these techniques, you can create your very own unique style.  However, great singing always comes back to the key components of   your pitch (singing in key while hitting the correct notes) and breath control.

Below is a list of links to allow you to hear the techniques mentioned above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO5uCKw4nl0

Example: speech singing, staccato, breathy vocals, attitude and delivery. 

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

Example: Usage of the head-voice in a stylistic way, speech singing, staccato notes, belting, ascending siren as discussed in my earlier article on singing rock and roll. This song shows a lot of attitude, emotion as well as intensity in the vocal performance.

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

Example: quick phrasing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqxo1SKB0z8

Example: Belting in the chorus, inflections in the voice to create emotion.

Head-voice in the notes at the end. All achieved by using a breath push from the diaphragm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dhtsH23wmE

Example: Emotion, vocal runs, breathy vocals, belting, nice open sound through out the song, good use of higher range, holding controlled note at the very end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ZBENn-nUU

Example: subtle breathy voice, strong vocals, speech singing, head-voice, quick vocal runs ascending and descending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g

Example: quick phrasing, quick staccato notes, strong vocals

Listen to the above styles and notice the techniques these artists use. To be a successful artist does not mean sounding like someone else but rather, using the same techniques the stars use, combined with your own unique vocal sound to create your own unique sound. Give it a try!

So You Want to Sing?

Here's a list of the 10 Secrets you need to know:

1. Find a place to practice without distractions.
2. Set a time of 30 minutes to an hour each day for rehearsal. I recommend one hour per day at the least; and try to get in a practice 5 or 6 days a week.
3. Being comfortable and relaxed in your rehearsal environment is very important. I suggest wearing workout attire or loose fitting clothing.
4. Try to clear your mind of anything non-singing related. Singing has been known to be a form of meditating and with a little focus, it can be very soothing and healing.
5. When choosing your music, your best choice as a beginner is something not too complicated, usually performed by a “GOOD VOCALIST”. The best way to learn is by watching and listening to those who sing correctly.  I personally like the great opera singers however there are many great singers to choose from in every genre (type) of music.
6. Use backing / karaoke tracks, or sing along with your favourite artists / cds. I suggest both methods.  Backing tracks will allow you to hear what your own voice sounds like, helping you to develop your tone and pitch. While singing along with the artist will help train your ear to the correct notes and various styles of singing.
7. Use a recording device; whether it be a web cam with sound, karaoke on-line, or something as simple as a tape recorder. You will need to do this fairly regular in the beginning to learn when you are in your “correct voice” and when you are not. 
8. Get comfortable with your own voice and the practice area. What I mean is, find a place where you are able to make as much noise or hit as many bad notes as needed, without feeling embarrassed, shy or uneasy in anyway.
9. Take at least 10 minutes to warm-up before you begin singing. During this 10 minutes, notice any tense areas in your body and begin relaxing them. For example, think about your jaw, tongue, neck, shoulders, arms, back, and chest, while you relax these areas. You can learn more about how to relax these areas before a performance or rehearsal in an upcoming article.
10. Devote some time every day to breathing exercises, since it is the fundamental key in singing better and protecting your instrument; your voice. Whether your goal is to sing in a choir, for friends and family, at the campfire, or to become the next big singing star, at the very foundation of all great singing is learning how to control your breath using your diaphragm.

Remember, the basic fundamental factor of singing is breathing properly which is something that should be practiced several times daily.

Proper breathing technique can be done:

• discretely while waiting in line getting your morning coffee or while sitting in class,
• on your commute to work or school, or
• as a means to relax the body through meditation. 

How to Breathe Properly

Basically, proper breathing technique can be done just about anywhere you are.  The basic rule in beginning to breath properly or from the diaphragm is to inhale (breathe in) through your nose and exhale (breath out) through your mouth.

Try this …

Take a deep breath in through your nose and breath out through your mouth.  Breathing from the diaphragm is the art of expanding and collapsing the middle and upper abdomen, the area from the pelvic up to the lower chest cavity.  When breathing fully from the diaphragm, the shoulders will not raise and lower when a breath is taken. The middle area (torso) of the body will expand on the *breath in* (inhale) and collapse on the *breath out* (exhale).

1. There are two times when your body does this naturally, as you are sleeping, and
2. when you yawn.

Want More?  I teach my favourite breathing and muscle strengthening techniques, along with other helpful tips in our FREE 5-week Video minicourse. Join NOW!

With so many singing lesson products on the internet today, how do you know which one to buy?  Are some products better than others?

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3.     Pitch Master Pro – Ear Training Software

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