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How to Sing on Key

Even the musically illiterate among any crowd can tell when a singer hits a bad note. Whether it's just plain flat or screechingly off key, the sound makes listeners wince. If you want to avoid torturing other people's ears (and your own), follow the tips below to sing on key.

Instructions

    • 1

      Eliminate vocal tension. Do stretching exercises before performances and practice sessions. Meditate, perform yoga or do breathing exercises to prepare the body and mind for singing. Exercise the jaw by performing exaggerated chewing motions and singing or speaking random words.

    • 2

      Sing on the breath. To project the voice and ensure perfect or near perfect pitch, a vocalist needs to breathe from the abdomen, filling it up like a balloon with air before singing a phrase, and then releasing the breath as he or she sings. Consistent deep breathing gives the vocal chords the push they need to guarantee proper pitch.

    • 3

      Stand straight. Keep the shoulders and chest lifted. Relax your head and keep it level. Good posture helps a singer stay on key.

    • 4

      Train the ears. Practice scales on the piano or keyboard until you can replicate notes easily. Listen to each note as you (or your teacher) play it, then imitate it. Sing along with your favorite songs until your voice blends in with the vocals. By listening to and imitating sounds on a consistent basis, a vocalist learns to sing on key.

    • 5

      Record your lessons and performances. A singer can determine their trouble areas by listening to and analyzing their pitch after every practice session. Discuss ways to overcome poor pitch with your teacher.

    • 6

      Tame your tongue to stay on key. The tongue needs to be flat against the bottom of the mouth when you sing. If it's flailing around, it can interfere with the pitch.

Singing

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