4 Unconventional Ways to Get Better at Singing

4 Unconventional Ways to Get Better at Singing Suzy S. Did you know there are ways you can get better at singing that DONT involve singing? Find out the ideas in this guest post by professional  voice teacher  Molly R... The obvious thing to do when you want  to get better at singing is, of course, to sign up for voice lessons! You may have even found that teacher right here on TakeLessons.com. But singing is so much more than what goes on with your vocal cords. We also have to exude confidence and connect with our audience. We can’t always get the help we need to become dynamic performers from voice lessons alone. Here are some suggestions for  other classes that will  take you from a good singer to an unforgettable one! Dance  Lessons No one’s looking for you to become the next Fred Astaire, but it’s essential that you move well if you plan on singing on any stage. Any  type of dance lesson  will do: ballet, salsa, ballroom, and more. When the body’s more relaxed and agile, not only do you look more polished, your voice will be a lot more free. Gone are the days of “park and bark,” where you just stand there and open your mouth. To use your space effectively, you have to be comfortable with your body. Fear not, non-dancers: There are plenty  of lessons  out there that cater to beginners. I plan on taking a swing dance workshop this summer, and I am encouraging all my students to join me! Tai Chi and Qigong This is super simple, yet so very beneficial. Master the eight brocades in Qigong, and you have a marvelous way to connect with both body and  breath! Tai Chi and Qigong lessons help us conquer nerves, get better sleep, and move with more grace. Yes, many of us have heard how yoga does all these things, too, but many people would prefer something easier and gentler. Plus, Tai Chi and Qigong are perfect  for kids and senior singers! In addition to your private lessons, I recommend following Jesse Tsao on YouTube for tips  and inspiration. Acting  Lessons A great  voice becomes a spectacular  voice when the audience believes you know  what you’re singing about. One of the best ways to develop  your performance skills  is to take acting lessons. Even if youre new to acting, beginner acting lessons  abound.  You can even find teachers through TakeLessons (I happen to teach beginning acting, too!). Remember, each song you sing is a monologue set to music. Finding ways to express it dramatically, as well as musically, will set you apart from other  singers  who are  only focused on sounding good! To help you get better at singing, an acting coach will challenge you to create a character for each song, thus making each of your performances more meaningful to both you and your audience. To supplement your lessons, I also recommend reading the book “What Do I Do With My Hands?” by Rhonda Carlson, who has coached many Broadway performers. Improv  Lessons This one changed everything for me! These days, improvisational comedy workshops are offered everywhere, including at corporate events and schools to make employees and students feel more confident. Plus,  it’s plain fun! Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for any sort of performer. By taking improv lessons, you’ll strengthen your creativity by learning how to  think on your feet and to trust your instincts. You’ll also learn how to “play well with others meaning your fellow performers  and the audience. And did I mention just how much fun it is? Go for it! After performing in any improv situation, recitals, musicals, and  open mics will seem so much easier! So, what are you waiting for? As a voice student, you will always be learning something new to  help you  get better at singing â€" but, surprisingly, it’s not always about vocal technique! So  go sign up, and have a blast. When you’re having fun on stage, so is the audience! Post Author:  Elaina R. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013.  Learn more about Molly  here! Photo by Nick Page Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher