For all you youthful kids out there who cherish singing and might want to show signs of improvement at it, here are a few tips for you to outline a vocation as an expert vocalist. Observe…
Music happens to be one of those rare things which each and every child enjoys. Though most 5-year olds, 6-year olds, 8-year olds, etc., are at an age where they are too young to understand music theories or music appreciation, nevertheless, nearly all of them enjoy the ‘sound’ of music. This is something which is very important, and it is often a very decisive factor in a child pursuing music or developing a serious interest in it at a later stage.
Singing happens to be one aspect of music that most kids are introduced to in the early stages of school. A friendly looking music teacher, who is slightly plump, with rimmed glasses that rest at the tip of her nose, sitting at the piano, teaching ‘Popeye the Sailorman’ to a bunch of young enthusiastic kiddos, is a very common sight, and one which instantly brings a smile on the face of any bystander. Well, the liking for music (not to mention the increasing influence of reality shows) has led to quite a few children developing a serious interest in music, and in particular, singing.
Tips for Children
Rather than enlisting any specific singing lessons meant for kids, I think it would be better if I presented a few important, but often ignored tips.
- First and foremost, learn to enjoy music, as this is something that is very, very important. You will automatically get better at music (this applies to both, singers as well as musicians) if you enjoy it genuinely from within.
- Pay attention to all that your music teacher says and teaches in school. Quite often, it is in school itself where the foundation of music is laid. Show keen interest in all that is taught in your school music sessions. If you develop a genuine interest in those sessions, it will pave the way for better things to come.
- Getting proper training from a vocal trainer is very important. A vocal trainer is different from a music teacher; do not get confused between the two. A music teacher will teach you all about musical notations, musical notes, music styles, music theory, etc., while a vocal trainer, on the other hand, will teach you about throat care, how to properly utilize your vocal cords while singing, how to modulate your voice, how to tackle high notes, etc. Vocal training is extremely important, as improper or incorrect singing techniques can seriously damage your vocal cords, both temporarily as well as permanently.
- Don’t get carried away by what you see on television. Many a time, it so happens that kids think of taking up singing only because they see their favorite singers and pop stars performing on television; singing, dancing, and getting showered with lots of adulation from thousands of fans. Always remember, it takes years of practice, discipline, and continuous hard work to reach that pedestal. Stardom doesn’t happen overnight. You need to be sincere about singing, and you should keep on practicing regularly. Do not be on the lookout for shortcuts, as there aren’t any.
- If you are a singer, do not shout or scream unnecessarily. You will only end up straining your vocal cords.
- Be careful of what you eat. If you are going to be singing at a competition, audition, or concert, avoid eating extra spicy or oily food prior to the event. Also, stay away from cold food such as ice cream, chilled soda, etc.
- Never sing when your throat hurts, as you will only end up damaging your already strained vocal cords further. Rest is the best medicine that you can give your throat in such circumstances.
- This last tip is for parents. Do not force or unnecessarily pressurize your child to pursue singing, or for that matter any art. This will rob the child of the enjoyment factor, and the art will soon turn into a burden or a subject of immense dislike. Of late, thanks to the growing influence of talent hunts and reality shows, there are cases wherein parents end up putting too much pressure on the child with respect to any performing art. This can, at times, have a severely negative impact on the child’s mental framework, causing him/her to lose self-confidence, develop nervousness or anxiety, and start hating that particular performing art.
This was a short overview of how to sing with ease. Remember this simple mantra―enjoy singing and practice it with sincerity, so that you will surely succeed.