Beginner Vocal Lessons for New Singers
- Carrie Griffths
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Starting your singing journey can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. I remember when I first began, wondering how to even warm up my voice properly or how to hit those notes without strain. The good news is, with the right guidance and practice, you can develop a strong, healthy singing voice that expresses your unique style. In this post, I’ll walk you through essential steps and tips to get you started on the right foot with your vocal training.
Vocal Lessons for Starters: What You Need to Know
When you’re new to singing, it’s important to build a solid foundation. Vocal lessons for starters focus on teaching you how to use your voice safely and effectively. This means learning proper breathing techniques, posture, and vocal exercises that prepare your voice for singing without causing damage.
Understandably, too many singers, especially at the beginning, focus on trying to sound “good”. This actually suffocates your voice. One of the first things I learned was how to connect with how it feels to sing. Notice whether your throat, face, and muscles are tense or relaxed, and how they change, if at all, when you sing different pitches or make different sounds.
Another key aspect is posture. Standing or sitting with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and an open chest helps your lungs expand fully. This posture also allows your vocal cords to work without unnecessary tension.
Here are some simple starter tips to keep in mind:
Warm up your voice gently before singing.
Stay hydrated to keep your vocal cords healthy.
Avoid straining or pushing your voice too hard.
Practice regularly but give your voice rest days.
If you’re looking for personalised guidance, I highly recommend joining my private Whats App group. You can ask questions , share your challenges and celebrate your wins in an exclusive, supportive group: https://bit.ly/CGSinging
How to Train Your Vocals for Beginners?
Training your vocals as a beginner is all about consistency and smart practice. You don’t need to spend hours every day, but you do need to be intentional with your exercises. Here’s a step-by-step approach that worked well for me and many others:
Start with breathing exercises
Lie down or sit comfortably. Place one hand on your stomach and breathe in deeply through your nose. Feel your stomach rise, then exhale slowly through your mouth, making a hissing sound, for 8 bears. Repeat 3 times (4 in total).
Do gentle vocal warm-ups
Begin with humming or lip trills (blowing air through closed lips to create a brrr sound). These warm-ups help your vocal cords vibrate gently and prepare them for singing.
Practice scales and simple melodies
Use a piano or a keyboard app to play a note, then sing it back. Move up and down the scale slowly, focusing on pitch accuracy and smooth transitions. I have dozens of free vocal warm ups of you are unfamiliar with scales.
Work on your pitch and tone
Record yourself singing and listen back. This helps you identify areas where you might be flat or sharp and adjust accordingly.
Build stamina gradually
Start with short practice sessions (10-15 minutes) and increase the time as your voice gets stronger.
Remember, patience is key. Your voice is a muscle that needs time to develop. Avoid rushing into complex songs or high notes too soon.
Essential Vocal Techniques Every New Singer Should Master
As you progress, there are several vocal techniques that will help you sing with more control and expression. Here are some basics to focus on:
Diaphragmatic breathing: This supports your voice and helps you sustain notes longer.
Resonance: Learning to project your voice by using your chest, mouth, and head cavities to amplify sound.
Pitch control: Singing in tune by training your ear and voice to match notes accurately.
Vibrato: A natural, slight variation in pitch that adds warmth and emotion to your singing.
Articulation: Clear pronunciation of words to make your singing understandable and expressive.
You can practice these techniques through exercises like:
Sustaining a note on different vowels (ah, ee, oo) while focusing on steady breath.
Singing scales with a metronome to improve timing and pitch.
Experimenting with soft and loud dynamics to add emotion.
If you want to dive deeper into these techniques, many online courses and vocal coaches offer tailored lessons that can guide you step-by-step.
Tips for Maintaining Vocal Health
Your voice is your instrument, and like any instrument, it needs care. Here are some practical tips to keep your vocal cords healthy:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid shouting or whispering, both of which can strain your voice.
Rest your voice if you feel hoarse or tired.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can dry out your throat.
Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep your vocal cords moist.
Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke.
Also, be mindful of your overall health. Good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise contribute to better vocal performance.
Your Next Steps in Vocal Training
Starting with beginner vocal lessons is just the beginning of an exciting journey. As you build confidence and skill, you’ll find yourself able to tackle more challenging songs and styles. Remember, every professional singer started where you are now - with curiosity, practice, and a willingness to learn.
If you want to accelerate your progress, consider 1-1 lessons for comprehensive training tailored to contemporary music styles. This kind of support can help you master advanced techniques like belting, stylistic nuances, and safe vocal distortion, preparing you for a professional music career.
Keep practising, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering your unique voice. Your singing journey is yours to shape, and with the right tools and mindset, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Happy singing!
Comments