Discover the Best Singing Classes Online
Singing is an art that involves the creation of music using one’s breath and mouth movements. Some individuals believe they are bad at singing when the truth is they have never been taught how to do so properly. Your voice is an instrument, and while some are born with a natural talent for using it, others require instruction to realize they are more talented than they realized.
The act of singing may look simple but is actually rather complex. Singers draw air from deep within their lungs – much deeper than comes naturally (in fact, runners are often taught to breathe similarly). They must also maintain proper posture to allow this deep breathing to occur. They need to be aware of how they release their breath as this affects the sound and power of their voice. Also tied to sound is the positioning of a singer’s lips, tongue, and jaw. The same sustained breath can sound very different depending on the positioning of a singer’s mouth.
Clearly, there is more to singing than many people realize. And while all the components related to the art may sound complicated, they become second nature to those who practice. While you may not become the next celebrity through attending singing classes, professional instruction will teach you how to find your voice and develop a new, possibly surprising skill.
Why You Should Learn Singing Online
Singing is an enjoyable activity that can lift one’s mood. Studies have shown that singing releases “feel good” brain chemicals and also increases proteins in the immune system. Singing thus increases feelings of happiness and makes one’s immune system at least temporarily stronger. Singing has been used as therapy to reduce stress and anxiety as well as increase concentration and memory. Singing also generally increases one’s confidence as the act of singing in front of others can be a very vulnerable activity.
Physically, singing has been shown to improve posture, strengthen the lungs, and increase circulation. This makes singing a great low-level exercise for seniors and other individuals with limited mobility. Singing also strengthens the throat muscles, and studies have found a decrease in snoring and sleep apnea systems.
Individuals who sign up for singing classes or join a community choir will discover unexpected social benefits. The brain associates the joining of one’s voice with another’s as a bonding activity. Thus, individuals who sing in a group will find themselves forming faster friendships with the members of that group than they would through other social activities. Beginning any new hobby often comes with the discovery of new social circles, and is highly recommended for discovering new friends and decreasing feelings of isolation.
It’s possible to make money from singing, though it is not recommended to start a new hobby for that reason alone. Those who do well with their voice work may freelance their voice for tv commercials or radio jingles. Others may sell vocal tracks to be used in the production of someone else’s songs. Beginning music artists may release songs on streaming platforms to get their foot in the industry and for some extra cash. Some singers decide to pass on their skills by teaching singing classes themselves. In the end, it’s important to enjoy the hobby you are engaging in, especially as you may decide it isn’t worth monetizing or you don’t become skilled enough to sell your services.
Virtual Singing Classes
You can learn just as much from a virtual singing class as from an in-person one. Virtual classes use digital tools to connect students and instructors online. Students can sing and interact with their instructor one-on-one just as they would in a physical classroom.
A major advantage of virtual singing classes is their availability. They often have flexible schedules, and students may choose to attend them from anywhere in the world. There’s also no commute required, so students don’t have to spend additional money on gas.
The only downside to virtual singing classes lies in possible technical issues. Students must have a quality microphone and/or video camera so their voice can be heard clearly. Any video or audio lag can make vocal harmonizing difficult. An instructor may have difficulty noticing poor posture in a virtual environment than a physical one. However, an instructor experienced in online teaching can get around these possible issues.
Prospective online singing workshops include Let’s Sing with Jocelyn Medina and Let’s Sing with Olivia Foschi, offered by New York Jazz Workshop. The workshops cover the same content but feature different instructors on different days of the week. The courses are intended for beginners to aid them in discovering their voice in a positive community setting. The class lasts for four sessions and includes additional learning materials and take-home assignments. Students who are unsure about the adequacy of their virtual setup can contact the school or instructor for assistance. Students must be at least 18 years or older. The average class size is 6 people.
Younger students (15 and older) wanting to learn beginning techniques may attend the virtual Singer`s Workshop, provided by Los Angeles City College. The workshop lasts for 5 sessions and teaches students proper breathing, how to work their vocals, and tips for putting on a confident performance. Students will gain experience singing as a group and individually. The average class includes around 12 students.
Students of all levels looking to improve their skills in preparation for performance are welcome to attend The Voice Lab: Vocal Technique & Performance course. The class includes both in-person and virtual students. Participants learning online receive additional training with the instructor. The course is personalized to your needs but focuses on improving one’s personal style, microphone work, and vocal technique.
Private Online Group Singing Classes
If you’re a business or organization looking to schedule a team building event, singing classes may not cross your mind. However, singing may be one of the best team building activities. The act of singing in a group forms automatic social bonds in our minds. This can help form new connections among team members. Allowing another person to hear your singing voice can also be an anxiety inducing experience. Overcoming this fear within a group environment builds trust among team members and can improve group performance. As singers in a choir learn how to balance their roles with others, teams who attend singing classes can learn how to improve group dynamics.
Businesses and organizations can register for private group singing classes through CourseHorse. In Virtual Trivia: Holiday Music Karaoke, your team will sing holiday music together. Trivia involves completing lyrics and verses or identifying tunes. Holiday music from various cultures is featured, not just Christmas. Participants will compete over four rounds of trivia and get to test their music knowledge individually and in small groups. Trivia lasts for one hour.
If you aren’t interested in sining holiday music, CourseHorse offers the ability to customize existing courses. They may also be able to create a new course for your team. You may discuss your options with CourseHorse by contacting them through their website.
There are many other reasons to book your event through CourseHorse. There are no booking fees, and you can reschedule or cancel an event at no charge provided enough notice is provided. Group sizes can also be altered after booking and alternate virtual platforms are supported if your team prefers not to use Zoom. Any course materials are included in event prices and are shipped to participants. CourseHorse will send your registration confirmation within 24 hours.
Online vs. In-Person Singing Classes
Students can learn to sing online and in person. Which type of class you should choose to sign up for depends on various factors. For starters, not everyone will be able to find singing lessons near them. In this case, online singing classes can open up a ton of options. Students can attend classes located all over the country, and possibly even the world, without having to leave the comfort of their home. This convenience is also ideal for students who would prefer not to make the commute required by in-person classes or for students who wish to attend classes taught by specific schools or instructors. Scheduling may also be a factor in choosing an online singing class as many virtual courses offer flexible scheduling options.
Even with virtual tools, some people prefer the personability of in-person classes. Interacting with classmates and forming friends will be easier for some students in a physical environment than online. While students can interact with their instructor through online tools, including asking questions and receiving instructions, technology offers limitations not found in a physical classroom. There can be a lag when information is sent online, so it may be difficult for students to sing in sync with their peers or musical accompaniment. Online, an instructor also can’t view a student’s full posture, so it may be more difficult to correct issues in this area.
Usually, a student won’t need to purchase equipment for in-person singing classes. However, if their microphone or web video is poor quality, they may need to invest in an upgrade in order for their voice to come through clearly. It’s also common for instructors to record the voice of their students so students can hear what their voice sounds like and make improvements. However, this recording can have quality issues when traveling through a student’s microphone and an instructor’s virtual interface. Some students may wish to record their voice at home with their own equipment.
It’s worth noting that a good online instructor will understand the technological limitations of learning online and how to work around them. Many students learn how to sing successfully through virtual courses. If you are considering online singing classes, be sure to do some research into the class, school, and instructor to make sure you are receiving a quality course. Feel free to ask the school or instructor any questions you may have regarding the technical setup and how it may affect your learning experience.
Can I Learn Singing for Free Online?
It is possible to learn to sing online for free. This is often done through watching video tutorials. These videos might include breathing exercises, education on pitch, and how to shape your mouth to produce certain sounds. Sing-a-long and harmonizing videos allow students to practice singing with another person. Though it is possible to learn these techniques on your own, it can be very difficult to identify your own mistakes.
Especially in singing, it’s impossible for an individual to correctly hear their own voice. When we speak, our voice travels through our bones and to our inner ear in a way that is entirely different from how it travels through the air. The fact is, your voice sounds different to you than it does to everyone else. For this reason, self-learning singers need to record their voice to truly identify how it sounds and make corrections. For many people, this can be very uncomfortable as they aren’t used to how their voice sounds to the rest of the world.
A professional instructor can help students deal with their insecurity and offer encouragement. Many people also find they learn and improve faster when taught by a professional instructor.