How to Experiment with Different Singing Techniques in Pop Music

If you have wondered when we as humans began singing, then the answer to that question would be since we discovered that we had voices.  That being said, a lot about singing has changed over the thousands of years that we’ve been on this planet. Different cultures around the world have evolved over the centuries with each developing their own scales and modes, and henceforth different types of music and different singing techniques emerged.

Looking at this from an African perspective, the traditional African drum—which doesn’t really follow any form of scale—has over the centuries brought about the yelling and shouting style of singing that is well and truly synonymous with traditional African music.

Now, when you fast forward this to the 21st century and take into account modern musical instruments coming into the picture, look around you, and you’ll find that a lot of singers on the African continent still shout, and hence—thanks to the auto-tune—many an African singer will resort to excessive pitch correction software in the recording studio… which does sound incredibly awful, to say the least. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

You’re going to be amazed to discover how easy it is to re-balance your voice with specific vocal exercises; so that you’ll have the correct vocal posture that will enable you to freely experiment with different singing techniques with no pain and absolutely no strain in your voice. The more you experience the benefits of vocal training for the 21st century, the more you’ll want to stick with this.

And this is where your journey with experimenting with different singing techniques should begin… only whence you have your voice in order. For the simple fact that it will be so much easier to put into practice what you learn from the different styles in popular music. I’ve seen people try to sing songs by Adele, Rihanna, Beyonce and Justine Bieber and it sounds incredibly painful.

Musical styles and genres are very diverse and varied, as are the different cultures of the world. Each genre has its own unique characteristics that make it different from others, and each genre presents unique challenges for singers, but the one thing that is connected to all the genres is the human voice. South Africa’s Miriam Makeba is a shining example of an African export that truly appealed to a global audience for the quality of voice—remarkably so.

And so, you’ll want to learn how to control your vibrato without tension; experiment with different vocal sounds; and focus on improving your movement on stage and take dance lessons, if needs be, all of which will enhance your experience with different singing techniques and help you grow as a singer.

For information on my online vocal coaching program, read my article Affordable Vocal Coaching on Skype for Europe and North America.

You are the instrument, learn to sing like a pro!


JOETT

Vocal Coach & Author "Letters from a Vocal Coach"
Private Singing Lessons
Download Joett Vocal Drills