Hey everyone, new here.
Looking into either getting singing lessons/coaching OR buying those convenient lessons on cds/dvds. Which is best?
For a bit of background: I really don't think I sing terribly, and some instances I think I sound rather good. I've learned some of the common breathing exercises, mouth and tongue warm-up techniques and basic ways to strengthen vocally. Been practicing for sometime. Recording myself and listening for any improvements that need to be made and or generally getting used to how I sound. So, like I said, I don't really think I sound terrible. But I would like to be more consistent, and well, overall just get better. I know improvement is needed, and I know I don't hit those notes consistently and so on and so forth.
So, wondering if one on one lessons is more efficient or if I just stay to a strick practice session by myself along with a cd/dvd would be just as effective. I'm thinking I know which is better, but just wanted to get some experience opinions.
Thanks
And, might as well include this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/DaggerFynn (rate, comment on youtube or here if you don't mind - would really like some feedback. thanks)
A daring example of how I sound (added a bit of chorus in the sound to add a slight, but hopefully not too much, niceness to the sound.) This particular song seemed easiest compared to maybe ones ive tried to practice by Our Lady Peace, Switchfoot, or U2 or others I'm sure. I think its just in some cases, my air compacity doesn't go as far and note production fluctuates and or/the whole singing infront of someone causes me to hold myself back. (??)
I can't sing, so anything I say is second-hand. :D
I'd say that proactively, a DVD or whatever can do the same as a teacher.
I'd say that reactively, there's no contest - a DVD has no ability to give the student feedback on what he/she is doing right/wrong, nor can it tell the student how to correct a problem.
DVDs won't give you a pat on the back, for doing well, either :D
I started with nothing - and I've still got most of it left.
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Hi,
The difficult with theorising about one way versus another is that the only way that you can really find out for sure if a particular teacher knows something that you don't is by having some lessons. :wink:
I've had some lessons (not talking specifically singing here) that taught me nothing new. But they weren't wasted because they helped confirm that I was on the right track. But I've also had lessons that threw up a whole heap of new questions, that I didn't even realise that I should be asking, let alone have any idea of what the answer was.
Greybeard's post that a teacher should be able to hear what you're doing and give advice is spot on. On your own you can still kid yourself, or miss things. I thought that your singing sounded great, but I'm sure that a teacher would be able to tell you how accurate that opinion is, tell you how good or bad you are compared to accepted performance standards, and give you you ways of making it even better. A DVD won't even be able to hear you.
I think that it often really boils down to how much you want to spend. If you can only afford to commit a small amount of time and money to a teacher then the pressures and expectations that you'll put on a handful of lessons would most likely lead to disappointment. But if you can find a teacher that you have confidence in, and are prepared to invest the time, money and patience required then it should pay off.
I've just started singing lessons. I've budgeted to keep them going for as long as it takes. I can get an entire year's worth of lessons for less money than I paid for the guitar I usually use (and it's not a particularly expensive guitar). I could keep buying guitars and amps instead, but I'll only ever have one irreplaceable voice. It's time to get it working (and besides, none of the gear that I blow the money on ever seems to come with built in talent anyway..)
Good luck with your choice. But don't forget, there are untold people out there who can play reasonable guitar, but a good singer is priceless. :)
Cheers,
Chris
Singing lessons from a singing teacher is definitely the only way to progress. A dvd won't give you feed back or tell you if your pitching and timing is off.One on One lessons are better than group lessons as everyone progresses at a defferent rate.
A good singing teacher will show you how to use your diaphragm. This is the key to good singing technique. How is a dvd going to feel your body and ensure that you are using the correct muscles?voiceandmusicstudio.com.au
John
www.singinglessonsadelaide.com.au
Adelaide.South Australia
