Singing Lessons - What's the Best Method?

[kodacolor]

I'm thinking about getting singing lessons.  I've been doing some research and I still have not figured out what I want to do.

Singing Style
I've read that classically trained singers are good, but they have a hard time singing more mainstream stuff.  Then stumbled on SLS (Speech Level Singing).  I read that it's decent for everything but head voice and whistle tones.  Even though you can achieve it using SLS it's not the best way to go about it.  Also classical singing tells you that you have to breathe a certain way in order to sing properly.  SLS doesn't focus on breathing a certain way.

Singing Lesson Methods
Also, there's a music program called "Singing Success" by Brett Manning and it seems legit.  It's based on SLS and on the website there are before and afters that are pretty convincing, however the afters sound like they were recorded in a studio.  That makes me wonder if these people have ever had private lessons with Brett Manning.  In this program Brett says, "You've been breathing all your life.  Why do you need to know a special way to breath just for singing?"  Since I didn't study voice I can't really answer that question, but I know for exercising there's a more effective way of breathing.  I doubt exercising is the only activity where you can/should breathe a certain way to get better results.  Also, I can do this program at home and at my own pace, but there won't be anybody there to tell me specifically what I'm doing wrong.  Then again I'm a pretty observant person so that may not be too much of a problem. 

Then there's always the option of going to a vocal teacher.  The one thing I'm still researching is how to find a good vocal teacher and how to find out of they're worth the money I'd be paying them.  A program can't get impatient if I'm not improving as quickly as it likes or if I'm being nit picky about my voice.  It can't be discouraging like some ex-teachers I've had (for piano, not vocal).  A vocal program can't push me along even though it's obvious that I'm not ready to move on.  But still a program can't adjust to my needs.

*sigh* what I want.  I need some opinions.  Oh btw, the program is $200.  In about 2 - 3 months I could spend $200 (maybe more) trying to find a decent teacher or I can spend that amount on a great teacher.

   please help.

[Shaylene]

Imma lay low on this one kodacolor because i'm in the same boat.
I can't wait to read what others will post because I can use some advice.

[musallio]

I'm not an expert in this field as well, but I'll attempt to give whatever I can now:

My 17 year old sister was classically trained.
I only learnt of her talent when my friends would come to me singing praises of her musical capabilities.
She can sing any Britney Houston , Yolanda Adams type of song quite well..
She has amazing voice control (your female version of Fred Hammond really ..lol)
That's great for 95% of the choir songs..
So by that,I would encourage you to take classics voice training lessons.

However, a friend has told me before (& I know it as well), that her voice is not well suited for the more "mainstream gospel" stuff.
but in my opinion, it could just be her voice & the fact that she's still a youngster.

I should also point you to the HEARANDPLAY VOCAL COURSE which is retailing at $149 & contains 12 cds.. (don't forget to go to the link JP gives)
I have not purchased those personaly, but I think they will take your singing to the next level 4 sho..& equip you with the various techniques available (the few items I have from H&P are great on theory )..

I think if you are looking for a teacher, the 1st thing you need to ask is the content/ scope of their teaching & the cost of each syllabus they take you through & the timeframe.
Also ask for testimonials ; request the students to sing if they are available / make an appointment with them so that you can assess if that is something close to what you want at the end.

Another overlooked aspect about singing is that of fear of audience..that alone can have a tremendous difference in how you sing..SOmetimes even if you think you are confident, you can find yourself nervous & your voice will be all shaky..So work on that confidence aspect of things.. (that's my 1c )

I don't know if you've used these resources before, if you have'nt , it might be good to start reading them:

http://a2z-singing-tips.com/
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/251_female-voice-training.htm
http://www.become-a-singing-master.com/vocal-training-tips.html

Ok, we don't want info overload, so this should keep you busy for some time..

Hopefully this will help you.

[jones599]

I had learn basic lessons online without any cost and for further training in singing I had buy some e books on How to Learn Singing like Singorama Review, The Pure Pitch Method - Perfect Pitch Ear Training Review and Singing Lessons - Voice Lessons Online Review.


http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/586_voice-lessons.htm?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=yssp&utm_campaign=yssp_series 
http://hubpages.com/hub/Learn_To_Sing_Free
http://www.learnsingingreviews.com/

Good Luck

[Casioman]

I got this email from hearandplay recently if you are interested-:

Be Blessed
Casioman

================================================>

Hi Casioman,

Many students have been wondering when the vocal
mastery course will be out. It's been almost a
year since I first announced it.

Well, I have great news for you! It's coming out
at the end of this month (***FINALLY***).

Nena Lockhart, your expert vocal coach, has received
nothing but praise since we released her clips and
I'm sure that you'll react no differently when you
hear her teaching style --- and HER VOICE!

==> http://www.hearandplay.com/vocaltips

Since I've been listening to her tips, my voice
has gotten 10x better (and many people who've watched
earlier editions of GospelKeys 101 and 300 know that
I've never professed to be a great singer)!

==> http://www.hearandplay.com/vocaltips

At the very least, click on the link and listen to the
14 professional audio lessons we've pulled directly
from the 10-cd mega course! You won't be disappointed
and will even have something to work on... starting
today!

Since we have gotten used to hosting our videos on
youtube (free storage and no strain on our servers), I
don't know how long I can keep these 14 audio lessons
up since we've loaded them directly on hearandplay.com.

If the site starts to slow down from over 200,000 people
listening, then I may have to pull them off the server
so don't miss out on this valuable information.

==> http://www.hearandplay.com/vocaltips

[chevonee]

Thanks guys!!! I'm also working on my singing as well. I have the voice but I have to learn how to use it.