Switch From Singing Classical Music to Pop
Changing singing styles can be very difficult, especially when you have been trained to sing a completely different genre. It will take time to adapt yourself to singing pop from classical. Don't ever feel like you have to change just because your friends don't like Classical or Broadway. if this is what you're most comfortable with stick with it and try to improve!
Contents
Steps
- Listen to as much pop music as you can. Listen to how the songs have been sung and try and sing the same way.
- Realize that pop music requires you to use a different technique than classical. You should gently suppress your vibrato, the natural tendency of the voice to warble when a fully developed voice holds a sustained tone. You must be careful not to do so simply by using more force in your voice. This sometimes is referred to as "belt" singing or over-singing and can permanently scar your vocal cords if done carelessly. Pop singers perform with microphones; they only need to sing with the power needed to produce the appropriate dynamic range within the song. Practice speaking on pitch in a normal voice until you can comfortably increase your volume. You also can add breath to the tone, sing more nasally, and mispronounce pure vowels, but do not lose the pitch by doing so!
- Put yourself in the shoes of the person who sings the song you are singing, e.g. if the song is more rock or hard rock, think "I'm bad. I'm awesome, I'm bad." This will bring more power and roughness into your voice. Also think "I'm strong, I'm powerful." Thinking positive like this will let your voice out.
- Learn more about the music, e.g. how to sing it, feel it and appreciate it. Ask someone who knows more about pop music to help you.
- Listen to other styles of music that require the same kind of vocal style as pop e.g. blues, country, ballads, rock 'n' roll, rock, and R&B. Also listen to styles such as soul, house, and alternative.
Tips
- If you have a particularly strong suit that adds flare to the song, use it sparingly to keep the audience interested.
- Give yourself a lot of time to adapt. It will be very hard when you first start out, but eventually it will get easier.
- Be aware of your sounding of vowels. Learn the difference between the pronunciation of words in pop music than to classical.
- Follow artists that you consider idols until you get used to singing pop. Listen to your local pop music radio station to know what's hot.
Warnings
- You need to be more aware of your breathing. Pop music is often more quickly paced than classical music. Take "snatch breaths" where possible.
- Start off easy. Do not strain your voice. If you can't reach a note in a strong voice, don't sing it.
