How to Sing Better While Playing an Instrument

My students are always asking me how to play an instrument and sing at the same time. You want to become a singer who can accompany yourself. Very smart. Here’s the dilemma: playing an instrument is one skill; singing is another skill; and playing while singing is a THIRD skill.

When you are playing without singing you still breathe. Obviously you say, but check out when you breathe. You’ll notice that you breathe with the phrasing of the music.

Here are a few steps to follow when learning how to sing while playing.

1. Play without singing and notice when you are breathing.
2. Now play without singing and perform a simple opening inhale when you breathe.
3. Then as you play without singing, do the simple opening inhale then blow the breath out in one continuous stream.
4. Now you are ready to add your voice. Do the simple opening inhale then release your voice just like blowing the breath out.
5. Go get yourself a gig!

Singing voice lessons are sometimes just plain logic of process. Trust the natural intelligence of the body as a musical instrument to become a great singer.

Band in photos- La Severa Matacera from Colombia- http://www.myspace.com/lsmcolombia
About the author

Sally Morgan is a professional vocal trainer with over 30 years of experience. Sally is also the creator and author of SingLikeYouSpeak(TM)!
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