Listening and actually hearing are 2 different things. Have you ever had a conversation with someone and then realized that you had no idea what they said? Yes, it’s possible to listen without really hearing the other person. It’s the same with music. You can listen without really hearing the music.

I was interviewed by a radio station in FL that holds a huge karaoke jam. They played a bit of their producer singing at the karaoke jam and then asked me if I could help. I took on the challenge.

Usually with someone who sings rather tunelessly, it is because you are not hearing the music. You may be hearing the fear messages sent by stage fright or you may hear your sister telling you that you’ll never have what it takes. But the music is the last thing that you hear. You may think you are listening to the music, to the beat, but what you are hearing is something entirely different!

To change this pattern of non-hearing, you can try – while no one else is around – to hear music all around you. The squeaky elevator door, the truck thundering by, the music of someone’s voice – it’s all music in a way. The squeaky elevator door has pitch, the truck has rhythm as well as pitch, and a person’s voice has pitch and rhythm. Try to recognize the musical qualities of all that you hear.

When you have done that for a while, then start listening to music. Don’t try to sing along yet, just listen. See if you can hear the rhythm and melody. Really hear it. Once you get comfortable with that, then start singing along. Don’t judge yourself, just have fun hearing the music and singing with it. When you sing with the music – as opposed to singing against it – you can actually feel the matching vibrations of the music and your voice. Feels sweet.

Have fun! If you’d like to learn much more about your voice and how to sing simply and naturally, go to SingLikeYouSpeak.com and for quick fixes for your singing visit SingerQuickFix.com See you there!

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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