Singers: Get the 411

I LOVE being a Regional Director for AMTC! My job allows me to travel and meet so many wonderfully talented models, actors, singers, and dancers.

Growing up in this industry as a model and a trained singer, I am often surprised at the “raw” talent in vocalists – singers with very little or NO training. Many of you come in and blow me away with your singing! Here are a few tips to incorporate into your daily vocal training to help make you the BEST singer you can be.

MOST IMPORTANT: Always warm up your voice before singing. Take 10 to 15 minutes and start with facial movement, rolling of the tongue, and singing scales. If you don’t know how to do this, ask a choir teacher at school or in church. You can also learn “do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do.” Never sing without warming up! You can strain and damage your vocal chords.

Limit dairy products and foods high in sugar, especially before singing in an event. Always drink lots of water.

Open your mouth when singing to AVOID a nasally tone in your voice.

Enunciate your words when singing so that everyone will understand you.

Song choice is key. Make sure to choose songs in your vocal range that are age and style appropriate for you.

Practice, Practice, Practice! You should be practicing daily. Sing in front of the mirror; critique yourself as objectively as possible and try to improve your performance. Pay attention to other performers and learn from them.

The music industry is changing! Learn a musical instrument. Try to write music. You never know what you can do UNTIL you try!

Wanting to be a singer is not enough. You MUST pursue your dreams to make it happen. This takes determination, hard work, practice, and continued performing in whatever venue you can get. Church, community theater, and schools can be great sources for training, experience, and performance.

Good luck to you all! And remember to use your God-given talents to glorify God!

“We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us.” Romans 12:6

Marion Webb
Regional Director AMTC