Hi,
I've been practicing singing for a while and have recorded a few samples. I would really much appreciate it if you would give me some feedback, and give me some advice on how I could improve.
Here's a sample of me singing "Growing old with you" from the movie The Wedding Singer. I'll upload more samples later!
http://www.speedyshare.com/441324750.html
Orbit
I had a listen and not too shaby and judging by the voice I take your not a 13yr old child .... THANK GOD!
.... I think maybe you may need to work on your pitch alittle.
korus
You're correct, I am not a 13 year old child (;
Would you mind giving me a spot (Or several) in the song where I'm doing it wrong? That would help me loads in understanding what I need to fix!
Thank you for taking the time to listen!
Terry
I think you have potential with the right type of songs.
Perhaps blues or similar.
I'm only to aware of what it's like singing acapella.
As a musician who's worked with umpteen vocalists over the past 50 years or so I've worked with the good the bad (and thankfully not too many ugly).
Your lack of confidence shows - you're trying to get it right and as a result it's lacking in feeling.
There's always someone who thinks they can do it better until you put a mic in their hand. You're the singer - let 'em have it!
You are better than a lot of beginners I've heard but you still need a lot more practice. I would suggest you see a vocal instructor to help with breathing technique which will help with your phrasing. This is apparent near the end of the sample.
Of course it helps if you've got musical backing and I'm aware of that.
That would help with your pitch, which by the way, is not too far off.
As a professional musician/audio engineer I can only say - keep it up.
Practice, practice, practice but most of all enjoy it. That's what it's all about. As a muso I've never earned much money but I've loved every minute of it.
korus
Long time no see! I have been singing on and off since I posted my last sample, and now I've got another one. I've been looking for a vocal coach in my area, without much luck. They all cost a great deal of money, or they're not accepting more students.
I have read about breathing techniques, and have been doing some exercises every day to help my singing - but I can't tell if it's any different yet.
Anyway, here's another sample! It's Jackson Five - I want you back (And the words are off in the end, but it's about the singing, not the words ;))
www.speedyshare.com/252224609.html
So, what do you think?
Brien
Well, it is about both lyrics and melody.
If no interest is placed on learning the words then you have no one to listen to the message, other than you.
Without even listening to the linked song I can already tell, it needs work.
And you need to do the work. It is that important.
If you want to do a thing, then you do that thing and you do that thing well. And that often will include learning all the parts involved in that thing.
One of the best female singers of my time, Aretha Franklin, is known for her unyielding attention to detail. She is the Queen of Soul for a reason.
Maybe you do not want to be bothered with being the queen or king of something. But my point is, learn the craft.
The greatest Tenor in the world, Pavarotti, asked this same lady to sing in his place in 1998, when illness made it not possible for him to attend.
This lady sang in his place, in the language of his people(Italian) and gave the most powerful performance , well, at least that I had ever heard.
Learn the craft, don't hack your way through it.
That's what I did and look where I am now :)
korus
I understand exactly what you're saying Brien, and I agree with you. I uploaded this one despite it's flaws in the lyrics, simply because I requested feedback on my vocal performance exclusively.
Although, I see what you mean, and I will do better next time. There is no reason for me to "slack", so I'll be back with something better!
Thank you Brien!
Terry
What did you do with your confidence?
It was a bit lacking in your first clip now it's gone altogether. It sounds like you're singing quietly to yourself in a corner so you don't disturb anyone.
I'm trying to be constructive. That's what it sounds like.
Learn the whole song properly, record it then listen back to it.
Be very self critical. If you notice errors - do it again, and again, and again 'till you get it right.
When I was learning piano when I was 10 I'd stop every time I made an error and start again 'till I got the tune perfect all the way through.
Two bars to go - error - stop - start again.
Copying another vocalist can be a big help when learning. Learn how they do it then apply your own interpretation.
I still think you have some potential for the right type of songs.
Brien mentioned Aretha Franklin. Jazz/blues style.
Being a "live" musician I hesitate to suggest this but you could try using some karaoke tracks to provide backing. If you can record your vocals along with the backing and listen back you should soon pick where you're going wrong pitch and timing wise.
It's a lot of work but the only way to improve.
Brien
Terry wrote: but you could try using some karaoke tracks to provide backing. If you can record your vocals along with the backing and listen back you should soon pick where you're going wrong pitch and timing wise.
It's a lot of work but the only way to improve.
And that is a very good idea. This gives you all the music and timing you need and frees your mind up to pay attention to the important parts; melody, pitch and the message.
