The Title courtesy Disco Dancer, an 80s Hindi movie. This was the dialogue before a song in the movie. Watch it to know how hilarious it was! Anyways, Review Time!
'Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn.'
Charlie Parker
That said… let me recount my own experience, my thoughts and my… er…wisdom? Haha, ok now that’s asking for too much, lets just stick to experience!
Me: Piyu Boleeeeee, Piyaaa boleeeee
Dad: Wifey, keep the cotton stacked up, Neha’s gone into the singing mode again!
Me: How nice dad, you’re such an encouraging father.
Dad: Yes I know dear.
Me: Whatever. Piyuoouuoo BoOoleEe.
Mom(from the next room): Neha, my friend on the phone wants to know why the parrot is wailing so loudly.
Me: But mom, we don’t have a parrot
Mom: Eggjjactly!*(courtesy Salaam Namaste)
After having been recently inspired by the marvellous(!) singers of Saregamapa Challenge 2005, I’ve launched into a singing spree! And after every, rather unsuccessful, attempt at singing, I’ve come to realise a few basic lessons that a singer must consider. So here, out of my compulsive urge to spill out information on MS, I share with you all some basic Advice on Singing.
Control!
To sing even the simplest of songs, the first thing anyone needs to, often subconsciously, control is the Breathing. Many Hindi songs have a range of high and low flowing notes, and as I’ve realised the hard way, a lot of those songs require a lot of breath-control. As I’ve been advised, Yoga and early morning breathing exercises help a lot. Till then, try practising keeping your breath longer and longer while singing, and challenge yourself more each time.
Understanding basics
Not being a trained singer myself, I try to be self-taught when it comes to understanding the basics of music. Admittedly people with formally trained voices have an added advantage over almost every aspect of singing. However, in this jet-age era, learning the basics of music has become somewhat convenient. The internet offers a lot of help with sites like, https://musicalnirvana.com provide the basics on the theory of Indian classical music, and for the more general knowledge on singing there are other sites likehttps://vocalist.org.uk/, that might be of help. So as far as theory goes, there are lots of resources in the market where you can gain knowledge. Though, I still say that if there is a possibility of learning from a professional, don’t pass it up! It really helps!
Train your ears
A very important aspect to singing well, is to listen to music that inspires you to sing. Everyone has a different taste in music, so every individual is free to choose his/ her type of songs and music. Before attempting to sing a song independently, through my experience I’d say its always better to listen to the song a number of times before, sing along with it, and then once you’re confident enough sing it on your own. What I usually do is, keep the song handy when I’m singing, and the moment I feel I’ve made a mistake, I go back, listen again and try to sing along to correct my error. Learn by Imitation…that’s the first baby step!
Practise Practise and MORE Practise
I cannot emphasise enough how important this is! Not even the best of singers would be able to sing what they do, without sheer practise. True, some people just have the God gift of good voices, but even that gift can go to waste without proper practise and training. It’s a clichéd statement that even gold needs to be beat to have the value it has. Same way, singing without practise is quite useless. However, since I’m not here to preach about professional singing, I’d say, before singing any song in front of people or even to yourself, to really be able to sing it correctly, practise is essential.
Keep your critics close
Aha, now this can be tricky business. While you’re choosing someone who can be a good critic, make sure you choose someone who has some basic knowledge about the music you’re singing, since wrong advice is not something you want to deal with! When you’re all set and ready to sing your song in front of someone, do a little practise session in front of someone you trust and someone who’d give you an honest feedback about the song. Wrong advice is harmful, but then so is false praise. Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Don’t take offence if someone points out the mistakes in your songs, instead use that in a positive way and try to eliminate those glitches.
Moment of Glory
Its finally time to sing in front of an audience…and you’re nervous? Well, its ok, I would be too. After all you’ll be up there, with so many eyes on you and everyone to notice if you falter. Ok, before you throw that mike at me for scaring you, please don’t! What I’m trying to do is prepare yourself in advance. When you put yourself in that state of mind, you can put it at a backseat and concentrate on your singing. It’s a fact that any little mistake and people are going to know, but then, who cares? All you have to do is sing the best you can! Close your eyes, feel the music and sing! Mistakes happen, so what?! Just do the best you can out there and don’t worry about what people are thinking. Sing like you sing when no one’s looking, and things will go great!
Final Words
I’m really no pro at giving advice on singing, and could certainly make do with a lot of advice I’ve given in this review! These are things I’ve learnt and observed over time. And one of the most important things I’ve learnt is that music is magical, and to be able to produce music through any means can be quite a high! So whether you’re singing the simplest of Bollywood songs or at the Opera, the main thing should be to feel and share the music…and then nothing else matters! * *
Good Luck and Happy Singing! See you in the Comments section!
