Hobbies & Pursuits Part XVIII "Singing"

 

Hobbies & Pursuits Part   XVIII

"Singing"

For  those  of us  who have  been  unversed , pages  of  the  mankind’s  history  reveals  that Singing has been around for centuries and has evolved into a popular form of artistic expression  .Man  slowly but   surely learnt  that  this  unique  gift  from  the  heavens  bestowed  upon  us   and  then  passed on  to  us  from  Y-Adam and mtEve  nicknames for the most recent common ancestors of our maternal and paternal lines  and  funnily  enough   NOT the Biblical couple from the Garden of Eden  as  I  had  thought  initially  but  proven  wrong  by  Scientific  studies  to  support  their  claim.

 

Back  to  Music then  which   in  all  its  glory  has  the  power to captivate audiences, evoke emotions, and tell stories through the power of voice and melody. Singing can be found in various cultures and genres, ranging from classical opera to contemporary pop music. With the advancement of technology, singing has also become more accessible to the masses through platforms like YouTube and streaming services. It has become a career path for many aspiring artists, allowing them to share their talents with the world. Singing has the ability to bring people together, transcend language barriers, and create a universal connection through the beauty of music.

Let’s delve   a  bit  deeper  and  know  what  Singing is :  And my  dear men  and  women  it’s   the very   act of producing musical sounds with the voice  involving the vocal chords, lungs, and other parts of the respiratory system to create pitch, tone, and rhythm which  are  pleasantly  listenable  . Singing can be done in various styles, such as solo performances, choral singing, or in a group or band setting. It is a form of self-expression and communication, allowing individuals to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with others through the power of music. Singing requires technique, control, and practice to develop skills such as breath control, pitch accuracy, and vocal range. It is a versatile art form that can be found in different genres and cultures worldwide.

Hmmm !  don’t  start crooning just as  yet  ; let’s  first   get  to  know   what  are  the  techniques that can help improve your   vocals and singing abilities.   Seems like  you  guys  are  in  luck  as  I  have  dug  out  some  of  them  to  hone   up  your  vocal  range  to  sound  your  very  best  and  lilt and  amuse   the  audience  So  here  goes :

Proper Breathing: Avoid  smoking  to begin  with  better  still  just  give  up  on  that  nasty  habit  if  you  are  the one stuck  to  it  and  aspiring  to  be  a singer   First up learning diaphragmatic breathing techniques will help improve your breath control and  render support while singing. Involve using  diaphragm to take deep breaths, allowing for sustained and controlled vocalization.

Vocal Warm-ups: You  gotta perform vocal warm-up exercises on  a  daily  note  several  times  in  a  day  before singing to   help  you   loosen up the vocal chords and prepare  you  for singing. In  doing  so  include  lip trills, humming, tongue twisting , and scaling  high   and  low  as  far  as  your  vocals  can  go 

Posture and Alignment Of  all  the  things said and  done here in above maintaining a good posture and alignment while singing  comes  first which  is  an integral  part  of  singing  and  is essential for optimal vocal production   . Point  to  note  is  that  when you  Stand or sit  up straight with relaxed shoulders and an open chest you  will  have  a  better breath  control and resonance.

Vocal Exercises: Go performing vocal exercises to strengthen the vocal cords and improve your vocal range, agility, and control. Exercises such as these include scales, arpeggios, and vocal sirens.

Pitch Control and Ear Training: Try developing good pitch control which is crucial for singing in tune. Take up ear training exercises, such as singing along with a piano or using apps, to help improve pitch accuracy and develop a better sense of relative pitch.

Articulation and Diction: Pay attention to articulation and diction to help improve clarity and pronunciation while singing. Why  not  Practice  tongue twisters and focus on enunciating difficult  sounding  words with  clarity  to  make  it  more   beneficial.

Vocal Health: Do take utmost   care of your vocal health which is   essential for maintaining and improving singing abilities. Not  to  forget   staying hydrated, avoiding excessive throat clearing or yelling, and minimizing vocal strain  to  boost  your  stamina  and  inherent  vocal  ranging capabilities 

Seek Professional Guidance: Try  exploring  avenues  and  see  if  you  can  Work with a vocal coach or take  singing lessons  that  may  help   provide you  with  one  on  one   personalized feedbacks, guidance, and techniques tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Keep  in  mind   consistent practice and patience  gets  you   closer  towards  reaching  your  goal  so  also   to improve  your  vocals and singing abilities over time,  you  must strive  hard  to  embrace  multiple  options .

And now  what I see in  you   is   a  budding  hobbyist   but I  must  also  tell  you  what are  the  benefits will be  lined up    for your having  chosen  singing  as  your ultimate  pursuit   which  in the  long  run  will  leave   a  positive impact in your  life :

Emotional Expression:This  pursuit will  allow  you  to express and release emotions. It can  also   be your  cathartic and therapeutic outlet, helping you to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your overall emotional well-being.

Confidence Building: When  you  brace  yourself  to  Singing in front of others, whether in a choir, karaoke, or performing solo, be  assure  to  have to get a boost of  self-confidence and self-esteem. This  will  help  you  Overcome stage fright and be  showered with   positive feedbacks  all  over   and  that  again  will  contribute to your  personal growth and increased self-assurance.

Improved Breathing and Posture: We  had previously   talked about  the time  tested   techniques  Didn’t  we? Let  me  reiterate that  singing requires proper breathing techniques and good posture. Sticking  to  regular practice will   strengthen your   diaphragm, which  in  turn  will  improve  your   lung capacity, leading  to  better overall breathing habits.

Vocal Skills and Technique: Point  worth  noting  here  is that  when you  pursue  singing as a hobby  it  will   lead to the development of your  vocal skills and technique. And  with  regular  practice, you  will  have    expansion  of  your  vocal range, improving  your   pitch accuracy, which  in  turn  will  help you develop  control over various vocal techniques such as vibrato or falsetto.

Social Connection: Well now I  know  you  have  already  picked  up  the  ropes  but do know  that  Singing often involves group activities such as joining a choir or participating in community singing events so help  yourself by  joining    atleast  one .  This in turn will   foster a sense of belonging, and will help you create new friends and provide opportunities for collaboration and teamwork.

Cognitive Benefits: Do know that Singing engages various cognitive processes, such as memory, attention, and coordination. Learning and memorizing lyrics, melodies, and harmonies will help   enhance your cognitive abilities and improve your mental agility.

Physical Benefits: Blessed  you and  me   your   Singing  prowess    also  has it’s   multiple  physical benefits, to  help you learn  in   improving  your   posture, aiding  you  with  increased    lung capacity, and strengthening  your  facial muscles is   its  positive  vibe that  will  stand   rubbed    on  you   .Beside  It will  also go to the  extent  of   stimulating   the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Creative Outlet:   This pursuit will   allow you to   express creativity and interpret songs in a   way   unique to you alone. It can be a form of artistic expression and a means of connecting with others through shared musical experiences. 

There  is more  yet   to  come  but  tell  you what ........... your singing as a hobby and pursuit always helps bring joy, personal growth, and numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits Another  plus to  it  is  that   It is a versatile and accessible form of self-expression that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Looks  like  you  need  some  more  inspiration ,dont' you !? and  when  it  is  to do  with  inspiration  how  about  the  ones who  have already   made  their  indelible  mark  and  been  inspiration  to  so  many  in  their  selective  genres. I can't  help  but  tell  you  who  they  are:

Pop: Adele - Known for her powerful and emotive voice, Adele has achieved massive success with hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."

R&B/Soul: Aretha Franklin - Often referred to as the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin's soulful and distinctive voice has made her an icon. Her hits include "Respect" and "Natural Woman."

Rock: Freddie Mercury - The lead vocalist of the band Queen, Freddie Mercury had an extraordinary vocal range and stage presence. He is remembered for his powerful performances and hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You."

Country: Dolly Parton - With her unique voice and storytelling ability, Dolly Parton is one of the most successful country singers. Her songs like "Jolene" and "9 to 5" have become classics.

Jazz: Ella Fitzgerald - Known as the "First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz legend with a captivating voice and impeccable improvisational skills. Her renditions of songs like "Summertime" and "Mack the Knife" are timeless.

Opera: Luciano Pavarotti - Considered one of the greatest tenors of all time, Luciano Pavarotti had a powerful and expressive voice that brought opera to a wider audience. His performances of arias like "Nessun Dorma" are legendary.

These are just a few examples, and there are countless talented singers across various genres who have made significant contributions to music.

Beyoncé - Known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances, Beyoncé has achieved immense success with hits like "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Formation."

Ed Sheeran - With his heartfelt lyrics and melodic voice, Ed Sheeran has become a global sensation. His popular songs include "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud."

Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift has transitioned from country to pop music and has a massive fan base. Her chart-topping hits include "Love Story" and "Blank Space."

Bruno Mars - Known for his versatile singing style and energetic performances, Bruno Mars has achieved great success with songs like "Just the Way You Are" and "Uptown Funk."

Adele - Adele's soulful and powerful voice has garnered her worldwide acclaim. Her chart-topping hits include "Hello" and "Someone Like You."

Ariana Grande - With her impressive vocal range and catchy pop tunes, Ariana Grande has become one of the most popular singers of our time. Her hits include "Thank U, Next" and "Dangerous Woman.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other talented and well-known singers in various genres who have gained popularity in recent years.

Here are six well-known singers from the past era to  inspire  you  further  

Frank Sinatra - Known as "The Voice," Frank Sinatra was a legendary singer and actor. He is remembered for his smooth vocals and iconic songs like "My Way" and "Fly Me to the Moon."

Elvis Presley - Often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley had a charismatic stage presence and a powerful voice. His hits include "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock."

Aretha Franklin - As mentioned earlier, Aretha Franklin was a prominent singer from the past era as well. Her soulful voice and hits like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" made her an icon.

Bob Dylan - Known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, Bob Dylan is considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His influential songs include "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling Stone."

Whitney Houston - With her incredible vocal range and powerful voice, Whitney Houston became one of the most successful singers of the past era. Her hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love of All" are timeless.

Michael Jackson - Known as the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson was a global superstar with his electrifying performances and iconic songs. Hits like "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" solidified his status as a music legend.

These are just a few examples, and there are numerous other well-known singers from the past era who have made significant contributions to music.

A friendly advice to budding singers would be:

Believe in yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and believe in your unique voice and talent. Embrace your individuality and don't compare yourself to others.

Practice regularly: Dedicate time to practice and improve your vocal skills. Consistency is key, so make singing a part of your daily routine.

Seek professional guidance: Consider taking vocal lessons or working with a vocal coach who can help you develop proper technique, expand your vocal range, and improve your overall performance.

Explore different genres: Don't limit yourself to one genre of music. Experiment with different styles and genres to discover your strengths and find your own musical identity.

Perform in front of others: Gain experience and build your confidence by performing in front of an audience. Start with small gigs or open mic nights and gradually work your way up to larger venues.

Take care of your voice: Your voice is your instrument, so it's important to take care of it. Stay hydrated, warm up before singing, and avoid straining your voice. If you notice any vocal issues, seek professional help.

Embrace constructive criticism: Be open to feedback and constructive criticism from experienced musicians, vocal coaches, or mentors. Use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

Network and collaborate: Connect with other musicians, songwriters, and producers. Collaborating with others can provide valuable learning experiences and open doors to new opportunities.

Stay dedicated and persevere: The journey of a singer can be challenging, but stay dedicated to your passion. Persevere through setbacks and keep working hard towards your goals.

Enjoy the process: Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of singing. Let your love for music shine through in your performances and connect with your audience.

And this  has  me  conclude  my   blog  but not  before  laying  emphasis  to start somewhere, and progress  gradually as  you  go  undertaking    any  journey  and  although  things  happen  in  their own time and  not  the  way  we  want  them  to. But above all  patience  is  the  key  to  success so you  gotta  be  cool,  and  patient    enough   in  embracing  pitfalls  mistakes and  open  up   to new  ideas to  new  learning opportunities, and enjoy the journey of singing. . I  think  you  are  starting  to  get  the  picture by  now .!?

See what  this quote has to   say 

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” – Ella Fitzgerald

Lastly  we  have  come  to  those  smarting up  minutes   with my usual call to action time caption ,where I want to  see you  showing    your due    promptitude  in taking   up  singing  as  your  hobby  from this  minute  on  and  share your  experiences  with  your  valuable  comments . Remember, every successful singer starts as a beginner. Keep learning, growing, and pursuing your passion with determination and joy. 

Good luck on your musical journey!

Ciao for  now  from your

Blogbuddy @https://yourpaperbackwriter.blogspot.com/    aka

Blogbuddy @https://blogspills.wordpress.com/