Singing??

[Eleana]

This may sound like a stupid question but howcome some people are naturally good singers and others arent? is it a talent youre born with or is it all down to practice & training? is it a physical thing i.e dependant mainly on the structure of the vocal chords or how well you perceive notes?

[bondy]

Most people are born with the ability to sing. Some are lucky and are born with beautiful voices. I think that the more you sing and are exposed to music from a very early age helps to develop this. But hey who really knows. Sometimes its a matter of taste. I think you can be trained to make the most of what youve got but this varies from culture to culture and vocal styles and tastes can vary radically. Obviousy some people will never be able to reach some notes and the preception of notes `i would think is learnt almost by accident from an early age.

[Scarlett]

bondy is quite right! I am a singing teacher. Everyone can sing, and kdis who sing from an early age and listen to lots of music are better than those who never do it. But you are born with a certain voice, which you can improve, but will never be something it's not. so, you are born with the talent- like anything! Some people are good at drawing, or mimicking others, or are sporty etc. Practice makes you better.Some kids have been singing with me for maybe 7 years, and they will never be fantastic singers. Also, I find it is nearly impossible to take an adult voice which is not great, and make it great, since adults are so set in their ways, and their physical vocal habits are so "formed". For example, kids can always sing in chest voice if you teach them. Adults who have never used chest voice (or belt) often just cannot do it. A bit like gymnastics- you have to learn when you are supple!

[Eleana]

since asking the question I looked into it a little bit & read somewhere that theres no such thing as being 'tone deaf' - that everyone can perceive the notes but some people are off key because their voices cannot support that pitch, do you think this is true? In which case does that means the standard of someone's singing voice is primaly dependent on physical factors and breathing techniques? do you think it is physically possible to turn an average singer into a great singer?

[Scarlett]

All great singers were average at some point! But some people will always have problems pitching. It's as if their brain can't quite hear themselves. I taught a girl today who basically can't sing. All her notes are slightly off key. But if I stopped and played her a specific note and said "sing this", I am sure that she could. It's like her brain isn't quite connected up to her vocal chords to the degree that most people's are. This is a BRAIN thing, not a physical or breathing thing. Breathing techniques will help your breathing. Pitching can improve with certain exercises, but I could certainly never make this girl into a great singer!