How to Have a Unique Voice as a Singer

Being talented and putting in years of practice comprise is only the beginning of what it takes to make it as a singer. If you want to distinguish yourself with a unique vocal style, study these key elements.

Instructions

• Step 1: Ask friends you trust to challenge you by giving their opinions about what they find unique in your voice.
• Step 2: Perform for others on a continual basis, getting in front of audiences to gauge the general reaction and adjust your style until it comes naturally.
• FACT: Researchers from Harvard found in 2007 that men with low voice pitch were more likely to have more children.
• TIP: International singing artist Sting’s style might be described as unique for having no vibrato.
• Step 3: Record and listen to yourself to compare yourself with the singers you most admire. Alter your style to experiment with your inflections and phrasing. Try to put a rasp in or add vibrato, without straining unnaturally -- get to know your voice.
• Step 4: Stay in key no matter what, which takes great practice. Vocal control is critical for shaping a unique voice.
• TIP: Studios have auto-tune plug-in functions available that will save the performance in a controlled recording situation, but not when you're singing live.
• Step 5: Let yourself go and have fun creating your unique style, or the personality you apply when singing. "Twang" will bring an electricity to the voice, whereas "belting" a song out is a full intensity most often associated with rock or gospel music.
• Step 6: Develop a vocal technique, choosing your best vocal range. A male singer will normally be a bass, baritone, or tenor. The female range includes alto, mezzo-soprano, soprano, and whistle register.