"If I don't practice one day, I know it. Two days, the critics know it. Three days, the public knows it."
This is one probably one of those quotes you've heard before, but you're not sure who said it.
But more importantly, is it true? Should you practice every day when it comes to learning a musical instrument, in this case, your voice? Will it improve your voice and range?
And how long should you practice singing in one sitting? The difference between professional-level musicians and the rest is often much and how effectively they practice.
When you cut your practice time, you are cheating yourself.
Singing is a skill, and if you want to develop your voice and stand out in the music industry, you have to put in the time to do so. The good news is even if you aren't a naturally talented singer, that is okay! You can practice singing exercises and develop your vocal technique.
In the article below, we will talk about what you should consider when determining how much you should practice.
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Let's start the discussion by examining how often new and trained vocalists practice singing.
When you first start as a singer, or at the very least, start taking it very seriously, your vocal cords won't likely have the stamina for hours of practice every day.
Your experience may just be singing your favorite song in the shower. If you're brand new to singing, you likely haven't had any singing lessons or in-depth vocal exercises.
Not only will your voice fatigue faster, but vocal concepts will be newer and harder for you to understand. Usually, college students taking non-major group vocal classes are expected to sing continuously for ten minutes a day.
In addition, they also studied and were tested on various vocal ideas such as posture or vocal registers.
Singing for ten minutes straight may not sound that difficult on paper, but try it out and be honest with yourself if your last note is of the same quality as your first note. Building stamina takes time.
Singers taking non-major private voice classes have regular practice for thirty minutes a day or more of singing. Additional time is spent finding and learning repertoire.
If you are a high school student or adult practicing without a professional voice teacher, you will likely spend more or less time on weekly lessons depending on your singing goals and ability.
For most people, a minimum of thirty minutes every day is a good start. However, there is a thing as practicing too much, and you should always stop practicing if you feel a strain on your vocal cords.
If you rest your vocal cords throughout the day, it will allow you to build the vocal stamina needed to practice more and more each day.
If you're looking to study voice in an excellent college, more practice time will be expected.
Vocal majors typically practice two hours or more every single day. That does not include the time spent with vocal warm-ups, practicing breathing techniques, learning to sight-sing, dictate, play piano, and soaking up knowledge pertaining to singing, such as anatomy, music theory, and music history.
But didn't we just say there is such a thing as practicing too much? True, and an amateur singer belting in their car a tune that is out of their range for 2 hours is significantly different than a trained vocalist practicing for 2 hours.
Just the same as building stamina, remember that your voice is an instrument, but it can also be damaged with poor care and without proper vocal rest. Controlled vocal practice will help keep your singing voice healthy.
Above all, you do need to practice daily. Practicing two hours once a week is much less useful than practicing 15 minutes every day. This singing practice will with overall vocal quality and vocal health.
Whether it is the body or mind, some things just take time to settle in. Creating a vocal control and a daily practice routine will get your vocal cords and breathing muscles in shape.
Take advantage of the time you have. While having time set aside for singing so you can focus on correct breath, technique, and posture is the most effective, that doesn't mean you can't sing while:
Consistent practice will also allow your brain to grasp concepts associated with good singing quickly.
Don't forget to utilize vocal warm-ups so you do not end up with a tired voice.
Going through long marathon practice sessions to make up for time missed is ineffectual and could actually do more harm than good.
Now, let's discuss some of the benefits of singing every day.
1. Consistent practice opportunities
2. Stamina Building
3. Time to practice techniques, breathing, and proper posture
4. Overall voice maintenance
What about other benefits of singing every day outside of vocal growth? Some of these may surprise you.
1. Improved cognition and lower blood pressure
2. Toning your facial muscles
3. Improved memory
4 Boosted immune system.
Surprising, right? Click here to read more about the health benefits of singing every day.
Sometimes singers set a time for daily practice sessions. Let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a timer.
Benefits: A timer is a fantastic solution for singers who are very busy in their daily lives and want to ensure they set aside proper periods of time for singing.
You know from the moment you set the timer to the moment it goes off that the only concern and focus you have is on singing, achieving your vocal goals, and improving.
Drawbacks: Have you ever set a timer for a nap and spent the whole time you're supposed to be sleeping focusing on how much time has passed?
Unfortunately, timers have been known to suck the attention away from the actual activity you set the timer for. That can put an unwanted focus on the amount of time spent.
You don't want to be half-heartedly singing with the timer in the background of your mind. It will end up being a wasted time that was supposed to be dedicated to singing, and you likely will not have progressed.
Bottom line: Let the timer be what it's meant to be - out of sight and out of mind. Get lost in your vocal practice. The timer will bring you back to reality, and if you have the free time for it, don't be afraid to keep practicing - in a controlled manner - past the ding of the timer.
When it's all said and done, no one can predict how much time it will take for you to reach your vocal goals.
Make sure to focus on your breath control and utilize proper singing posture. Your singing abilities rely on much more than just simply talent or time spent on vocal training.
Success depends on how lofty your goals are, on your physical health, natural ability, how fast you learn, and many more factors.
Allow yourself to practice as much as needed to achieve your goals, but you should practice every single day.
Each day might be different. One day, you may only practice for thirty minutes, and another day, you might practice for two hours.
When it's all said and done, no one can predict how much time it will take for you to reach your vocal goals.
Make sure to focus on your breath control and utilize proper singing posture. Your singing abilities rely on much more than just simply talent or time spent on vocal training.
Success depends on how lofty your goals are, on your physical health, natural ability, how fast you learn, and many more factors.
Allow yourself to practice as much as needed to achieve your goals, but you should practice every single day.
Each day might be different. One day, you may only practice for thirty minutes, and another day, you might practice for two hours.