Don’t push yourself too hard! Some videos are of professional, adult singers who have been training their whole lives to hit high notes. Start with simple techniques and scales made specifically for beginners and work your way up. One simple exercise for relaxing your jaws and lips is to find a video of a droning tone, like a cello drone in D, and to sing a single syllable in unison with that drone for a full breath cycle. This will help you hear things that might be interfering with your sound. [3] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
In either case, you’ll have to pay for lessons. Make a bit of money by doing some chores around the house, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn. If you’re old enough, you could also get a part-time job at a local fast food restaurant or grocery store.
To really impress your parents, tell them some of the positives of playing an instrument. For example, say that playing music has been shown to make kids more responsible and help them with math, reading and comprehension. [7] X Research source
The songs that seem to get stuck in your head over and over again can even clue you in to the genre of music or types of themes that might be good for you to explore. [8] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
Give yourself a couple rest days a week, and try not to sing if your voice is hurting. Even professional singers have rest days!
If you think your friends might be mean or make fun of you, ask someone else, like a sibling or your favorite teacher. Or record yourself on a phone or tape recorder and listen to yourself without other people judging you.
Tell your parents that that joining a choir is a great chance for you to make new friends and even get a great academic grade.
If your parents are really bothered by the thought of any of your songs being online, it’s probably best to listen to them. If you show that you’re willing to give up this idea, maybe they’ll be more willing to discuss other alternatives, like taking singing lessons or participating in a talent show. Even if you can’t promote yourself now, keep singing and practicing. When you’re older, you’ll eventually have the freedom to post as many videos as you want.
It’s okay if singing in front of other people feels a little scary at first. Even famous professional singers get stage fright. To beat your nerves, think positive thoughts about how well the performance will go and how much everyone will love it. Shake out your arms and legs and breathe deeply. You’re going to rock it! To overcome your nerves, try taking your worst fears of how something might sound and doing them intentionally. For instance, if you’re afraid your voice will be too quiet, sing a version that’s embarrassingly quiet. Giving voice (literally) to those fears allows them to become a source of play and imagination rather than something that’s a real obstacle to your performance. [15] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
Remember that your parents love you and want the best for you in life. They’re not trying to be mean–they’re just looking out for you.
Try not to get to raise your voice or get too emotional. They’ll be more likely to listen to you and agree with your point of view if you stay calm and mature.
For example, you could promise to bring your math grade up if your parents let you take singing lessons. You could promise to go to college and double-major in music and something more practical. Your parents will be relieved that you have backup options and that you’re still committed to other parts of your life. If you make a promise, keep it! If you promised to get a good GPA in exchange for getting singing lessons but you don’t bring your grades up, your parents might take your voice lessons away.
Keep your dream alive and don’t get discouraged! You won’t live with your parents forever. Eventually, you’ll be able to move out and follow your passion.
