Struggling to sing on pitch? Start here (beginner friendly)

If you’re struggling to match pitch and you’re an absolute beginner. This episode is for you.

For many of us, when we try to sing and we’re off pitch.

Our natural instinct is to think, we need ear training.

But that’s only ONE part of the story.

I’ve mentioned this on previous episode, but being on pitch actually requires a few skills

(1) Knowing when you’re on pitch (aka the ear training part)

(2) Knowing how to change pitch with your vocal folds? (aka mechanics)

(3) Singing something that’s within your skill level? (the right progression)

Now what I’ve found from teaching students all over the world. Most people generally know when they are on or off pitch in some form.

When I guide them to it in a lesson over Zoom. They’ll generally be like

“Oh yeah, that felt good. I knew that was right for some reason”

What often holds them back is the other 2 reasons.

They are either singing songs that are too hard for them. Or they don’t know how to change pitch well enough.

How can you expect to sing on pitch, when you’re not so sure about the feeling of pitch change?

Now before I talk about the solution.

Real quick! For those of you who don’t know me. My name is Ivan, I love making music and also teaching singing to students all around the world. On this newsletter my goal is to make learning to sing simple. If that’s up your lane, consider subscribing. If you want to improve your voice faster, check out the links down below for ways to work with me

If you want to inspire our next episode! Drop in the comments below what you want me to talk about next.

Step #1: You need to get more familiar with the feeling of pitch change

To do so,

I want you to do a simple slide.

It doesn’t have be a crazy amount of slide. But it should get you moving around.

[SEE VIDEO FOR EXAMPLE]

Now bonus points if you can do it without extra strain.

This is where some of my other episodes are for.

But for you right now. Here’s a couple of things to focus on.

If you notice you’re clunking around like this.

[SEE VIDEO FOR DEMONSTRATION]

Try to get it smooth.

This is working all the finer muscles involved in pitch change.

Once you have it smooth, start to observe.

What is this feeling of pitch change? How do I go higher? How do I go lower?

Because once you have a general idea here. And it doesn’t have to be perfect.

We’re ready for step #2

Step #2: Let’s start matching pitch

Now we’ll start off with just matching a single note. But feel free to find a more challenging.

Let’s just use a note that’s comfortable for you.

For guys use try this

[Play a note between C3-C4]

For ladies try this F3-F4

[Play a note between F3-F4]

Now I want you to pause this episode and see if you can try hit this.

Now there’s a good chance that you won’t hit this note right on the first go.

This is probably why you’re here.

But one thing that you have now.

Is you know how to change pitch better.

So I want you try to change it.

Try sliding higher.

Try sliding lower

[SEE VIDEO FOR DEMONSTRATION]

And see if you can find a place, where your voice clicks with my piano.

Now of course, this is simple.

It’s just one note.

But this is where you can start building.

Start trying to match multiple notes.

Do it a bit quicker

Do it from memory and check it again with the piano.

Hopefully this shows you that there’s more to singing on pitch, than just your ear.

Anyway! That’s all. Let me know if there’s anything I missed. If you found this episode useful, please share or give it 5 star wherever you’re listening from. This really helps spread the word and means the world to me. If you’d like to study with me, links are down in description. Take care!

Extra Links/Resources

🌍 Book Private Singing Lessons here: https://calendly.com/singingsimply 

🌍 Step By Step Singing Course: https://www.singingsimply.com/courses/singing-fundamentals 

🌍 Stream my music: https://linktr.ee/singingsimply

🌍 Business/other inquiries: [email protected]