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Aside from knowing the essential vocal techniques that can make a noticeable improvement in your singing, it would help if you also chose the best songs that you are going to sing. There may be songs that are not appropriate for you at a certain time. Moreover, some songs may be difficult for you to sing. Attempting to sing these difficult songs may only cause you frustration. On the other hand, a very plain song may not push you to improve and develop your singing skills.
Choosing the perfect and good songs for your vocal training can make a world of difference. Whether you’re a professional vocalist or just someone who wants to get better at singing, we have the best five songs, ranging from classics to modern hits, that will test your vocal limits and help you improve your technique. Let’s check them out!
5 Best Songs for Vocal Training To Improve Your Singing Skills
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of songs available for vocal training, which is why we have selected the best five songs that we think are perfect for vocal training that can help speed up the process for you.
1) “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
Another tune on our list that happens to be in C Major key is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, released in 1955.
It’s a perfect song for vocal training because it has a rich melody that challenges a singer’s vocal technique and helps them develop and showcase their skills, especially during the powerful and intense chorus.
Additionally, the vast range of notes (D3-E5) in “Unchained Melody” is excellent for developing pitch and higher range.
Another thing is that you can practice the Italian version of this song entitled “Senza Catene.” The good thing about practicing a song in another language is that you can do away with the emotional side of the song and simply focus on mastering the techniques that you have learned.
Visit this list of top vocal coaches on YouTube by Become Singers.
2) “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
“My Way” is one of Frank Sinatra’s biggest tunes that was released in 1969 and inspired by Claude François’s 1967 smash hit, “Comme d’habitude.”
Because of its slow tempo and relatively simple melody, this song is perfect for singers looking to improve their phrasing, breath control, dynamics, and expressiveness and work on their vocal technique.
Frank’s vocal range in this tune goes from G2 to E4, so you’ll have plenty of fun rehearsing along these two octaves.
This song has a gradual buildup, starting softly and slowly and building energy along the way, which makes it a great vocal exercise and a fun song to sing.
Frank Sinatra’s version is in the key of C major. However, you can transpose the key to make it fit your vocals.
Songs in the C Major key are popular for beginner singers because the scale only uses white keys with no sharps or flats, making it a good starting point for singers in training.
3) “Paradise” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Paradise” is the second single from their fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, which they released in 2011.
There are several ways in which Coldplay’s “Paradise” might help a singer develop their vocal technique. Singers get to work out their whole range and improve their vocal control because of the song’s vast dynamic range (Chris Martin’s vocals go from an A3 to an A5).
In addition, the chorus’s varying phrasing and dramatic shifts provide a great setting for practicing breath control and singing on pitch.
“Paradise” is in the key of F Major, and is overall a wonderful song for honing your singing skills.
4) “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid
“Lovely” is a beautiful track by Billie Eilish and Khalid that was released in 2018 as the lead single for the second season’s soundtrack of the Netflix drama series “13 Reasons Why” and is yet another excellent song for vocal training.
Billie Eilish’s soprano and Khalid’s baritenor vocals harmonizing together in this sad but beautiful track is a perfect exercise in vocal blending. The song features a wide range of dynamic alterations, from quiet, soft passages to louder, more forceful ones, ranging from E3 to B4. Meaning it can help with vocal control, whether it be by learning how to breathe correctly, using all of your head registers, learning how to project your voice, or improving your pitch.
“Lovely” is in the key of E minor. However, you can change the song’s key to one that better suits your voice, allowing you to sing both Billie’s and Khalid’s sections seamlessly.
5) “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Singers often choose Leonard Cohen’s 1984 “Hallelujah” as a training song because it is a beautiful and emotionally intense ballad with deep and meaningful lyrics that presents unique challenges in terms of vibrato, dynamics, and control.
Leonard Cohen’s range in this tune spans from C3 to E4, making them fairly easy songs to practice singing since most of the singing is done in your head voice.
There have been plenty of covers of “Hallelujah” from artists like Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, and John Cale, who helped popularize the song. So it’s up to you to decide which cover best complements your singing voice and personal taste.
Just like Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is also in the key of C major.
Check this articke to know more about ad libbing singing by Become Singers.
Advantages of Selecting Scalable Popular Songs
Songs are myriads, yet, they have patented forms. Some songs have good and catchy refrains and melodies. Some have great hooks and grooves. Some songs are also easy to remember and enjoyable to sing. Some have good lyrics you can relate to.
So, if you are going to choose a song for vocal training, then, that song should be readily available as music and that you can purchase or download it online. Some of the great song for vocal training include jazz and pop songs that are good for teaching beginners.
You should be familiar with the songs you are going to use. These songs should also be easy to sing, and with melodies that you can easily recall. Using these familiar songs to sing, you can readily find any inaccuracies in the melody by comparing the notation with what you hear.
Your vocal instructor may also point out to you these inaccuracies. Plus, the use of familiar songs will help you understand the importance of keenness to the details embedded on the sheet music.
Moreover, to find the right and best songs as a beginner, you need to understand and know your vocal strengths. You should also find a song that suits you well.
Tips on Selecting Scalable Songs for Your Vocal Training
Given the vast catalog at your disposal, it can be difficult to choose which songs would be most beneficial to your vocal development. However, most teachers have students pick a song for vocal training.
When making your selections, though, it’s important to keep your options open and varied, not just within one genre.
When choosing songs for vocal practice, it’s helpful to keep the following considerations in mind:
Identify Your Voice Type
Learning about your voice type and vocal range is a crucial first step in determining what type of songs best suit your voice. Do you struggle to reach high notes or low nodes? Do you feel more comfortable using your head voice than your chest voice?
Finding out what type of voice you have requires some introspection on your part and some expert advice. Singing exercises like scales and arpeggios can help you discover the upper and lower limits of your vocal range.
Additionally, when switching between registers, be aware of any pauses or changes in your voice. On what note does your vocal break happen? When do you struggle to reach high notes?
Discovering your voice tessitura is equally as important as discovering your vocal range. What notes do you feel more comfortable singing? Where do you feel the most at ease within your voice range?
And finally, you should think about the timbre of your voice and which songs best capture that tone to ensure that you sound excellent.
Consider the Tempo of the Song
The tempo of a song should play a crucial role in your song selection. Naturally, it’s better to ease into the process with some slower tunes. So if you’re a beginner learning some ballads is a great way to start.
You can’t just start performing Bohemian Rhapsody or Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen and expect to sound like a pro right away.
Not only does singing at a slower tempo allow you to clearly articulate each lyric and help you identify and practice hitting each note accurately, but it can also help with your breath control.
With regular practice, you can strengthen your muscle memory and develop your vocal techniques allowing you to tackle faster, more complex tunes later on.
Become Singers also has a detailed article on how to start your singing career.
Choose The Right Genre
Because different styles of music call for different vocal methods and emotions, taking musical genres into account while choosing songs for vocal training is crucial.
Vocal range, tone, phrasing, and delivery are just a few examples of how one genre can be distinguished from another. You can develop the unique vocal skills that are important to a genre or style by selecting songs within that genre or style. Because of this, you’re able to master the subtleties of the genre and give more convincing performances. Additionally, by challenging yourself to perform in a wide range of styles, you can increase your vocal range, artistic expression, and capacity to connect with a wide variety of listeners, helping you become a more versatile artist who can express themselves honestly and freely.
Select Song In The Right Key
Another consideration when picking a song is finding one in a key that works well with your voice and fits comfortably within your vocal range. By singing a song that is either too low or too high in pitch, you can cause vocal fatigue and even damage your vocal cords.
If the song you will choose has too low or too high a key, then, you may end up overtaxing your vocal cords.
So, you need to find the right key for a song. If you push your vocal cords to sing songs that are not in the appropriate key for your voice, you can damage your vocal cords and shorten your singing career.
Know Your Range
As mentioned above, you should discover your vocal range. Once you have known your vocal range, you can then choose the songs that have the appropriate tessitura for your voice. Your choice of songs, of course, will play well in the enhancement of your weak points.
Other Important Pieces of Advice When Selecting a Song for Vocal Training
During the training process, you should ensure that your style coexists with the techniques you are learning. You do not need to stifle your vocal style upon learning new vocal techniques. So, in your song selections, you should follow the following advice:
- If you can sing the song, then, it can be used for your training.
- You should consider vocal exercise as if it is a song.
- Break the songs into segments of techniques and apply your style to those little segments. Then, synthesize your analyses for the whole song.
- Techniques can improve your vocal style. Style, on the other hand, can enhance techniques.
- You will find your stylized song and your technical song to be sounding differently.
- You should do away with inefficient vocal styles.
- Techniques may appear dull if you do not complement them with your unique vocal style.
- If you only rely on your vocal style without applying correct vocal techniques, you may end up damaging your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best vocal exercises that can help improve vocal range and flexibility?
Some of the most effective exercises to increase your vocal range and flexibility include practicing lip and tongue trills, sirens, humming, vocal slides, octave leaps, ascending and descending arpeggios, and interval training. If you do these exercises regularly, you can increase your vocal range and improve your ability to hit every note correctly.
How important is correct posture and body alignment when learning to sing?
Vocal training relies heavily on proper posture and body alignment. When you keep your spine straight, your chest open, and your shoulders relaxed, your lungs get more air, and your breathing becomes more effective. Having good posture helps with voice resonance, projection, and general control, leading to better vocal technique and eliminating vocal problems.
How can I overcome stage fright or performance anxiety?
There are several methods to conquer stage fright or performance anxiety, including proper preparation, deep breathing exercises, meditating, visualizing success, keeping a positive attitude, seeking support from friends and family (even your vocal coach), accepting that it is perfectly normal to be anxious, and remembering your love for performing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to improve your singing and take your vocal skills to the next level, you need to pick the right songs for your training. The five songs chosen as the best for vocal training cover a wide variety of genres and vocal challenges, allowing you to experiment with your voice, increase your range, and improve your vocal skills.
Always keep in mind that developing your singing voice is a process that demands your whole attention, time, and effort. Feel free to try new things, break out of your comfort zone, and simply enjoy singing as you begin this journey.
Each song, be it one of Frank Sinatra’s classics, Leonard Cohen’s ballads, or Billie Eilish’s chart-topping releases, is an invitation to learn more about yourself and develop as an artist.
