Q. I'm a guitarist/songwriter, I've never had vocal training & I am not very happy with my voice. Sometimes it's ok, sometimes I dont like it at all. My question to you is, can anybody learn to sing, or more to the point sing well. I love writing songs & I really like the songs that I write and aim to be a song writer rather than a guitarist. I also am not comfortable having other people singing my songs, my previous band had a fantastic female singer who had been trained since she was three. She was convinced that my voice was good enough to develop into a decent singing voice. I have just moved to the country & have no access to a singing teacher, what would you recommend as a learning aid? Am I wasting my time/money?

A. You are daring me to say you can't sing. This e-mail is a log jam of thoughts. (sometimes the voice is good, sometimes bad/I want to be a songwriter but don't want others to sing my songs/a trained singer says I can improve my voice with training so I move to a location where that's not possible/you have obviously thought about this enough to write me this e-mail but don't want to waste your time practicing some vocal exercises)

I speak to enough people like yourself to know that any encouragement I offer will fall on deaf ears. You already know you can sing well if you apply yourself. You know you can't be a songwriter unless others sing your songs. You know how difficult it is to market yourself while living in the country. I recommend you take a long walk in the woods and ask yourself why you fear success so much.

Naturally, I recommend my book as a learning aid (but you already knew that, too). But not until you see the sabotage in your mind set. There are dozens of singers on the radio I don't think are very good (I'm sure you can name dozens yourself). The only difference between them and you is permission. They gave themselves permission to move forward -- and so they did.

Q. i need some help.I love rap music i listen to snoop,dre and eminem. i live in ireland and i think that hip-hop is the best music. rap is'nt as big in europe as it is america but eminem has shown that it sells over here.i am a white 18 year old male and i KNOW that i am goodenough to be europes answer to dre,snoop and shady.I just need some pointers of how to get started coz i dont know any hip-hop lovin labels over here. please help me,ill thank you when im famous.

A. Hip Hop is a do-it-yourself art form. Record some tracks -- press some CD's -- and start spreading the word. Sell disks out of the trunk of your car -- free style with a boom box on the street -- set up clubs nights in the local taverns. Basically you have to create the scene -- that's how the pioneers of rap broke it in the states.

Q. I am a 42-year old female who must have sang in a previous life or is going to sing in the next. The reason I say this is because I want so badly to sing that it makes me sad that I can't. I don't want to necessarily become a star or sing to the masses. I just want to sing from the heart so that my family and friends and especially my husband "get it". I want them to smile at me and say, "damn, that was good!" My question is, can you (or anybody) teach an old dog a new trick? I can't seem to let go of this feeling inside me and I cry because I don't understand why God didn't give me the ability to sing out loud. I never told anyone this (except for my husband) for fear of being laughed at (you know, go get a life). My husband hasn't really discouraged me from seeking this out, although there are times I think he's not too hopeful for me. Please let me know your answer before I make a complete fool of my self. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

A. God did give you the ability to sing out loud -- but you've placed unreasonable stipulations on it. If you require others to approve of your activities than you automatically grant them power to disapprove. People can learn to sing at any age. What is difficult is removing the ulterior motives. I'm sure there are things you do which your husband doesn't support and it doesn't phase you. Singing from the heart is not about the sound of your voice. Singing to impress others is not about singing. There's nothing stopping you from singing when alone. As you become more comfortable, sing in another room where you know your husband can hear you but you did not ask him to listen. Time will establish your love of singing to the people around you. If you are always singing -- no one will tell you to get a life, because singing will obviously be your life. The anxious feeling inside you is God telling you to sing. I wouldn't argue with Him.

Q. My daughter is eleven years old. She loves to sing, has a good voice and good presence and has dreams of someday performing. The director of the adult choir I sing in thought it would be a good idea to have my daughter join the choir as well--as a means to expand her range, familiarize her more with music, and help develop her voice without having to get private training yet. As her mom, I have been inundated with advice. Some people are shocked that I haven't been taking her to get professional voice training yet, as if I am somehow cheating her. Others tell me that professional voice training isn't really of much benefit until a child has reached a certain age of physical maturity. Still others say that, while voice training is a waste at her age, she just needs to make sure she's using her voice "right" so she doesn't damage it... (That last one is the most nerve-wracking--without training, how do we know what is right? A real catch 22...) I am also a singer, but have never had formal training. I can give her pointers here and there from what I've picked up, but my knowledge is pretty limited. Lord knows, I don't want to teach her any of my *bad* habits... If there were some kind of self-study materials or pointers...or some kind of tips I could get that could be useful for a kid her age, that would be great. Fact is, here in Washington, MO, there aren't many vocal instructors, and most likely there are even fewer of quality. Plus, my daughter is a typically happy, active 11 year-old kid who loves singing, dancing, soccer, hoops, swimming, riding bikes and the 800 zillion other things girls her age love to do. If there's a way she can avoid specializing too early, that would be great... If there's a way I can get my daughter some guidance without going full-blown into formal vocal training, that would be great... Perhaps too tall an order?

A. I think you're doing the right thing by looking for a little guidance rather than specializing. Have her join you at choir, unless that would take away your experience, and use the mutual interest as a subject the two of you can explore. Her instrument won't be fully developed until 18, but muscle behavior is really what dominates a person's sound. It's not too early for her and not too late for you to read up and learn about singing. Many people are confused about what is correct. To put it simply, correct singing is when the sound comes out of your mouth as you intended it to without causing fatigue to the throat. I would not worry about damaging your daughter's voice, there is a much greater potential for injury when she plays soccer, hoops or rides a bike. Ya got to let them live.

Another reality is that, to make a living as a performer she would have to leave Washington, MO. I assuming this is not an option for you and I don't recommend that parents encourage this. It is every kid's dream to be a star, but the life is not a glamorous one. There are lots of books and videos on singing, I just so happen to have written one myself, and I think that would be a great place to start. If she develops a passion for performing, which is what it takes, there will be no stopping her. If not, singing will be just another facet contributing to a wonderfully well-rounded young lady.

Q. I first must say it is incredibly gracious of you to be answer questions, especially in an age where you can't get squat without money. So thank you. Well, I have two questions. First one is, I'm 15, and I hate the sound of my voice. I'm not being modest either. Really, it's bad. However, I can sing, but what use is singing if it isn't pleasant to listen to. So my question is, since I'm only 15, is there any chance my voice could get better? Next question is, I'm a "speech-level singer", I think they call it, most people call it belting. Anyways, I was wondering what advice you have for speech level singers. It's hard to decipher what advice is towards those who sing in a singing voice, or those who sing the way they speak. If you could help me, that was be totally great. Thanks again.

A. A lot can change in a short amount of time when you're 15. Your body hasn't fully developed yet and your skills are not a fraction of what they could be. It is way too early to judge yourself. What if you just started playing piano at 14? Would you think you'd be worth listening to by 15? It takes practice. Lot's and lot's of practice. You can't wait until you think you sound good. Some people never like the sound of their voice, and I'm talking about superstars, but they like to sing -- and so they do.

My advice to speech level singers is to watch yourself in the mirror sometimes and make sure you're not adding any facial tension to support notes. Let it develop from the inside. Get involved at school or church so you can sing with others. That way you can blend in and still get some experience.

Q. Hi i am a 18 year old who love to sing and dance. My family say that I don't have what it take to be a singer. See my family always put me down on everthing I do. Anyway i think i have a nice voice I just need a few lessons. One of my teachers said that i had a nice voice too. My question is what can I do to get a better note.

A. Lots of singers have succeeded without family support. Keep on singing if that's what you love to do. If you stick with it, they'll come around. The more you practice, the better you'll sound.

Q. How come I can hear when other people are off tune, I can pick out a tune on a piano, but I cannot hear that I, myself, am off tune in every note I try to sing (unless I have recorded myself, and that is a big laugh). Is there any way to correct this problem or are we born this way with no help of improvement?

A. You can hear when other people are off because you have a good sense of pitch. You cannot sing in pitch because your muscles are uncoordinated. Singing in pitch has nothing to do with your hearing. You don't realize you're off key when singing because your intention is blocking your judgement. Listening to ourselves on tape allows us enough separation to "hear" when we're off. You would benefit a great deal from warming up before you sing. Loosen your hips and neck and watch for facial tension when singing -- these are the places where we get thrown off.

Q. Hey Mark I don't think you remember me but I E-Mailed you a few times last year with some vocal problems that I've been having. I was in a band at the time and I had problems with my voice cracking, I would just like to say that I took your advice in some of the e mails you returned explaining how to prevent this problem and I also studied your free lessons that you would post up every so often, they really helped allot, It helped me with my confidence and my problem is all cleared up. Later on that year I quit that band I was in and started writing and recording some material out of a basement with a buddy of mine, the stuff we were doing you could say is very radio friendly with drum loops and allot of programed stuff. It turns out that from the stuff we recorded landed us a record deal with warner music , we landed the deal in late march and recently recorded our first half of the album in california which was an amazing experience. Rick Neigher produced the first half of the record so far and the players we had work on this album were amazing. Tim Peirce (guitar) and John Peirce(bass) we also had John Beisley(piano and keyboard) and Vinnie Caluta (on drums) the best drummer I've seen it was allot of money to hire these players but our budget allowed us to do so. We were very fortunate to record at suset studios and aswell at A&M studios I guess it's now JIM HENSON'S or something but whatever....

I would just like to say thanks to you and your web site for being some guidance during this hole thing and I will continue to be supportive of this web site. I tell everyone about it .

Ps.. We are called WAVE and the company figures the album should be ready for a spring release the first single is called "CALIFORNIA"

A. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I looooove this story. So many times a singer's problem is not their voice but their band (or music). Best of luck. I can't wait to hear the result.

Q. hello mark i am a 14 year old teenager who can sing aceptionally well. how do i get my big break? i need help. can you give me advice or help me in any way ?

A. No such thing as a big break, just a lot of little breaks. It's very hard work. Surf the web and sign onto every music business site you find. Try www.getsigned.com, www.musicconection.com, www.jpfolks, www.tonos.com, www.taxi.com or www.performermag.com for starters. By the way, you'll need a demo and some photos. Are they done?

 Q. hi i want to be a singer. i'm 19 and i am male. i don't have any musicians and i don't have any songs written. i want to first start out like the backstreet boys and britney spears then as i become more experienced i would like to use my creativity to gradually do my own stuff and become a star like madonna. i see my self as the male version of madonna because i'm smart, artistic, creaitve, and most importantly i am driven to become a famous successful singer. please help me. thanx

A. Unfortunately, you're already over-the-hill to start out like Britney and Backstreet Boys. These were very active singers at very young ages (most with the Disney Company).

To embark on a pop career like those you mentioned, you'll need to seek out a production company or manager who is willing to back your hype. It took an investment of 3 million dollars before 'N Sync made a dime. At your age you need to have an incredible look, dancing and singing talent and relocate to Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta or Orlando. Check the industry papers for calls for teen vocalists. Because of the wild success of young pop, there will be hundreds of clone acts coming out. But you better hurry. This trend is already peaking.

Q. I have always wanted to learn to sing well. I am not a rock star wanna-be, I just would like to learn to sing. I am a Police Officer by trade and I would like to know where to get started. I have never taken a singing lesson and I live in Texas. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A. There's nothing special needed except a desire to sing. While in your car or shower, if you should notice something you don't like about your voice, that observation can be brought to a voice teacher and exercises can fix the problem. Range, pitch accuracy, tone and control can all be greatly improved by addressing them via vocal exercises. Singing, however, does not require anyone's approval but your own. So enjoy singing, and if there's something you don't like -- get it fixed.

Q. I was wondering where I could find a study guide on hearing the music and matching your voice to the right tones.

A. What you are looking for is called ear training and there are dozens of books on the subject on the market. I don't recommend any one in particular. I have always felt, though, that this is the wrong name for this subject. Your ability to perceive whether a pitch is higher or lower than another is only half the battle. Getting your voice to sing the pitch you're thinking is a more common problem and has nothing to do with the ear. It's all about coordinating the muscles involved with singing. For that ability, there are hundreds of books -- but hopefully you'll give mine a try first! (The Rock-N-Roll Singer's Survival Manual)

Q. Hello there. I was hoping you could answer my question. I am fifteen years old and I really like to sing. I would love to become a singer and make records. In order to accomplish this I need to now how to get started. Should I book lessons right off the bat or is there other steps that should be taken as well? I appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my question.

A. You are asking two questions How to become a singer and how to make records. Becoming a singer is easy . . . just sing. If you don't like what you hear you can train and develop as much as you'd like. Making records is completely different. If you have something people will buy, like talent, looks, an attitude, then a record company or a producer will be interested. I hope you know you are not alone in your desire so it means standing out among thousands of girls just like yourself. If you think you have it in you to fight for recognition -- by all means give it a shot. If not, no one can take away your love of singing.

Q. Do you think it's too late for me to start working on my voice? I'm 15.

A. Late? Your're a lttle early. 16 is best, but there's nothing wrong with getting a jump on things.

Q. Dear Mr. Baxter, I don't quite know how to begin. I was encouraged to look into voice lessons by my family after singing at a family dinner recently. Now, I don't believe that I have a good enough voice to be a professional singer but would like to give it a shot if at all possible. I was wondering if you can recommend a starting point for me. I would appreciate any advice you can give.

A. First off you should be thankful for those encouraging people around you. Many don't get any support from family -- it makes it so much easier when they are behind you. I think the best way for you to explore your voice is by singing with Karaoke tapes. There are companies which make "music only" tapes of every song imaginable. Three suggestions are www.prosing.com, www.soundchoice.com and www.pocketsongs.com. After singing some of your favorite songs for a while, you may notice some flaws you would like to work on -- that's the best time to seek a teacher. I do offer video lessons which are essentually a private lesson filmed in my studio -- except you're not there. They are a good way to start because the tape provides a visual guide to use when exercising your voice. All you have to do is e-mail me again if you're interested.

The main thing to remember is that singing is for your enjoyment. Making a profession out of it requires a lot of networking, perseverance and plain old luck. However, nothing should stop you from singing anytime you want.

Q. I just finished reading your article on www.getsigned.com. Very accurate. I was hoping you could help answer a question for me or provide a little advice. I have been singing and writing forever. I was an opera singer for several years. Spent several years in rock bands. Recorded a CD locally. About two years ago, my last band broke up (long story involving a woman... not surprising eh?). Anyway, is there any way for someone like myself to be heard by national representatives (either record companies, producers, agents, etc) without performing live (at this time) or actually paying for legal representation? Are there any reputable people who will listen to a CD of a past band to judge a singer's vocal capabilities as well as his/her songwriting abilities? I have copies of the CD, also MP3 versions that are easily emailed to play on the computer.

A. To answer your question yes, there are people who will listen to your material. I think TAXI is a reputable company (cost a couple hundred to join) and a good place to get constructive criticism. If you don't want to pay, then simply join the 50,000 bands or 200,000 other musicians who lobby the 500 labels out there for their support. It will only take every spare minute and every penny you've got. If you can raise the eyebrow of a veteran A&R guy, then you are an incredible song writer. If you don't have the energy to go through all the hassles and rejections of contacting these people, then it doesn't matter how talented you are -- the music business is not for you.

Always remember, singing is an art -- and therefore you do not need the agreement of others to sing. A career in singing, however, requires the same money, time and commitment as it does to land a seat in public office. That's why the best people for the job don't necessarily end up in the seat -- only the ones willing to campaign. Hope this helps without turning you off.

Q. I am 16 and I'm in a rock band. When we got together we didn't have a singer and some how I fell into the position. I'm not a great vocalist but I was the only one who could even semi do it. I was wondering if someone like me who doesn't have a massive amout of natural talent can do this? And if so maybe you could help me. Thanks a lot and please get back to me soon.

A. 98% of rock singers begin, like you, by default. If you like to sing, you will get better. If you love to sing, you will get great. If you get into trouble (losing your voice) seek out a teacher to help you eliminate bad habits. There are books and videos and lots of teachers to draw info from. Use what works and makes sense to you. Just remember you are using your body as an instrument and it hasn't finished developing yet. Don't write yourself off so soon. Keep the faith. Good luck with the band.

Q. Mark, I am a 52 year-old, on-again/off-again singer who has had some past moderate success in singing classical, blues, jazz, rock and folk-rock. I am looking to get back into the business by recording a CD and then promoting it in the Northern and Southern California market. But, I don't know what style/voice will make me believable at my age. I still have the urge, but need some help in knowing the right direction. Suggestions?

A. The key word in your question is promoting. The real question is: What style are you willing to tirelessly promote. Judging by your past success, I'm sure you sing well in every style. Which one, though, would motivate you enough to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco for an unpaid gig, then sprint up to Crescent City for an interview on a small wattage radio show, back down to Fresno next day for an in-store performance (again, unpaid), then it's off to Bakersfield only to find you've booked yourself into a country club. Next day's gig is in San Diego, which becomes doubtful because the oil pressure in your car is dropping like mercury in a Minnesota winter. All this to sell 16 CD's. If you ate fast food and slept at least one night in your car, the little promotion jaunt would have only cost $300. I know many bands that would consider that a very successful week. Would you? Breaking a new disk takes this kind of against-all-odds attitude until a buzz is created. This is the main reason record companies don't sign new artists who are in their forties or fifties. They are usually unwilling to promote themselves to this extent.

I don't mean to rain on your urge, but what makes someone "believable" is the level of sacrifice required for the opportunity to sing. Anyone these days can make a nice sounding CD. What makes an artist stand out, is if they are willing to mortgage the house to promote themselves. That's what Tom Scholz did many years ago to keep his Boston project alive after every record company turned him down. He was already a successful engineer at Polaroid and risked it all to make his music. Like his style or not -- the rest, as they say, is history. Something to think about.

Q. Dear Mr. Baxter I have enjoyed your commentaries on Get Signed.Com and can't wait for your next column! I have a question/dilemma that has been troubling me and I really need a professional opinion I have been taking vocal lessons 3 times per week for the last 14 months with a private coach. The problem is she has told me that I should not start my singing career, even on an amatuer level, until I am fully "established" singing with the correct technique (diapram use without throat intervention, ect.) which boils down to another 6-12 months of lessons. However, I do not share her opinion and wish to begin singing A.S.A.P. while continuing to simultanesouly train my voice. What would you advise in this situation? You input would be very appreciated.

A.I respectfully disagree with your instructor. Unless you've got some record executive waiting until you blossom (Clive Davis waited for Whitney to develop -- she sang every day for a year before recording), you got to start learning the ropes of the business as well as developing your skills. Both take a lifetime to master. You should always be improving your vocal abilities (working with coaches, etc.) and, at the same time, learning to be more business savvy (usually we learn from our bad career moves). The saddest part is that ability -- especially technique, is not a ticket anywhere. There are many other elements (looks, personality, contacts, marketability) which have to be in place to get a career moving. These take time to develop. The cruel truth is that some of the best vocalists I work with are unknowns to the world. Art (singing) is not a destination -- it's an endless journey into the heart. A successful career, however, relies on other people becoming inspired to work on your behalf (usually to line their pockets). Getting out there and creating a buzz is the first step.

Q. I can imagine your very good at what you do. I write songs. I can't say that I have a beat to put them to at this point but, I love writing as much as singing. As far as goals, it's hard to say I haven't even sang in front of an audience yet. Although, I have always dreamed of being a well known name, and with the proper confidence I would love to do record albums. So now I'm intrigued. What next?

A.

Step 1

Go to your local music store and/or comb through any entertainment papers you have looking for beginner musicians to write with. You can always place an ad yourself, but there are a lot of nut-jobs out there, so it's better to be the caller. You are looking for a guitar or keyboard player who is willing to take your ideas and make them into songs. If he or she is a beginner, than they will be as intimidated as you -- in other words, no need to freak out about your lack of experience. Together, you need to write at least three songs you feel strong about.

Step 2

Record your three songs on a simple four track tape machine. Musicians usually have one of these. You will discover a lot of things about yourself and singing in general during your attempt to record your songs. Always remember this is a process. Everyone's first demo's stink, but if you don't make a first attempt, there can be no second attempt.

Step 3

Take your recording, which may be attempt number five by the time you like it, and make copies to distribute to local clubs which host open mike nights and to other musicians who might be interested in joining your vision. You and your new found partner should do some very informal gigs (as a duo at an open mike night) before you ask other musicians to form a band. You should also hang out in the clubs which have the kind of music that matches yours -- this is the best place to meet people who would understand your direction.

There are about seven mores steps I can think of to become an internationally know recording artist. But you must not dream ahead of your self. You have some catching up to do. Subscribe to Musician Magazine and any other song writing mags you run across. Check out the million plus music web sites ( getsigned.com is a good one) Read and learn from the stories, but only concern yourself with the current step your on. Each step can take months or years -- depending on your conviction, luck and courage. It is not worth thinking ahead of the steps to come. The only way you'll complete the first step is by growing and coming out of your shell. This provides the foundation for the next step, and so on.

By the time you get to step three, you will know the remaining steps -- this is not rocket science. Count on being discouraged, embarrassed, humiliated, frustrated, humbled, inspired, optimistic and, at times, elated. What better way to know you're alive?

Q. I was reading several articles on the getsigned.com website, and they all talk about being in a band to get a record deal, yet on the radio, I keep hearing that solo vocalists get record deals too. That's what I'm curious about. I would love to sing as a career, but yet I'm not in band and i don't write my own music. Do record companies give contracts to just vocalists? Because if they do, I'm considering looking for an agent. I'm very serious about this because singing is my strongest feature and my strongest passion. I don't want to do anything as a career, but sing. I know that there's a lot of business work to having a solo career, but I also like business too. Not as much as singing, but I still like it. I haven't been able to find any info on just soloists, so if you could just answer these couple questions for me I'd really appreciate it.

A. Just to name a few, Celine Dione, Madonna, Michael Bolton, Cindy Lauper, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Jonny Lang, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estephon, Cher, Joan Osbourn, Alonis Morrisette, Sheryl Crow, Shannia Twain, Seal, Janet Jackson, R Kelly, JZ, Puff Daddy and every other rapper on the planet were all signed without a band.

What matters is talent and your ability to promote. Best of luck to you.

Q. I'm 16. I came across your advice for warming up before singing at 'getsigned.com' , and thought I'd email you to see if you had any advice on how to get a good voice teacher who specializes in pop music, and how to find out where to send my demo tape to? Any help/advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks ever so much.

A. Finding a good voice teacher is a hit or miss thing. Ask a lot of questions before starting and you'll get a feel for someone. Sending a demo tape depends on what you're looking for. A band? Gigs? Press? Management? I suspect your answer will be "a record deal" but unless you've already got the first four steps in place it's not worth sending a label your demo. Record labels are in the business of putting products on shelves. The old days of artist development are all but gone. You've got to approach them with everything in place and ready to sell.

Q. Hello, I was recently on the internet when I came across your website. I love singing, and always have. I was just wondering if you have any tips on how to get started (performing).

A. Performing runs parallel to vocal talent. You don't have to have talent to begin performing nor does talent guarantee you'll find a place to sing. Depending on what kind of music you sing, there are night clubs or talent shows for you to contact. If there's nothing in your area, then you'll have to be the one to organize a show. Use a church or local hall and spread poster announcing your intentions. If all that sounds like too much work then you need to reconsider your desire to perform. It's very hard work.

Q. I have always wanted to learn how to sing. People tell me I have a good voice, but it still needs a lot of work. I was wondering how could I increase the range of your singing voice? Also how could I make my singing voice sound not so flat when I sing certain notes.

A. Training your voice does all of these things. There are physical behaviors involved with singing. When they are coordinated, the range increases and the tone improves. Check in your local newspaper or music store for a teacher in your area. Voice lessons can make a big difference.

Q. Is it possible for someone who can't carry a tune (me) to be able to learn how to sing?