Mastering Vocal Lead: Tips and Techniques for Singing Like a Pro

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 9 min read

Whether you're an aspiring vocalist or an experienced singer, mastering the art of vocal lead is an ongoing journey. To become a pro, it's important to develop proper techniques and habits that will make you stand out on stage. In this blog, we'll explore warm-up exercises, breathing techniques, voice control, and more. Let's dive into the world of vocal lead and unlock your true potential!

Warm-Up Exercises

Just like athletes, singers need to warm up their voices before a performance or practice session. Warming up your voice helps prevent strain and injury, ensuring your vocal cords stay healthy. Here are some effective warm-up exercises to help you get started:

Lip Trills

Lip trills are an excellent exercise for relaxing your facial muscles and warming up your vocal cords. To perform a lip trill, take a deep breath and gently blow air through your lips, allowing them to vibrate. You can also try adding different pitches to your lip trills for an added challenge.

Tongue Trills

Tongue trills help to improve your vocal agility and loosen up your tongue for clearer articulation. To do a tongue trill, place your tongue against the roof of your mouth and create a rolling "R" sound. Practice this exercise at various pitches to warm up the full range of your vocal lead.

Sirens

Sirens are a fantastic exercise for increasing vocal range and flexibility. Start by making a gentle "oo" sound at the lowest pitch you can comfortably reach, then slowly glide up to the highest pitch you can achieve. Once you've reached the top, glide back down to your starting pitch. Repeat this process, focusing on smooth transitions and control.

Humming

Humming is a simple yet effective way to warm up your voice while improving resonance and tone. With your lips closed, hum a comfortable pitch and feel the vibrations in your face and chest. Experiment with different pitches and melodies, paying attention to the sensations in your body as you do so. This will help you become more aware of your vocal lead and its unique qualities.

Breathing Techniques

Proper breathing is the foundation of strong vocal lead performance. By mastering different breathing techniques, you'll be able to control your voice with ease and deliver powerful, captivating performances. Here are some breathing techniques to help you on your journey:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that engages your diaphragm, the large muscle located at the base of your lungs. To practice this technique, place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdominal muscles contract. By using your diaphragm to breathe, you'll be able to access more power and control in your vocal lead.

Ribcage Breathing

Ribcage breathing focuses on expanding your ribcage for better breath control and support. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and place your hands on your ribcage. As you inhale, focus on expanding your ribcage outwards, filling your lungs with air. Exhale slowly, feeling your ribcage contract. Practicing this technique will help you maintain proper posture and give you more control over your vocal lead.

Yoga Breathing

Yoga breathing exercises can be a great way to enhance your vocal lead performance by promoting relaxation, focus, and breath control. One popular yoga breathing technique is the "Ujjayi breath," also known as the "ocean breath." To practice Ujjayi breathing, inhale deeply through your nose, then constrict the back of your throat slightly as you exhale, creating a gentle ocean-like sound. This technique can help you connect with your breath and develop greater awareness of your vocal lead capabilities.

Voice Control

Once you've developed strong breathing techniques, it's time to focus on voice control. Voice control is crucial for a vocalist, as it allows you to deliver a consistent and captivating vocal lead performance. Let's explore some key elements of voice control:

Pitch Accuracy

Pitch accuracy is the ability to hit and maintain the correct pitch while singing. To improve your pitch accuracy, try these exercises:

Match pitch with a musical instrument, such as a piano or a guitar, and practice staying in tune as you sing along.
Practice singing scales and intervals, focusing on hitting each note accurately.
Record yourself singing and listen back to identify any pitch issues. Adjust your technique accordingly and practice regularly.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your pitch accuracy and developing a solid vocal lead.

Vocal Agility

Vocal agility refers to the ability to quickly and smoothly transition between notes and vocal registers. To enhance your vocal agility, try the following exercises:

Practice singing different scale patterns, such as arpeggios and chromatic scales, focusing on smooth transitions between notes.
Experiment with different vocal exercises, such as staccato or legato singing, to improve your control and precision.
Challenge yourself by singing songs with complex melodies and rapid note changes. This will help you become more comfortable with quick transitions and enhance your vocal lead performance.

Vocal Range

Your vocal range is the span of pitches that you can comfortably sing, from the lowest to the highest note. Expanding your vocal range can add versatility and depth to your vocal lead skills. To work on expanding your range, try these tips:

Identify your current vocal range by singing through scales and noting the highest and lowest notes you can comfortably reach.
Practice singing slightly beyond your comfortable range, both higher and lower, to gently push your limits. Be patient and avoid straining your voice.
Incorporate vocal exercises that target the upper and lower extremes of your range, such as sirens or octave leaps.

Keep in mind that expanding your vocal range takes time and consistent practice. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of growing as a vocal lead.

Stage Presence

While voice control is important for a vocal lead, stage presence can make or break your performance. A captivating stage presence allows you to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression. Let's delve into some key aspects of stage presence:

Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes on stage. It can convey confidence, emotion, and energy. To improve your body language as a vocal lead, consider these tips:

Stand tall with your shoulders back and your chest open. This posture conveys confidence and also helps with breath control.
Use your hands and arms to emphasize key moments in your performance, such as dramatic lyrics or emotional high points.
Be mindful of your facial expressions and make sure they align with the emotions of your song.

Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact with your audience is crucial for establishing a connection. As a vocal lead, you should:

Scan the audience and make direct eye contact with individuals. This creates a sense of intimacy and makes each person feel seen.
Connect with your bandmates on stage through eye contact, acknowledging their presence and creating a cohesive performance.
Avoid staring at the floor or closing your eyes for extended periods, as this can make you appear disconnected from your audience.

Movement

Dynamic movement can add energy and excitement to your performance, making you a more engaging vocal lead. To incorporate movement into your stage presence, try these strategies:

Move around the stage, covering as much ground as possible. This helps you connect with different parts of your audience and adds visual interest to your performance.
Use movement to punctuate key moments in your song, such as jumping during a musical climax or swaying gently during a softer passage.
Coordinate your movements with your bandmates to create a cohesive and visually engaging performance.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to stage presence. Rehearse your performance with these tips in mind, and watch your vocal lead skills soar!

Tools and Equipment

As a vocal lead, having the right tools and equipment can greatly enhance your performance and overall sound. Let's explore some essential gear that can help you sound your best:

Microphones

Choosing the right microphone is essential for capturing the nuances of your voice. Consider these factors when selecting a microphone:

Dynamic vs. condenser microphones: Dynamic microphones are generally more rugged and better suited for live performances. Condenser microphones require a power source and are more sensitive, making them ideal for studio recordings.
Polar patterns: Cardioid microphones are the most common type, picking up sound primarily from the front. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, while bidirectional microphones pick up sound from the front and back.
Frequency response: A microphone with a wide frequency response will capture the full range of your voice, while one with a more narrow response may be tailored for specific vocal styles.

Vocal Effects

Using vocal effects can add depth and dimension to your performance. Some popular vocal effects include:

Reverb: This effect simulates the natural reflections of a room or space, giving your voice a sense of depth and space.
Delay: Delay repeats your voice at timed intervals, creating an echo-like effect. This can add texture and interest to your vocals.
Harmony: A harmony effect generates additional voices that harmonize with your vocal lead, creating a fuller sound.
Compression: Compression evens out the volume levels of your voice, preventing extreme changes in volume from being too jarring.

Recording Software

Recording software, or digital audio workstations (DAWs), allows you to record, edit, and mix your vocals. When choosing a DAW for your vocal lead work, consider the following:

Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your computer's operating system and your audio interface.
Features: Look for features that are important to you, such as pitch correction, time stretching, and audio effects.
Price: DAWs can range from free to expensive, so find one that fits your budget and needs.
Learning curve: Some DAWs are more user-friendly than others. Choose one that you feel comfortable learning and using.

By investing in the right tools and equipment, you'll be well on your way to mastering your vocal lead skills and delivering unforgettable performances.

Finding Your Unique Voice

As a vocal lead, it's important to develop your unique voice that sets you apart from others. Let's explore some aspects that can help you cultivate your distinct vocal style and make your performances memorable:

Vocal Style

Finding your vocal style involves experimenting with different genres, techniques, and expressions. Consider these tips to help you discover your own style:

Listen to a variety of music genres and vocalists to gain inspiration and expand your musical vocabulary.
Experiment with different vocal techniques, such as vibrato, falsetto, or growling, to see which ones resonate with you.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Trying new things can lead to exciting discoveries about your voice.

Emotional Expression

Connecting with your audience is key to being a successful vocal lead. Conveying emotion through your voice can make your performances more engaging and relatable. Here's how you can enhance your emotional expression:

Understand the lyrics and the story behind the song, so you can convey the intended emotion.
Practice using dynamics, such as varying your volume and intensity, to create an emotional impact.
Use facial expressions and body language to visually communicate the emotions you're expressing through your voice.

Songwriting

Writing your own songs can be a powerful way to showcase your unique voice and share your personal experiences. To develop your songwriting skills, consider these suggestions:

Listen to a variety of songwriters and analyze their lyrics, melodies, and structures to learn different approaches to songwriting.
Experiment with different songwriting techniques, such as starting with a lyric idea, a melody, or a chord progression.
Collaborate with other musicians and songwriters to gain new perspectives and expand your creative horizons.

By honing your vocal style, emotional expression, and songwriting skills, you'll be well on your way to establishing your unique voice as a vocal lead.

Continuous Improvement

As a vocal lead, it's essential to continuously refine your skills and stay up-to-date with new techniques and trends in the industry. Let's explore some resources and approaches that can help you in your ongoing journey to improve your vocal abilities:

Vocal Coach

Working with a vocal coach can provide you with personalized guidance and support to help you reach your full potential. Here are some tips for finding the right vocal coach:

Research local vocal coaches or online lessons that specialize in your preferred music genre.
Ask for recommendations from fellow musicians or friends who have taken vocal lessons.
Attend a trial lesson or consultation to see if the coach's teaching style and personality are a good fit for you.

Online Resources

There are plenty of online resources available to help you improve your vocal lead skills. Consider the following options:

YouTube tutorials and masterclasses can provide valuable tips and techniques from experienced vocalists and coaches.
Online forums and social media groups can offer a platform for asking questions, sharing experiences, and connecting with other vocalists.
Apps and websites, such as online metronomes or pitch-correction software, can help you practice and refine specific aspects of your voice.

Community

Engaging with a community of musicians and vocalists can provide you with inspiration, feedback, and support. Here are some ways to connect with others who share your passion for singing:

Attend local open mics, jam sessions, or music workshops to meet fellow musicians and showcase your skills.
Join a local choir, a capella group, or band to collaborate with other vocalists and learn from their experiences.
Participate in online music challenges or competitions to stay motivated and challenge yourself to grow as a vocal lead.

Remember, becoming a great vocal lead is an ongoing process. By leveraging the resources and opportunities available to you, you'll continue to evolve and excel in your musical journey.

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of recording vocals, don't miss the workshop 'In the Studio: The Recording Vocals Process' by Ami Miller. This workshop will give you an inside look at the recording process and share valuable tips and techniques to help you capture the perfect vocal performance.