“Why Versatility Matters: Learning Lead and Background Singing”
When you take singing lessons, you want to become the best all-around singer that you possibly can.
You have no idea in advance of all the opportunities that could present themselves to you.
That is why it is so important to find a voice teacher who has gotten the complete download.
Because there is a massive shift in technique depending on the function you are attempting to fulfill.
If your teacher is too one-dimensional in their approach, you’ll miss out on some great stuff — things that could have kept you in constant demand in the music community where you perform.
The dream is to be the star, the focal point, the “it” factor.
And toward that end, singers are working tirelessly to gain an edge:
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Something unique
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Something quirky
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Something that makes them stand out
They play with their voices, developing affected sounds — asking the world to “look at me” — all the while weakening their true talent for actually singing.
I would never deny a singer their shot at the attention they crave.
However, I want to tell the other side of the story.
As a record producer, I’ve worked with many different vocalists over the years.
And yes — I acknowledge that an edgy, unique sound can cut through the production. It can be a desirable quality in someone’s lead sound.
But — not every gig you get hired for will be as the lead vocalist, no matter how good you are.
And now, all those years of training yourself to “cut through” are wasted.
Because the main thing a producer or arranger is looking for in background vocals or secondary harmonies is:
Blend.
An edgy lead voice stands out like a sore thumb in backing vocal tracks.
As a background singer, you must be able to:
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Hear what the other voices are doing
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Match timbre and tone
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Control pitch flawlessly
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Adjust volume and phrase timing to serve the ensemble
Even more critical?
The ability to sing without vibrato.
As beautiful as vibrato is on a lead line, it’s a curse in background vocals.
Everyone has their own unique vibrato speed — so imagine trying to create a tight three-part harmony with three totally different vibrato rates.
It creates the dreaded “wow” effect from hell.
If you haven’t:
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Studied tone modification
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Learned to blend, match pitch, and match phrasing
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Mastered singing without vibrato
…don’t bother showing up for a background vocal session. You’ll just get sent home.
However, if you have a desire to be master of your sound, your chops, and your fate…
Find a vocal instructor who can help you learn both lead and background singing.
It really is part of becoming the best singer you can be.
And even if — as a lead vocalist on your own recordings — you end up singing all your own backgrounds in the studio…
You’ll be grateful you acquired these skills.
If you want to develop a complete singing skill set to further your career, The Singing Lesson Expert is your best choice.