How can i get a better singing voice?

How can I get a better singing voice?

• I don't intend to have a singing career when I'm older, but I want to at least be decent. I've noticed when I try to sing higher notes, my voice is off tune. How can I get better at hitting the right notes, as well as keep it steady? I think my voice gets shaky sometimes when i try to sing. Please don't suggest lessons. thanks ^_^

• Answer:

  Why no lessons? In my opinion even professionals benefit from a coach ^_^ (I'm hardly a professional, but I've taken lessons on and off for 5 years, and it's been extremely helpful and great fun.) The biggest thing is practice. Honest. People who have been singing a very long time, even ones who aren't all that great, do have a steadiness and smoothness to their voice. Even when you get generally good at singing, there can be a definite difference between songs you've only sung a couple times vs. songs you've sung dozens of times. Have faith in repetition. Hitting the right notes... again, practice. If you have an instrument (or even using one of those Java virtual keyboards), try an exercise where you play a random note, and then sing it. Try not to scoop or go off key, try to hit it straight on. It's even better if you have someone else hit the note. When you practice a song, you can also try practicing without music but checking yourself periodically with an instrument. Sometimes there is a spot in the song where you tend to go off key, and when you discover it you can fix it. Also make sure you're not straining to hit higher notes. If there is strain it will make it much harder to avoid going off-key. You want to have a relaxed larynx with plenty of breath support. Breathing is really important to singing, though it can take lots of practice/repetition to get it nice and smooth. Good luck and have fun!