5 Common Mistakes Beginner Singers Make (and How to Fix Them)
Hi guys, Lydia here!
Starting your singing journey can be super exciting… but also a little overwhelming. If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like your voice just isn’t doing what you want it to, chances are you’re running into one of these common beginner mistakes.
Let’s break them down and more importantly, fix them.
1. Singing with tension
One of the biggest voice-killers? Tension. Whether it’s in your jaw, neck, shoulders, or tongue, tension limits vocal freedom and makes it harder to sing with power or ease.
Fix it: Before you sing, roll out your shoulders, release your jaw with a “yah-yah-yah” sound, and do a few gentle neck rolls. Tension-free singing starts with a relaxed body.
2. Not breathing properly
You’ve probably heard that singing is all about breath support. But no one really explains what that means. If you’re gasping for air or your sound dies quickly, you’re likely breathing shallowly from your chest instead of using your diaphragm.
Fix it: Try lying on the floor and placing a book on your stomach. Breathe so the book rises and falls. That’s your diaphragm in action. Then bring that same breath into your singing.
3. Pushing for power
Louder isn’t always better. Many beginners think they need to push to be heard, but this often leads to yelling or straining. Real vocal power comes from breath control and resonance… not force.
Fix it: Practice singing at medium volume while focusing on resonance (where the sound vibrates). Try humming or using an “NG” sound to feel the buzz in your nose and cheeks.
4. Skipping warmups
Singing without warming up is like sprinting without stretching. It sets you up for strain, cracks, or fatigue.
Fix it: Even 5 minutes of warmups (like lip trills, sirens, or gentle scales) can help prep your voice for a smoother, safer singing session.
5. Not knowing your current vocal range
It’s tempting to try and sing that one viral high note… but if you’re reaching outside your natural range without training, it’s a recipe for strain.
Fix it: Find your comfortable range and work within it first. Expanding your range is totally possible it just takes time, consistency, and proper technique.
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Want to fix these habits once and for all?
Check out my Beginner Vocal Course—a step-by-step program that helps you build a solid foundation, develop confidence, and start loving your voice again.
