If you’re even just the slightest bit unsure how you sound, put off striding into the American Idol studio for a while. Do more singing exercises and give your voice as much training as it can take. You could take singing lessons online, too, or utilize learn-to-sing software packages like Singorama. Bottomline: never go to an audition unprepared. All you get is one shot; you do not want to crash and burn even before your voice takes off.

But what if you already have a great voice? Should you set an appointment with Simon right away? No. In shows like American Idol, you need more than singing chops to win over the competition. Sometimes, a good voice cannot stand on its own. This is because when you’re in front of a crowd, your voice can somehow feel as it if has detached itself from the rest of your body.

Here are possible worst case scenarios: your voice could sound meek, your vibrato could leap one too many notches closer to the sky, you could sound reedy, or you could be so nervous you’d actually forget to breathe — in which case you’d be fighting not for a spot on the show but for your life. Avoid complications by signing up for singing lessons online. That, or practicing on your own with the discipline of a Spartan.

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If you end up making animal noises – squawk, caw, croak – each time you sing, then you definitely could use some help to improve singing. There are many ways to go about this. You could buy learn-to-sing software packages like Singorama or sign up for voice lessons online.

Or, you could do it the best way you know how — on your own and one step at a time. Here are some tips that might help improve singing.

1. Forget ice cold drinks.
They will only make your voice hoarse. Why? Because the cold tightens the vocal cords. This is a no-no. You cannot sing properly unless your vocal cords are warm and loose.

2. Do not talk too much.
This wears your vocal cords down. It might even make you hoarse the next day.

3. If you’re unsure of your pitch or still haven’t found your "voice", do not sing in or with a group.
Choruses do not stay in key. They sing in different voices. This will only throw you off and would make sing very much off-key.

4. Teach your ears to recognize pitches.
How? When playing a musical exercise, sing only the very first note.

5. Gargle.
Mix a glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda.

These simple tips should help improve singing, if not ease the strain your voice is under.

Technorati Tags: improve singing, online singing lessons, singing exercises, singing lessons online