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Karaoke used to conjure up images of bar room patrons, slightly tipsy, massacring popular songs in the spirit of having fun.

But not anymore.

Karaoke contests have become big business and some would say that singing karaoke is excellent training for those interested in auditioning for shows like American Idol.
Karaoke singers are taking what started out as a fun party activity to new heights.

So how did they get so good?

Natural talent? Perhaps.

More likely, these singers know the importance of working on the different aspects of being a karaoke singer, from vocal exercises to warm up and strengthen the vocal apparatus to creating a stage presence with the showmanship to win over the crowd.

In terms of vocal exercises, there are many resources available to karaoke singers, such as taking a few private lessons with a qualified voice teacher or vocal coach, or purchasing many of the fine programs available in music stores and online.

But if you can't afford either of those options, here are some great warms ups you can do on your own:

1. Balloon breathing

Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your body to fill with air, thus making your abdominal area appear to puff out, much like a balloon. Filling your body up with the maximum amount of air will help you sustain long notes and support long phrases without running out.

2. Vowel drill

On one note, sing the following: Mee...ay...aw...oh...oo
Move up one note and repeat. Keep doing this until you have covered your entire range.

3. The Giggles

You know that feeling you get when you laugh and your insides jiggle? Well, that's the involuntary action of your diaphragm muscle. See if you can make it bounce while saying "Ho Ho Ho". Strengthening this muscle system will help you support those high notes.

Warming up is essential for good vocal health but there are other things you can do to make sure your voice is in prime working form:

1. Drink plenty of water (no other liquid offers more to your vocal health)

2. Get plenty of rest (especially before you are going to be singing)

3. Avoid smoking (or even being around smokers)

4. Avoid eating dairy (in many it causes excess mucus)

5. Eat healthy (avoid processed foods as they usually contain lots of sodium)

6. Avoid caffeine (coffee/tea/soft drinks)

7. Exercise your body (yes, a healthy body helps produce a healthy sound)

8. Have a positive outlook on life (negativity zaps your energy quickly)

If you're doing everything you can to maintain good vocal health, now it's time to discuss what the karaoke singer can do to prepare for the performance.

1. Listen to lots of music. Sing along with the vocals and find songs that suit
your voice style, color and range.

2. Play around with your voice and try to find your own unique style.

3. Pick songs that have lyrics you can communicate easily to your audience.

4. Go over tricky parts of the song to make sure you don't stumble on them. Don't
just sing the song over and over.

5. If you know the lyrics by memory, you'll be less likely to mess up on stage,
even if they do have the lyrics displayed on a screen.

6. Remember that you are in front of an audience. Entertain them.

7. Choose an outfit that makes you feel like a star.

Even if you are just singing karaoke to have a good time, keep yourself healthy and you'll enjoy the experience even more.

Where to buy singing method books etc. online:

Basics of Singing:
http://search.barnesan dnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInqu iry.asp?z=y&endeca=1&isbn=0495 115312&itm=1

Seth Riggs' Speech Level Singing
http://www.speechlevels inging.com/

Karaoke Singing Lessons
http://karaokesingingle ssons.com/

Free singing tips ezine
www.TheSingingSpot.com

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Mcmahon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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