Tip #1 Find Band Members 

This is your very first step! If you’re studying music or you attend music clubs, then it’s highly likely that you’ll already know some musicians at your school or college. You could chat to them to see if they would consider joining. You can also advertise for band auditions by making posters and flyers and displaying them at school and throughout your town. You could also advertise on online forums or even Facebook. 

You’ll also need to decide on the style of music you wish your band to play. It’s useful if you already know this before you advertise for members so that they know if it appeals to them. 

Some people wonder how to start a band with no friends, and if you don’t have any musical friends then don’t panic. If you advertise widely enough people are sure to come to you. 

Tip #2 Settle On A Band Name 

Naming your band is an important step. Make sure that you think of something unique and catchy so that it will stick in people’s memory. Throw some options out there and bounce ideas off of your other band members. It’s also a good idea to take the names to different people in your life and see what they think. 

Don’t worry if this name changes a couple of times – this is common for most bands as they find their feet. 

Top Tip: if you aren’t 100% sure of your band name then don’t waste money on posters or merchandise. This will only lead to you having to replace it all and re-spend all of that money. This isn’t ideal for teenagers, as chances are that you won’t have money to waste!

Tip #3 Practice, Practice, Practice 

When people wonder how to start a band as a teenager, they need to make sure that all of their band members are ready to put in plenty of hard work. Find a space where you can practice, whether that be at someone’s house or the music room at your school or college. Before you begin to write your own songs, it’s important that you master your own instruments and vocals. Get comfortable working as a band by covering songs first. 

Tip #4 Write And Record Your Own Songs 

Next up, it’s time to write your own songs. Once you’ve composed your first song then it’s likely that your band will find it easier to write some more. Record these songs when you can. If you record them onto a CD, you can then pass it out to people around your college or school. This will help you to gain a following, as people will likely want to hear more. 

Tip #5 Plan Your Gigs 

When considering how to launch a band, one of the most important steps to take is planning gigs. It can be a good idea to appoint someone as your band manager who can take care of all this planning. 

Ask your Headmaster or Principal if you can play a gig at your school or college. You could take control of the gym or café. Additionally, if there are any dances or discos, why not ask to be the headline act? 

You can promote your band’s gigs by passing flyers and posters around so that people know not to miss your performance. You can also start up a website and YouTube channel to help promote your band. It’s easy and free!

Tip #6 Play Your Gigs 

Now it’s time to play your gigs! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your band’s first performance. Think back to the day when you were wondering how to get a band started and look at how far you’ve come! Also, if you’ve practiced enough then you and your band will be prepared for your big night – so there’s nothing to worry about! 

Before you play, make sure that the singers do vocal warmups and drink plenty of water. On the day of the gig, try and do things that keep you calm. This could be reading a book, going for a walk, or just hanging out with your friends. After all, there’s only so much practicing that you can do, and you don’t want to feel worn out on the day. 

Before and after your performance you can hand out any merchandise you’ve created. This could be posters, CD’s, T-shirts – you name it! You can put any money that you make back into the band. This could help you to record, make videos, create more merchandise and more. 

Tip #7 Keep Going 

When people wonder how to form a band they often think of the beginning. However, once you’ve got to this stage – got some songs under your belt, some merchandise, recordings and you’ve played your first gig – it’s time to keep going! 

This can mean performing more gigs in different places and working your way up to the bigger venues. This can help to gain you publicity which can lead to a bigger fan base. Keep recording, creating new material and send your demos off to record labels and radio stations when you feel ready!

Final Thoughts 

So, there we have it – your guide on how to start a band! If you follow our tips and tricks, then the chances are that you’ll see success for you and your band. Remember to keep preserving, practicing and booking gigs and your hard work will pay off. We hope that we have successfully answered your question ‘how can I start a band’ and that you remember us when you’re famous! 

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How To Start A Band: Our Tips And Tricks appeared first on TeenStar.

What Is An Artist Bio?

So, what is an artist bio? Put simply, an artist bio will summarise the life and career of an artist leading up to the present day. Many individuals working in an artistic profession will be asked to write one over the course of their career. For example, an author will need to write one for their book jacket, while a painter will need a bio for their website. 

When it comes to music, artists and bands will be asked to write one for press releases, their website, poster and more. You should make sure that you consider where your author bio will be placed. For example, your bio for your poster may be simplified, while you may wish to expand on it on your website. 

Keep in mind that your artist bio will be different from an artist statement. A statement won’t include the personal details that your bio will. Instead, it will contain information that will sit beside a certain piece of art or music. 

Why Do You Need An Artist Bio?

As we have discovered, your artist bio will be distributed across a range of places. This helps to get your name out there, and all of the relevant information that people would want to know. 

It can be one of the first places that people will look to decide if they wish to work with you. For example, if you’re an artist, then gallery owners may want to check out your art and offer you a place in their gallery. This will also be extremely necessary for any competitions you wish to enter, museum submissions and any other kinds of promotion. 

The same goes for musicians, as promoting yourself successfully can help you to book gigs or interviews. This can help to get your music out into the world, which can help you to gain more fans. 

How To Write An Artist Bio

Now it’s time to explain how to write an artist bio. 

Understanding The Audience 

Before you can begin writing it’s important that you consider your audience and what they will be looking for. If you’re providing information about your band for your website then provide some personal information and any career highlights, such as awards. Artists may wish to do the same on their website. 

However, if they are providing a bio for an artist’s gallery then they may wish to focus on where to find their art. The beauty of an artist’s bio is that it can be changed and updated to suit different audiences. 

Select Relevant Information 

Now that you feel ready to write your bio – where do you begin? Many people wonder what to include in an artist bio, so let’s explain in more detail. Begin by noting down all of the significant facts about your art or music in third person. Now choose the most important and summarise them. 

You can then move onto the easier stuff, like your name, where you work, how old you are and what first made you interested in your art. If you have any degrees or certificates that relate to your field it would be a good idea to mention this. 

Next up, note down any awards, gigs, achievements or exhibitions that you have. Keep this simple, if you’re lucky to have a lot to write then choose the most significant ones. Finally, mention any upcoming gigs or shows. If you’re going to be posting to a blog or website, then make sure to include the link. 

Plenty of people wonder how to make a short artist bio, and if you follow the above advice then you’ll achieve your goal!

Don’t Submit Your First Attempt 

It may be tempting to send off your first draft, but this is never a good idea! Keep writing and editing your artist bio until you’re completely happy with it. Keep your tone consistent throughout, whether that be chatty and informal or formal. If you inject some personality into your bio then it can help you to stand out from the crowd. Make sure that your bio isn’t longer than two paragraphs, as this will help it to flow and keep the reader engaged. 

Show It To Other Artists

If you have friends or contacts in the industry, then it can be a good idea to get a second opinion on your artist bio. They will be able to point out any errors and make sure that it accurately repents you and your art. They may also pick up on any remaining spelling and grammar issues. 

Keep Writing 

Now that we have covered how to do an artist bio you may think that’s it. Well, not quite! If you achieve anything else or release new art, then it’s important to keep your bio updated. After all, your career is always going to be developing and your bio should reflect this. 

Example Of Good Artist Bios

It can be a good idea to check out an artist bio sample before you begin to write yours. This can help you to get a feel of what others have written. This is a good example of an artist bio from Tobias Fonseca: 

“The artist Tobias (Tobe) Fonseca is a bearded illustrator and creator that lives in the south of Brazil, in a small village in the middle of nowhere. He loves nature, travel, and animals which are reflected in his work. He usually goes for minimalistic art, but sometimes explores more complex patterns, mixing up collage and illustrations. Tobe has been working with big names in the apparel world such as Threadless, GAP, and Urban outfitters.”

It demonstrates all of the relevant information about him, while displaying his personality. 

Final Thoughts 

So, there we have it – how to write an artist bio! Remember to keep things short and snappy, use the third person and to inject some of your personality into your bio. This will help to keep things interesting for the reader and lead them to want to know more. 

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Artist Bio: What Is It & How Do You Write One? appeared first on TeenStar.

Read on to find out what you need to do for how to get a record deal.

What Is A Record Deal?

A record deal also known as a recording contract or record contract is a legal agreement between a record label and recording artist. The artist will make a record or succession of records that the label will sell and promote.

How To Get A Record Deal

So, how do you get a record deal? Firstly, there’s no speedy way to get a major record deal fast, it takes time and effort but if you’re patient, it’ll happen! Here are our top tips on how to get a record label deal:

Discover Your Style As An Artist

When trying to find out how to get a record deal you need to know the type of artist you want to be. Make yourself unique and have a distinctive identity. Originality helps fans to remember you and labels will be interested.

Spend Time In A Recording Studio

We know you are considering how to get me a record deal but firstly you need to prove yourself as an artist. You need to get into the studio and show you are capable of producing a great record. Just because you are a good performer doesn’t mean you’re ready to be a record artist. Work with producers and engineers to improve your recording skills.

Create A Memorable Live Show

When considering how to get a record deal, you will need to get noticed by the right people. Record labels will send scouts to popular venues, singing contests and local music festivals to find fresh talent. Improve your musicianship and establish your brand when meeting music professionals after a live show.

Produce Your Best Music

Focus on creating new material to fit the record label sound. Study songwriting and production of your favourite artists. Record labels want someone who is striking and will take the world by storm.

Practice Recording And Performing

Practise your vocals with a teacher to improve your skills. A vocal coach can help you to polish your sound and improve. Accept the feedback and keep working on any issues, this will also help you when you look at how to get a record deal.

Learn About Different Record Labels

Knowing about the music industry is a necessity for getting signed. You are more likely to be signed if you are engaged and active in the industry so look at getting some work experience. You will understand the culture of the industry and how to integrate into it.

Get Noticed And Create Brand Consistency

Keep your branding consistent across all social media profiles as this will help label scouts looking for potential artists and won’t confuse them. You want to have a recognisable brand so your fans can identify you. This is also key for how to get a record deal. Sync URL’s and usernames to make it easy for record labels to locate your profiles. Merchandise should also represent your brand and be consistent with your image.

Use Social Media

Implement a good marketing plan to reach potential fans online. Record labels will look at your social media to see how active you are and how serious you want to be taken as an artist. Labels will consider signing those who have authentic followers and are engaging. Having a strong presence online helps label scouts to find your work so ensure you are linked to SoundCloud, Spotify and YouTube etc.

Build Your Fanbase

How to get a record deal, you need to continually engage with your fan base to increase your chance of success. You have to have a very strong core following who will buy your tickets and merchandise in order to make money. This is definitely one of the main points to consider as your fans may influence a label to give you a deal!

You have to spend as much time on self-promotion as you do on creating music. You have to be able to engage with fans wherever you perform as well as on social media. This helps your fans become more invested in you and your music and encourages you to learn what your fans want to hear from you as an artist. The better your fanbase is the more likely it will be for you to get noticed by record labels.

Network With Labels

Make sure you are in situations where you will meet scouts, managers and other industry gatekeepers. They will be the ones who help you to gain a record deal. Who you know is just as important as what you do. Attend industry conferences, masterclasses and other relevant events of the label you wish to sign to. Having face to face interactions is a lot more effective than over email. Having great people skills is key to succeeding in the music industry so make sure you do as much networking as possible. Show industry professionals your personality when you meet them and ensure they remember you for the right reasons. They might not be ready to sign you just yet but giving a good impression can help them to remember you in the future. It might also be beneficial to network with managers and lawyers as these will be the ones who give you feedback and advice and could work with you long term.

Think Like A Record Company

Record labels will want artists who stand out with their music. So, when you are considering how to get a record deal you need to consider which label suits your style. You are free to create the music you want however you need to be realistic about its commerciality. Think about how you can get a balance between your artistic vision and the marketability of your music. Produce music with a specific audience in mind. 

Collaborate

Collaborate with other talented artists you want to be associated with. If you are unable to collaborate then there is a chance you won’t get signed. You need to show you can work well with others just like a record deal should be seen as a collaboration with the record label. You never know your collaborators may get signed which can help you with how to get a record deal as they may recommend you to their label.  

Get A Manager

An important step for how to get a record deal is to be creative with your songwriting and recording of music.  Having a good manager can help as they will handle all the business side of things including helping artists to get signed to a record label. A manager can be your friend or someone who already has experience in the industry. The main thing is that they believe in you and genuinely have your best interests at heart.

Can You Get A Record Deal Without A Demo?

It is possible if you have amazing song writing skills. Specifically, in pop/rock or country genres. You may be able to land a song publishing deal with a music publishing company prior to encouraging record labels. This essentially means you write songs which publishers pitch to labels to get them onto records with established artists. You don’t have to have a broadcast-ready demo but you do need well-recorded arrangements of your best songs. Many of today’s up-and-coming pop and country artists started by writing songs for other label artists before gaining a deal themselves.

What Are The Best Labels To Approach

There is a rich legacy of great record companies, here are some of the best labels in the world:

Major record labels UK

• Parlophone Records
• Island Records
• Polydor Records
• Virgin EMI Records
• Relentless Records
• Ministry of Sound
• Syco Music
• Black Butter Records

Independent record labels UK

• XL Recordings
• Lex Records
• Warp Records
• Domino Recording Company
• Rough Trade Records
• 4AD
• Dirty Hit
• Ninja Tune

Universal Music Group

• Def Jam Recordings
• Interscope Geffen A&M
• Republic Records
• Universal Music Group Nashville
• Universal Music Publishing Group
• Universal Music Enterprises
• Universal Music Latin Entertainment
• Spinefarm Records
• Capitol Music Group
• Verve Label Group
• Island Records
• Polygram Entertainment
• Fame House

Warner Music Group

• Warner Records
• Electra Records
• Atlantic Records

Sony Music Entertainment

• Columbia
• Epic
• Arista Nashville
• Arista
• RCA
• RCA Records Label Nashville

What Is The Biggest Record Label?

There are many labels that are very successful but the biggest is Universal Music Group, including Polydor Records, Virgin EMI Records and Island Records. Universal is known as the top record label group in the world. The next largest is Sony Music Entertainment, which incorporates Relentless Records, Black Butter Records and Syco Music. The biggest privately-owned record label is Warner Music Group and it is the third biggest major group which includes record labels Parlophone Records and US giant Atlantic Records. When considering the biggest independent record group, it is Beggars Group, which includes XL Recordings, Rough Trade and 4AD.

Conclusion

So, there you have everything you need to know about how to get a record deal. What are you doing to get signed to a record label? It’s time to hone your skill and get your music out there!

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How To Get A Record Deal appeared first on TeenStar.

How To Get A Song On The Radio?

In this section we will explain how to get a song played on the radio. 

Local Radio Stations 

This is the best place to start, as national radio play tends to come once you’ve been established on the regional radio stations. Begin by doing your own research into the small and local radio stations. See if they take your style of music and if they accept submissions of music from new and emerging acts. From here you can work out the most appropriate person to send your music to and what formats they prefer. 

A lot of stations prefer MP3’s over CD’s. Make sure that you send the final version of your song and that it’s of good sound quality. Alongside your submission, provide the DJ with some brief information about you. If your song has been played elsewhere then make sure to mention this, along with any upcoming gigs you may have. 

Once you’ve found some potential local radio stations that could make a good home for your music, listen to the programme. This will ensure that you know where your music will fit in with the show. 

Get in contact with the DJ and build a relationship with them. This is always a good idea as they can help to champion your music and any future songs that you produce. You never know, they may even want to interview you on air! 

Once you’ve sent your music to the station or DJ, don’t contact them for 4-6 weeks. They will have hundreds (maybe thousands) of other submissions to listen to. 

Check Out Unsigned Stations And Radio Shows

When considering how to get a radio station to play a song, it’s a great idea to research unsigned stations and shows. There are many UK radio stations with the sole purpose of dedicating their stations to emerging new music and artists. 

One good example of this is BBC Introducing. You can upload your song to their website and then they will confirm if it’s been listened to. Your music will be sent to the local Introducing show, and also the national show that best suits your style of music. This gives you the chance of being played on national BBC radio stations like 1Xtra or BBC Radio 1. 

Another unsigned station to pay attention to is Amazing Radio. You submit your music via their website and if they like it then they will get in contact with you. Keep an eye out for any other stations that suit your style of music. 

Radio Pluggers 

If you have already had your music played on the local radio stations (and made a good impact), then you may wish to invest in a radio plugger. This is someone who can help you to get additional exposure in the industry. Only consider this step if you have the budget for it and if you have an upcoming release of music. Radio pluggers are used by record labels to help get performers’ music played on national, regional and local radio stations through their contacts in the industry.

What Does It Mean To Get Played On The Radio?

Getting your song played on the radio could help to kick-start your music career. It could be the key to your success, as the sheer amount of people that you can reach via the radio is incredible. While streaming services are incredibly popular (like Spotify), radio can still offer you one of the biggest reaches, and therefore it is indispensable to your career. 

Will Being Played On The Radio Get Me More Fans?

Definitely! Getting played on the radio is highly likely to increase your fan base. After all, it allows your music to make an impact on more people every time that a radio station plays your song. Sure, you can go viral on social media, but it’s far more likely that you will build up a steady fan base from radio play. You never know, your song could be a hit! 

For people wondering how to get a hit song on the radio, your first step is obviously reaching your goal of radio play. There are also other things that you can do to help promote your music. For example, you could make a website, advertise your gigs, make flyers and posters, do interviews and more. All of these things combined will help you to grow your fan base. 

Is It Hard To Get Songs On The Radio?

There are countless artists and bands wondering ‘how to get my song on the radio’, and therefore the competition is high. This can make getting that airtime a bit of a challenge, but don’t let this put you off! After all, following our tips will help to give you the best chances of being played on the radio. 

Making sure that you target the correct stations and DJ’s is a good way to show that you’ve done your research. After all, there’s no point in contacting a rock station if you’re trying to get a pop song played. 

Also, remember that you’re going up against established artists and musicians. This means that they can have agents working on their behalf. This makes it even more important that your song is of a high standard. 

Final Thoughts 

That concludes our guide on how to get a song on the radio. We hope that our article has given you the confidence to get out there and send your song off to the appropriate stations and DJs. Make sure that you persevere – if you put in the hard work, remain professional and don’t give up, then you’ll be able to reach your goals. So, now that you know how to put your song on the radio, get out there and start submitting your music!

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How To Get A Song On The Radio appeared first on TeenStar.

What is a cover song in music? This is a good question. Put very simply, a cover song is a song originally by one artist, sung or originally recorded by another artist. As a singer and artist, it is your unique, new take on a song you know, which may or may not be popular. Cover versions do tend to be of famous songs, but don’t have to be. 

So What Is A Cover Version Of A Song? 

A cover of a song is basically someone covering someone else’s song. For example, John Lennon did a version of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’. This means it is a cover of a popular song. There are countless other examples throughout the history of music. It doesn’t have to be a famous song, or indeed a popular song. Sometimes one artist’s less popular song becomes another artist’s major hit. A very good example of this is ‘Dancing in The Moonlight’ by Toploader. It was a major hit for the British-based band, but it was originally written and released by King Harvest in 1973. The original only reached number 13 in the billboard top 100 charts, but Toploader took it on and covered it,  turning it into a worldwide hit. 

Another good example might be Nirvana covering David Bowie’s ‘The Man Who Sold The World’.  This was definitely more of a hit for Bowie than Dancing in the Moonlight was for King Harvest,  but Nirvana’s version is critically acclaimed and at least as equally well known as Bowie’s original. 

Why Would You Cover A Song? 

There are many reasons why you might cover a song. Artists and singers often cover songs they like because it is fun, and they know people will enjoy hearing them. Cover singers can make a living out of singing other people’s songs in pubs, venues and at weddings for example. This career can actually be quite lucrative. You may also cover a song instrumentally for a soundtrack for example, or for an advert. 

For an artist, covering a song can also be a great shortcut into hit-making before they have built up enough original songs of their own to fill an album or stage show. The Beatles often complemented their original songs in their early albums with well-known covers like ‘Twist and Shout’ or ‘Roll Over Beethoven’. In modern music, pop bands are often given cover songs by record labels to launch their careers, think X-Factor and The Voice for example. They often give their winners a  cover song to launch their career or album before writing hits for them. Some success stories here would be Leona Lewis with Snow Patrols ‘Run’ or Will Young with ‘Light my Fire’ by the Doors.

If you are not a songwriter or someone who makes their own music, covers can be a great route for you, because you still get to sing great songs, and you have a world of choice! 

What Is A Cover Song On Youtube? 

Since the mid-2000s, Youtube has become the most powerful search engine and content platform online. It is therefore no surprise that musicians have used it to their advantage, and often enjoyed huge success off the back of their YouTube activities. 

If you cover a popular song on Youtube and it really catches on or goes viral, it can be a great way to get your name out there. Every time someone like Ed Sheeran or Adele releases a new song, you can guarantee within hours, there will be thousands of cover versions on YouTube. This is both a  fun thing to do for people and also a good way to take advantage of trends, as people will inevitably be searching for songs by those artists in the days after release. 

The top 5 most covered songs on Youtube are: 

• Somebody That I Used To Know (Walk off the Earth) – originally by Gotye INSERT PIC GOTYE OIP.jpg 
• Rolling In The Deep (Vasquez Sounds) – originally by Adele 
• A Thousand Years (The Piano Guys) – originally by Christina Perri INSERT PIC PIANO GUYS R.jpg 
• Shape Of You (J.Fla) – originally by Ed Sheeran 
• Hallelujah (Pentatonix) – originally by Leonard Cohen 

As you can see, contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele get covered extensively on  Youtube, but it is interesting to see a classic songwriter like Cohen also up there. There are great advantages for covering songs on YouTube, and if you are an aspiring singer or songwriter then it may be something worth considering for the advancement of your career. Perhaps pick one contemporary artist and one classic artist and have a crack at covering one song from each, and just see how you get on and what kind of interaction you get. 

What Is A Cover Of A Cover 

Some songs have been covered so many times, you may even end up covering a song by an artist you think wrote it, but it turns out to be a cover anyway. This would then be a ‘cover of a cover’.  Yesterday by Paul McCartney has been covered over 7 million times, and even made the Guinness  Book of Records on the back of this fact! It is therefore probable that some people will have covered it based on other versions of the song, not just McCartney’s original. 

Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ is also one of the most covered songs, and hugely popular amongst cover singers in bars and clubs, and even karaoke. It was in fact actually originally released by Dolly Parton, but such is the popularity of Houston’s version, this is the arrangement most people cover. 

How To Release A Cover Song 

Playing cover songs live is a relatively free and easy process. Anyone can play cover songs live, whether it’s a straight version or their own take on it, so feel free to pack your sets full of your favourite covers! 

When it comes to releasing a cover song there are a few hoops to jump through. You will need to get publishing rights with music publishers and copyright owners and if you want to release and distribute a cover song and in some instances the permission of the original songwriter – this is so that the mechanical royalties get paid properly. This process is not always straightforward, but there are online resources to help facilitate this if you do not know the original publishers or have contact details. 

Below we have listed our step-by-step guide to releasing a cover song. 

Step by step guide: 

1. Decide which song you would like to cover 

This can be completely your choice, but if it’s also going to be a Youtube video, it may be a good idea to consider something popular. Alternatively, you could pick something interesting that hardly anyone covers. 

1. Record and master it 

Record it at home, or in a studio and get it mixed and mastered. You may as well make it the best you possibly can because you never know – it could get picked up by an advert or a cool playlist. 

1. Secure permission to cover the song 

This will involve finding out who the publishers are and getting their permission. There is an easier way to do this through sites such as Music Gateway. Submit your song and you should get an answer within days. 

1. Secure a license to release the song 

Whichever site you choose could also help you secure the license. Once you have this – you are good to go! 

1. Find a distributor 

Most artists use a distributor such as Music Gateway that will handle the distribution and make sure any money gets distributed correctly. They can also help with promotion. 

1. Set a release date with your distributor and promote on social channels

Promote, promote, promote and see where your cover can take you.

After the release, you will notice that most of the revenue will go to the original rights holders and writers. This is the reality of releasing cover songs. Most artists do not do it for monetary reasons,  but for exposure in the music industry. A cover of a popular song will inevitably gain more attention than an unknown song from an unknown songwriter. Many artists leverage this to then release their own music. 

Our Verdict  

We love all cover versions. Whether your cover song blows up and goes viral, or you just get a  really great reaction from your fans on social media, it is guaranteed that the process will have been great fun from start to finish. If you recorded and mastered your cover song, you will have a version of one of your favourite songs that will last forever.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post What Is A Cover Song? & How To Release One appeared first on TeenStar.

What is the best guitar amp for beginners? 

When choosing a guitar amp as a beginner, it is important not to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice out there. When you go and see your favourite band you may see huge great  Marshall amps on the stage, blasting out music at high decibels, but this isn’t necessarily the route to go down – certainly not when just starting out. It would be useful to first set out what kind of music you hope to be making, which will help in your amplifier choice. 

Acoustic guitar 

Most guitar amps are designed for electric guitar, but you can get acoustic guitar amps. Due to the simpler sound of an acoustic guitar, and the fact that it’s not always played very loudly, there is no absolute need to own an acoustic guitar amp. Most acoustic guitars either get played through electric guitar amps or plugged straight into the PA system of the venue/band. It would be perfectly acceptable not to have an acoustic amp, but, if you feel like busking or playing very stripped-down sets and want to be self-contained, there are some great amps out there. 

AER Compact 60 MkIV 

Along with the Roland Street Cube, this is the busker’s go-to amp. It is compact and very durable and is a great amp either for basking or for acoustic stage performances. It is the favourite of  Tommy Emmanuel. At around £890, it is on the expensive side for a beginner’s amp, so it may be a better second amp, but it is fully worth looking at, as it’s so good. 

Guide price: £890

Reasons to buy: Solid, compact and a very clear sound 

Reasons to avoid: Expensive 

Roland Street Cube 

Another buskers classic, the Roland Street Cube is adaptable, compact and surprisingly powerful for its size. It is a great weight to carry around and is either battery-powered or can be plugged in.  There are 2 easy inputs and the reverb for vocals is good. 

Guide price: £220 

Reasons to buy: Good price, compact and a very clear sound 

Reasons to avoid: The guitar preset sounds are a bit synthetic and it works better outside in a  busking capacity than inside. 

Boss Acoustic Singer Live LT 

This is known as one of the best value-for-money amps out there. It has an excellent design and tone, making it very attractive to singer-songwriters. It has some great acoustic guitar presets to change your tone, and also some interesting vocal enhancement features. 

Guide price: £299-349 

Reasons to buy: Good price, great lightweight design and some great tones.

Reasons to avoid: It is not quite as in-depth as the PRO version 

Blackstar Sonnet 120 Acoustic Guitar Amp 

The Blackstar has excellent reverb, great vocal and guitar tones and is the most natural of amps we’ve discussed so far. Designed in collaboration with English singer-songwriter Jon Gomm and is a high-quality amp for a reasonable price. It has up to 4 different reverbs and a built-in stand for ease when performing. 

Guide price: £479 

Reasons to buy: Lovely, natural tones and a great choice of reverbs. 

Reasons to avoid: There is no chorus setting. 

Fishman Loudbox mini charge   

Perhaps best known for their guitar pickups, Fishman also make excellent amps! This one is again aimed at buskers, keeping it simple with one input for vocals, one for guitar and an auxiliary input to plug iPads and phones into. This simple but powerful amp is a real find. The playing time from one charge is said to be excellent, and it is very portable. There are some good reverb options for voice and guitar, so you should have all you need. 

Guide price: £410 

Reasons to buy: Great design, very portable and easy to use 

Reasons to avoid: It has limited outputs

Best electric guitar amp for beginners 

When it comes to electric guitar amps, a whole new world of possibilities opens up! We will limit it to the very best electric guitar amp for beginners, as tempting as it would be to give a rundown of all the fantastic electric guitar amps out there! As it turns out, there are lots of great options for best beginner practice amps for electric guitar, so here are a few options: 

Fender Frontman Guitar Amp 

At just 10watts and a nice small size, this is a great beginner’s amp, perfect for practice, either at home or in the rehearsal studio. With ample power and a nice clean tone, you can’t go wrong with this one. There are also distortion options and other effects if you would like them. It’s very affordable and portable and will do a very good job. 

Guide price: £65 

Reasons to buy: Very affordable, portable and good quality sound. 

Reasons to avoid: Probably not suited to gigging, but great for practice. 

Vox Pathfinder 10w Combo Amp 

With the eye-catching look of the classic British Vox amp, this will certainly make you look good!  It has a nice analogy quality to the sound and again is reasonably powerful at 10w, perfect for practicing and small settings. There is also a headphone socket for practising at home, or in private.  It also has a clean/overdrive gauge to give you some effects. Like the Fender, it is very affordable.

Guide price: £69 

Reasons to buy: Very affordable, portable and analog quality sound – and it looks great! Reasons to avoid: Probably not suited to gigging, but great for practice. 

BOSS Ktn-Mini Katana Portable Guitar Amplifier 

Although only 7watts in output, this Boss amp packs a bigger punch than you’d imagine from looking at it. It’s compact enough to carry around but powerful enough to make an impression. With inputs for guitar and vocals as well as an auxiliary, it is adaptable and runs on 6 x AA Batteries or an  AC Adaptor. 

Guide price: £85 

Reasons to buy: Affordable, compact and easy to carry around. 

Reasons to avoid: Not quite as powerful as the other options we have covered. 

15w electric guitar practice amp by Gear For Music 

Although not one of your famous guitar amp makers, this is worth a mention due to its price and simple design. Gear for Music sell all makes of music equipment, but also make their own based on their experience of other brands. This means you can get some good pieces of equipment from them. At 15watts it’s the most powerful of our options covered, and although the design is a little dated, it does resemble a Fender amp. This amp is simple but effective. With no microphone input,  it focuses just on guitar and headphones for practice. 

Guide price: £29

Reasons to buy: Amazing value for money and simple design. Perfect for guitar practice. 15 watts output is powerful for its size. 

Reasons to avoid: It will lack the clarity and build quality of the other more established brands. 

Best bass guitar amp for beginners 

We have unpacked the best beginner amp for guitar, so now we will briefly give you a couple of options for the bass guitar. Bass amps tend to be very heavy and quite hard to carry around to gigs,  so it’s best to buy something lightweight when first starting out. You can get some massive amps with cabs on top, but for now – let’s keep it simple. 

For the bass, you want something quite powerful, to enable the base notes to cut through the mix in rehearsals and gigs. You also don’t want it to be too cumbersome to carry around. 

The Redsub BA-60W 

This is a great option because it is both powerful at 60 watts and small enough to be portable. Billed as the ultimate practice amp, it is often used by more advanced players as an alternative at rehearsals as it is lighter than most amps. It also offers some great tonal options and is affordable at around £148. 

Laney R1 Bass Combo Amp 

This one is slightly cheaper at £126, but still a great option. Laney is a reliable Bass amp maker, and you won’t be disappointed. 

It has rich tones and is versatile for rehearsal and stage use. Slightly heavier than the Redsub, but still workable.

Best Fender Amp For Beginners

Fender is so well known for amps, that it’s hard to choose the best one, but for the love of sheer classic amps, we have gone for the Fender Deluxe. Used by literally everyone from Led Zeppelin to the Beatles, this amp is still popular today amongst guitarists around the world. 

Fender Deluxe 

The Fender deluxe was first developed in 1968. Its silver and turquoise front panel and aluminum drip edge were seen as fresh at the time, and it still looks great today. It was quite small and compact for an amp and it produces a world-class tone. The deluxe has been a go-to amplifier for countless guitarists throughout the years and is still going strong today. 

Summary

So, let’s recap and run down our top 10 best amps for beginners:

10. 15w electric guitar practice amp by Gear For Music

9. Fender Frontman Guitar Amp

8. The Redsub BA-60W

7. Roland Street Cube

6. AER COMPACT 60

5. BOSS Ktn-Mini Katana Portable Guitar Amplifier

4. Laney R1 Bass Combo Amp 

3 . Blackstar Sonnet 120 Acoustic Guitar Amp

2. Fishman Loudbox mini charge   

1.Vox Pathfinder 10w Combo Amp 

There you have it, our choices for the best amp for beginners. In the end, it will probably come down to personal choice, so whichever amp you choose, remember to enjoy the journey through the bass, electric or acoustic guitar and make the most of all the fantastic amps that are on offer.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Best Amp for Beginners: Our Top 10 List appeared first on TeenStar.

A simple definition of pitch

Pitch in singing is the voice creating a noise that has a regular number of variations per second. Other items such as rulers, bells, and instruments also create pitch. Put simply, it is the high or low frequency of a sound. When you sing, you create a pitch and it is either high or low. Singers often speak about the pitch they sing in. Whereas ‘tone’ describes the pleasing sound a singer’s voice makes, ‘pitch’ is the technical level someone sings at. You can be on the pitch, which means in tune, or off pitch, which means out of tune. To create a pleasing sound for the listener, it is important to pay attention to pitch and make sure you are generally ‘on the pitch’, and in tune.

High And Low

Some people sing at a higher pitch (think Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Sam Smith) while others like Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen have a noticeably lower pitch. Different instruments operate at different pitches too. A bass guitar sticks almost exclusively to notes of a lower pitch, while a violin or a bell-like instrument will be at a much higher pitch. An instrument like a piano has notes of both a high and a low pitch. The piano is a good example to illustrate how pitch works. 

If you take a piano, looking down at the keys, any notes below the middle C(to the left) will be at a lower pitch than those above(to the right), which will be at a higher pitch.

What Pitch Do I Sing In?

Singers often use a piano when practicing, as it is a good way to determine what pitch their voice is set at, and also helps them to stay ‘on the pitch’. Singing teachers regularly use the piano to help singers stay in pitch when practising their scales, or to illustrate the pitch they should be singing certain parts of the song at. Whereas you cannot change the tone of your voice to any great degree (you are born with a certain tone), it is possible to practice your pitching. Some people are naturally good at it, others need more practice and guidance.

What Is Perfect Pitch?

Perfect Pitch is the ability of a singer to identify any note, just from hearing it. It is a rare phenomenon, but looking around your peers, you will probably be able to find someone who has it.

It also allows them to sing in tune and ‘on the pitch’ all of the time. If someone has a perfect pitch, you can name a note and they will be able to pluck it out of the air and sing it perfectly. It would be a fun game to get on a piano and play certain notes for them to sing, to test their invaluable skill.

Can You Learn Perfect Pitch?

For a long time, it has been accepted that perfect pitch is a natural genetic ability and not something that can be learned. Whilst it would be unfair to say that yes, you can easily learn perfect pitch, there have been studies that point to it being a definite possibility. Research at the University of Chicago has hinted that it may not be just an innate, natural ability after all, and that can indeed be learned in some circumstances.

They are keen to point out that whilst the natural ability to have perfect pitch cannot be just simply learned, over time and training of the ear, people can indeed begin to identify different notes on the musical scale.

It seems that the more you practice, the more likely you are to become closer to a perfect pitch, so it is certainly worth persevering with. Professor Howard Nusbaum has this to say: “The way you start learning something changes the way you pay attention to it.”

So the key thing here is, the more you immerse yourself in something, the closer you get to it. So start by trying to pick out pitch and go from there – you never know, you might get close to perfect!

Highest Pitch Singer In The World

A question that is often asked is, who is the Highest pitch singer in the world? And it’s not an easy question to answer. Whilst it would be impossible to assess every person who has ever sung in the world, what we can do is look at our most popular singers and see where they sit on the pitch map.

This study from 2014 found some interesting findings:

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the two highest pitch voices were female singers in Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. Carey is known for showing off her incredible range in her songs, and her voice often sounds more like a high pitched instrument than a human! Prince and Axel Rose of Guns n Roses came in third and fourth, which is perhaps slightly surprising. Rose’s sheer vocal range is also very impressive. Barry White and David Bowie share just as deep a voice as Axel Rose in this chart.

In recent years, the likes of Sam Smith, Thom Yorke, Matt Bellamy and could also have been said to stretch to the higher ranges of pitch at times.

How To Sing At The Right Pitch

When first starting, it is often very hard to tell whether you are singing at the right pitch or not. You could enlist the help of a singing teacher, but this can be expensive and not always necessary when you are first starting to get to grips with singing. It is, however, good to get other musicians opinions or help in your quest to find your pitch.

A good way to find out whether you’re on the right track is to record yourself and play it back. You could even play it along with a backing track or against the original song to see if you nailed the pitch. You can also get tuning/pitch apps on your phone to help with this.

Learn To Sing In Pitch

Here are some simple steps to take to help you find that pitch:

1. Find the note that you are trying to sing on your chosen instrument (ideally a piano/

keyboard). 

Try and pick a note that feels comfortable to start with, as you don’t want to be stretching your voice out too early in the process. It’s easier to sing in tune when you are comfortable and relaxed.

2. Play the note on your chosen instrument. 

If you don’t have an instrument to hand, you could use one of the apps that are often free to download.

3. Try picturing the note in your mind.

It’s often good to use hand gestures to signify high or low or imagine a bookcase horizontally standing, and picture your notes either at the top, bottom or in the middle. Picture it – and then go for it!

4. Play the note, and then try and match your voice to that note.

It can be daunting when you first hear your voice back, but if you keep picturing it and keep confident – it will get easier.

5. Really listen in to your voice, and try and feel where the notes should go.

The important thing to remember is that it’s ok to correct pitch when you are starting. No singer is perfect to begin with (unless they are genetically very lucky!), so take your time and try and feel into that pitch.

6. Try and hear whether you are flat.

If it’s flat, bring your voice slightly higher. A lot of people hover above or below the note, and that is often due to confidence. If you really go for it, you will usually get it. Go gently at first though.

7. If your note is sharp, bring it down a bit.

It probably won’t take much to bring it down, just a slight lowering should do it.

8. Over time, singing in tune will become a natural reflex.

As with anything, the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Ultimately, it is a case of muscle memory, with your voice one of the most important sets of muscles you own! As with an athlete, the more you work it out – the better it will become, Eventually, it will become a sensation you will remember, and a natural reflex – just like writing or brushing your teeth.

Pitch Problems In Singing

As we have already discussed, pitch problems do arise from time to time, and they can be remedied mainly by listening back to your voice, adjusting certain notes or enlisting the help of a musical friend/colleague or a professional teacher. It’s not unusual to go off the pitch when learning to sing, or even as an established singer learning a new piece of music. Just keep persevering, learning from feedback and trying again with confidence.

How To Know What Pitch You Sing In?

It’s not imperative to know what pitch you sing in, but it can be useful when working in certain areas of the industry such as session work, theatre and the performing arts because you may be asked to have a certain type of voice for a certain type of role.

If you would like to know your pitch, you can do a simple exercise with a piano to see where you can get to, both high and low, or you can get it assessed by a professional coach or tutor. There are also apps now available, but it would still be sensible to do it the organic way.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this has shed some light on the definition, function and role of pitch in music. Pitch is very important as it enables us to put together pieces of music, singing arrangements and at a basic level, stay in tune. If you are learning to sing, keep working hard on your practice and your pitch will naturally get stronger and stronger. As long as you hit those notes with confidence, the rest will fall into place.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Pitch In Singing: How To Find Perfect Pitch appeared first on TeenStar.

Firstly, it’s important to decide what kind of music you are going to be making, as that will shape the decision of whether to go electric or acoustic. If you are a metal musician or want to play rock music, then the electric guitar will be for you. If you are a singer-songwriter in the folk genre for example, then it is very likely that acoustic guitar will be your best choice. There are folk musicians who play electric guitar, and occasionally heavy rock bands that use acoustic, but generally these will be the choices you fall into.

Acoustic Guitars

An acoustic guitar is part of the string family of instruments and is used by plucking the strings which are either nylon or metal to create a vibration which in turn creates a mellow sound from the guitar. The acoustic guitar will invariably be your starting point when first learning to play the guitar.

There are reasons for this – it’s quieter than electric and you can take it anywhere without needing to plug it in. It is also a great place to start your journey. If you hone your technique first on an acoustic, then you can easily move on to the electric at a later point because the fundamental chords and techniques are the same. You will often hear electric guitarists talk of starting on acoustics, and if you are looking to play open mic nights and in pubs, acoustic guitars can easily be carried around and played.

It is often a great idea to purchase a cheap acoustic guitar to see if you have the level of interest it will take to fully learn the instrument. As you start to build your technique you can upgrade your guitar, or just stay on the full acoustic. You can pick up an excellent starting guitar for around £150-200.

Some good started acoustic guitars include Yamaha, Fender acoustics and Epiphone.

Acoustic Electric vs Acoustic

Once you have spent some time learning the acoustic guitar, you may want to upgrade to an ‘electro acoustic’. Or, you may well have bought one straight away and been learning on that all along!

What is an acoustic electric guitar vs acoustic

Acoustic Electric guitars are acoustic guitars with an electrical pick up system fitted which enables you to plug your guitar into a PA system, DI box or studio setting. Electro-acoustics have become the most popular acoustic guitars amongst singer-songwriters and gigging musicians because they can be plugged in anywhere, whether that be busking, a gig venue, open mic setting or a studio. If you are starting on the open mic circuit, it bodes well to have an electro-acoustic guitar as you can take it straight onstage and plug it into the venue sound system without having to fiddle around with microphones to amplify your normal acoustic.

Another massive advantage of electro-acoustic guitars is that they often have an onboard tuner. Tuning the guitar can be a bit of a thankless task when first starting, and although you can buy tuner pedals or devices that attach to the neck of the guitar, having an onboard tuner is very useful, especially in a gig situation where you need to tune up quickly and with minimal fuss. The only thing to watch is in environments with a lot of other noise going on as they can sometimes be affected, but generally onboard tuners are pretty accurate and very useful to have. The tuner will usually be situated in the control panel on the top of the guitar so you can operate it during a performance or studio session easily.

Top tip – remember your battery! Most electro-acoustics take 9v batteries, but they do run out now and then so it’s always a good idea to have a spare one in your gig bag or in your pocket, should it go down mid-gig!

Some good mid-range electro-acoustic guitars can be found by makes like Epiphone, Faith and Sigma.

If you have a more elaborate budget you can look at a Taylor or a Martin which are fantastic guitars in the upper end of the market. Martin does also do a mid-range model now, so that could be something to consider if you like the look of a Martin for a much lower price!

Classical/Spanish Guitars

Another option in the acoustic market to consider is a classical guitar, also known as the Spanish guitar. If you’ve ever been on holiday to Spain or watched films or tv shows that feature a Spanish restaurant scene, you are sure to have heard the delicate tones of the classical guitar. Classical guitars are beautiful instruments and they have a distinct sound. With nylon strings instead of the steel strings you find on acoustic guitars, they are often a good starting point for young guitar players as they feel less harsh on the fingers.

Classical guitars are traditionally used in both classical and Spanish music but many rock and pop singer-songwriters and guitarists are using them as they give a nice delicate sound both live and in the studio. Classical guitars now also come as electro-acoustic options so you can even buy one and use it as a regular gigging guitar. They are also very popular in studios for guitar players looking for a more mellow sound on a recording.

Great beginner options for classical guitars can be found by manufacturers such as Ibanez, Yamaha and Cordoba. In the higher end of the market, Hofner and Cordoba make some of the very best. These models would be best suited to a more experienced guitar player.

Electric Guitars

When learning guitar, many people aspire to become a ‘guitar hero’ eventually on the electric guitar like Hendrix, Santana or Clapton. The electric guitar is the flashiest of the guitar models and intertwined in rock and roll history. There have been so many great electric guitarists over the years, and it is a real skill, impressive to the ear and the naked eye.

Beginner guitar electric vs acoustic

Electric guitars are best known in the genres of Rock, Rock n’ Roll, Metal and Indie. They can be used in many other genres including folk and country, but these tend to be acoustic dominated. The two things electric guitars are great for are power and soloing. You can get tremendous power chords out of electric guitars to create a really big sound, with or without effects. Think The Who, Led Zeppelin or Oasis who embraced this. You can also solo easily on an electric guitar as the tone is electric, hence it cuts through more than an acoustic. You can also use many more effects on an electric guitar, to create the exact tone you want. 

Virtually all famous solos you will ever have heard will have been on an electric guitar. Professional players often use pedals to add extra effects, so it’s often a good idea to google your favourite guitarist to see what set-up they use to create their tone as you build your sound and style.

Is It Easier To Learn Guitar On Acoustic vs Electric?

When learning, it is a good idea to think about which kind of player you want to be, electric or acoustic, or maybe both. It is good to learn both techniques if you want to be a gigging musician full time, but if you just want to play solos and heavy ‘power chords’, go electric and if you just want to strum and sing, the acoustic would be your best bet.

There are so many electric guitars to choose from, and if you go to any good music shop you will no doubt find hundreds of different models. Popular guitar brands include Fender and Gibson. Each brand has its own cheaper models for beginners and right up to the expensive classic guitars. For example, if you like Fender Telecasters, you can buy a cheaper Japanese imported model for just £200-300. There will be beginner models as well.

Bass Guitars

Bass guitar is another discussion entirely, and perhaps that will be an article for another day. It is worth trying to play the bass and seeing if it is for you. It’s a specific discipline, but a vital cog in any band or recording set-up.

Electric vs Acoustic

When it comes to choosing between the two, as previously mentioned, it does come down to the kind of player you want to be, and what genre attracts you. If you want to be like Hendrix or John Mayer then electric could be your best bet. If you want to write folk songs, the acoustic will be for you. Or you could do both! It is worth noting that most guitarists start on acoustic, so why not pick one up and start strumming and learning shapes and chords. You can migrate onto the electric guitar in due course, if that is the route you want to take, or you can carry on playing both for the rest of your career.

From a listeners point of view, it depends on musical preference, but for sheer excitement and wow factor, electric guitar surely has to shade it!

In Summary

It would be a great idea to visit music shops, research your favourite musicians and see what they do and then make your choice. The best tip is to start on the acoustic and then see where your musical journey through the world of guitars takes you. An electro-acoustic is a good tip because they often have tuners and can easily be plugged in for gigs.

Within a few years, if you’re anything like most guitar enthusiasts, you’ll probably end up with a collection of both electric and acoustic!

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Electric vs Acoustic Guitar: How To Decide What’s Best For You appeared first on TeenStar.

The best thing about braces is that they can give you a great smile and almost every singer has had some form of work done to their teeth. So, it’s reasonable to assume they are a great step towards looking and sounding amazing but is it hard to sing with braces?

Read below to find out how can you sing with braces and can braces change your singing voice.

Can You Sing With Braces On?

There are various types of braces available with a popular one being Invisalign. They are a popular type of brace as they are clear and can be easily removed for cleaning.  Can you still sing with braces? With Invisalign, you can sing while you are wearing them however they may impact the fullness of your vocal tone. The great thing about braces and singing with Invisalign is that you can remove them when you need to sing then put them back in once you have finished your performance. With regards to tooth correction, both traditional orthodontic braces and Invisalign do the same task meaning you can sing with braces but it will take some adjustment for you to get used to them. So, it is a good idea to consider some tips for singing with braces.

Plenty of singers wear orthodontic braces and find they can sing with braces and are still able to carry a tune or even belt out a high note or two. Braces and singing don’t mean your vocal cords will be impacted. They basically correct issues with your teeth, meaning you gain a beautiful smile which you will want for posing for pictures with fans and smiling when on stage.

Is It Hard To Sing With Braces?

Can you still sing with braces? Even though your mouth may need to get new to your new braces this should come easily and your singing should not be affected. Some suggest by having braces it can help you to become a better singer, but in truth, the best way to sing better is through lots of practices whether you can sing with braces or not. Having said that wearing braces doesn’t hurt your voice and some may even feel more confident once they have had work done on their teeth.

As mentioned braces and singing require some adjustment, and for sure, when contemplating can braces change your singing voice, the answer is they will not. After adapting your teeth, your voice may even get better but singing is typically affected by the vocal cords, so when your vocal cords are healthy, then you should be fine.

Can Braces Change Your Singing Voice?

Does fixing your teeth change your voice? Braces alone won’t have much of an effect on your singing voice however the rest of the dental work required to fit them may have more of an impact. When changing the cavity space and shape in your mouth, your voice may sound differently. By shifting a few teeth marginally, it shouldn’t make a huge difference, however, long-term braces which completely realign your jaw shape could produce a tad different tone. 

Braces and singing will only change your singing voice and tone, when you are modifying the space in your mouth. As you sing, the sound resonates around. When you sing, the sounds boom round your mouth, through to your hard palate and then the soft palate. When the length, or arch of your hard palate, is changed it may alter the quality of the sound. Although, this doesn’t mean your vocal won’t be as good it was before.

If treatment is suggested and you aren’t entirely sure how it might impact your singing, do speak to your dentist or orthodontist. Ask them about braces and singing and they will be able to offer their guidance. They will have a better idea of how your voice may or may not be affected after braces.

You May Notice Small Changes

Even though we know braces and singing in traditional metal ones won’t change your voice, some modifications may be needed when you first put them in. Your mouth, tongue and cheeks will need to be altered to the brace. Understanding, is it hard to sing with braces is important as you may have difficulty articulating for some days, but you will quickly get used to the braces and singing.

Orthodontics May Improve Your Voice

Braces and singing are relatively easy and some do say it may improve your voice. The space between teeth may impact your singing and can produce whistling or some unpleasant sounds.

So, is it hard to sing with braces? Brace work bridges the space in teeth and straighten teeth to produce a fuller tone and sound. Braces and singing are usually unaffected as it is your vocal cords which makes a great singer, so if they are healthy you will be fine. You won’t be disadvantaged singing with a brace but you may need to adjust the function of your mouth this meaning you can you still sing with braces.

Does Fixing Your Teeth Change Your Voice?

Can braces change your singing voice? Orthodontic braces are more likely to impact your voice but still not drastically. The way it might change your voice is through your diction and resonance. This is dependent on the shape of your mouth, what is being changed and how much your teeth will move.

Every orthodontic plan is specific to the individual; therefore, your treating will be different from that of your friend’s. You may only be required to have braces for a short period, or you may need jaw realignment work. When it comes to braces and singing the more work needed the more likely it will affect your voice, though it should be for the better.

Tips For Singing With Braces

The best tips for singing with braces is that you do no need to adjust the way in which you sing. You also don’t need to take in air or position your tongue differently as you hold certain notes. Your mouth will get used to the braces and singing easily and your voice will not be altered.

Even though your vocal may not sound great at first due to braces and singing, it will not change how well you can train your vocal muscles and breath control. It is therefore important to keep pushing forward and try not to develop bad vocal habits while developing tips for singing with braces. You don’t want to carry those bad habits on as they can stick with you for a long time.

Practice is ultimately the only way you can progress to be a better singer and wearing braces won’t hurt your vocal. The straighter your teeth the better the tone and timbre of your voice may be. The gaps in your teeth will be closed and it is these gaps that allow air to pass through to make a whistling noise while you sing. Braces seal the gaps and the hissing will disappear while you sing.

When you first have braces you are likely going to have to do some exercises to improve your speaking skills let alone your singing. A good starting point is by making sure you are able to speak normally at a slow speed. Try speeding it up bit by bit and keep increasing the speed until you reach your usual speaking speed. Braces and singing can help to adjust the brace to your mouth and make your cheek muscles stronger. When wondering can you sing with braces, you have to remember it is a good exercise to practice speaking then singing as braces need adjustment. Braces and singing will adjust making you a versatile singer. Position and space for the tongue is significant while singing and Invisalign can optimise these aspects.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign is a common orthodontic brand as they are clear and simple to remove. Invisalign can change the fullness of your tone, but the benefit is can remove them when you need to sing, however, keep in mind it is recommended you wear them for about 22 hours a day.  

The simple answer to is it hard to sing with braces? Is no! When you wear braces and singing with them in your voice may be slightly affected while you get used to them, using Invisalign can help as you can take them out for performances. Even though braces need some adapting, they don’t alter your singing voice. After correcting your teeth, your voice might get even better as you improve in confidence. So, don’t worry about your vocals and get the work done you want. That is everything you need to know with regards to braces and singing.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Can You Sing With Braces? Tips For Singing With Braces appeared first on TeenStar.

Read on as we take a look at what is soft palate in singing, how to raise soft palate, how to control soft palate and why is soft palate important in singing?

What Is The Soft Palate In Singing?

Let’s start with a definition of what is the soft palate in singing?

The soft palate is the muscular part at the back of the roof of the mouth. It is behind the hard palate, which is the bony part of the roof of the mouth.  It plays a crucial part in stopping food and other substances entering the nasal passages whilst swallowing and is significant in the forming of certain sounds, making the role of soft palate in singing important.

Why Is The Soft Palate Important In Singing?

The soft palate in singing is important to lift whilst singing so the sound doesn’t become nasal. The soft palate signifies an obstacle to the resonance vocal, rather than going directly to the oral cavity it will also end up in the nasal cavity. This creates a piercing/sharp tone, loss of clearness, and bad projection of sound.

A lifted palate in singing lets the voice properly resonate via the oral cavity, getting projection and power from the acoustics, as well as improvement of harmonics and an enrichment of the quality of tone.

How Does Lifting The Soft Palate Make Your Voice Sound Different?

To know how to lift soft palate to make a difference to the tone of your voice, you need to understand the role soft palate in singing plays.

Swallow causes the larynx to rise, the epiglottis lengthens to form a kind of bridge around the larynx, it covers the airways to protect them and it lets the food pass directly along the oesophagus towards the stomach.

 The soft palate in singing sound is more resounding due to the distance from sound source to surface being further. When it lifts, the pharynx space is enlarged, which lets additional volume be created with less effort. To generate a sound that has a resonant tone, you can lift the soft palate in singing. This is an important phase, when having singing lessons you will have heard phrases such as life the soft palate in singing, imagine an egg in the mouth or smile inside.

How To Lift The Soft Palate

To prepare the soft palate in singing you need to be able to move your tongue to touch your soft palate and then lower it to rest in your mouth. Here is how you can feel your tongue rising to meet your soft palate in singing:

Move the soft palate in singing up and down

Look in the mirror and shine a torch to the back of your throat. Look for your soft palate and attempt to move it. If you are not certain how to move it, say ‘hung-ah’ then look at the soft palate and tongue meet, then move apart. Say ‘hung-ah’ a few more times until you feel the muscles which move the soft palate. For how to raise the soft palate try to move the soft palate up and then release. If you still can’t move your soft palate in singing, try yawning.

The tongue typically releases down at the beginning of a yawn. Try not to let the tongue push down like it does at the end of a yawn, the tongue has to release down as the soft palate goes up.

Lift your soft palate in singing for four counts

Look at the following step to figure out how to lift your soft palate in singing. When you can perform that motion, lift the soft palate in singing and attempt to keep it for four counts. Let go then hold it up for four counts again. What you want to do is to hold up the soft palate in singing. Maintaining the soft palate in singing up means the resonance is just right, as dropping the soft palate in singing too low creates a nasal sound.

Move your Tongue

Say “hung-ah” again and watch the back of your tongue move up. Attempt to move the back of the tongue up and down, like when you repeat a K sound. Repeat moving the back of the tongue up and down till you are sure that you know how to move it up and then release it.

Separate the tongue and the soft palate

Lift the soft palate in singing and release the tongue. Don’t push the tongue down, then release to create space in the mouth or a gap between the soft palate and the tongue. This helps the role of soft palate in singing as the opening is what you want to feel when you inhale and when you sing.

 How To Control The Soft Palate

Singers will spend time trying to lift their soft palate in singing. Occasionally their efforts to do this may cause additional bad habits due to the tongue, breath or jaw being caught up with their effort to lift the palate.

The soft palate is basically, the flap of skin aimed to lift to block off your nasal passage. For the purposes of singing, imagine singing into a small metal cup. The sound will disperse and diminish as it continues to bounce off the hard surfaces. Then think about singing into a huge spherical metal urn. The sound created is a lot more resonant because the space between the sound source and surface is larger. The same thing occurs with the soft palate in singing. When it lifts, the pharynx space is bigger, which lets more volume to be formed with not as much effort. You can tend to tell if someone’s soft palate in singing isn’t lifted as you can listen to the tone which will sound very nasal. It is encouraged for you to practise and as you go about your daily life be mindful of the moments when you yawn or start to yawn. This is the sensation of how to lift soft palate.

Don’t fully mimic a yawn while singing. Notice that when you yawn, your jaw opens very wide and your tongue goes back into the throat. If you sing whilst mimicking a yawn, you may see an excessively dim tone.

How To Keep The Soft Palate In Singing Lifted?

It is necessary to know that merely because you are lifting your palate during a breath, it won’t mean your soft palate in singing is staying up. There are some techniques and vocal exercises which can show how to control soft palate.

The Internal Smile

The internal smile is very simple to attain while soft palate singing – basically brighten your eyes, elevate your cheeks beneath your eyes, let your jaw drop a touch at the back of the mouth and then increase the soft palate. You can raise the soft palate either with the beginning of a gentle yawn, or try to inhale from an unexpressed ‘K’ sound.

The Hot Potato:

Increase the sensation of the role of palate in singing through breath in the ‘Hot Potato’ exercise.

• Picture you have a spoon filled of very warm potato right in front of your mouth.
• Blow on it with your lips in an ‘ooh’ shape like you are saying ‘Or’
• This is the best exercise to do right before training your soft palate in singing. With your tongue nearly in the ‘ng’ position, blow out 3 times, breathe in using the same amount of space and then sing ‘oooooooohhhh’.
• You can do numerous vocal techniques; however, beginner singers should remain with 1,2,3,2,1 on an ‘ooh’ vowel or an ‘ihh’ vowel. Prior to singing through a more complex piece such as passagio, firstly prepare a series of sirens on an ‘oooh’ vowel from bottom to top so your voice is used to lifting the soft palate in singing through your range with effortlessness.

Final Thoughts

By now you should have a better idea of how to raise soft palate and what is soft palate in singing. If you don’t think that raising the soft palate in singing will change everything for you as a singer, we encourage you to go back and practise some more. When soft palate in singing is done correctly you can produce an incredible tone and improve your ability as a singer. You will go from a hoarse voice which cracks and breaks regularly to an effortless, extensive range. So, what are you waiting for? Take the time to find out how to raise soft palate to advance your vocals.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Role Of The Soft Palate In Singing appeared first on TeenStar.

Once you have mastered your singing in vibrato, you will be able to connect with all parts of your voice from low to high range and your voice is also very likely to sound incredibly well balanced. 

We have created an article to give you everything you need to know about how to develop vibrato in singing voice. So, what is vibrato in singing, and how to develop vibrato in singing? Let’s explore this further…

What Is Vibrato Singing

The definition of vibrato in singing voice is a rapid, slight variation in pitch while you are singing. It is marked by a rapid wavering in the intensity and timbre of the note which is sung.

When you first hear a vibrato voice, the first thing you will notice is that their singing sounds like it’s wavering however this variation in pitch is just one part of authentic vibrato.

Even though vibrato in singing is seen as a pitch variant, it is distinguished as a vocal timbre, or as an essential part of the tone, consistently distributed over the range of notes, instead of as a pitch deviation.

The main thing when singing in vibrato is the speed at which you change between the two pitches. The pitch variance in singing in vibrato remains focused on the specific written pitch. If you can waver between both pitches at around six times per second, you will have a very natural singing in vibrato.

How to develop vibrato in singing voice is what happens when your voice moves quickly between two pitches. Therefore, if you can sing a middle C but then change to a C# and subsequently a C again, then by a C# followed by a C, you are technically singing with vibrato.

How To Do Vibrato In Singing

When learning how to develop vibrato in singing there are 3 main components, these are pitch, volume, and timbre. Pitch is the note which the vocalists sing, volume is the intensity of the note and timbre is the tone of the sound of that specific note. In addition to the pitch, you can also hear that the volume and roundness of the note also wave during singing in vibrato. This in turn creates fullness during your singing in vibrato which makes it sound exciting.

Being able to learn vibrato in singing is vital for singers in almost every genre although there are some exceptions when it comes to genres that have an emphasis on blending voices such as a choir or an acapella group. Singing in vibrato can be heard in most styles of music. When you listen to vibrato in singing it is used in several musical genres, Pop, Rock, RnB, and Musical Theater all use it. 

How To Develop Vibrato In Singing

To know how to develop vibrato in singing voice, some easy exercises allow you to see what vibrato when singing is like. You need to be aware that this is not a finished sound and is an exaggerated version that will later be refined into a more usable sound.

Here’s the exercise for how to develop vibrato in singing voice.

•   Put your hands at the bottom of your chest and feel where your ribs come together in the middle. Then move your hands a little below this point. (you will feel the soft area a couple of centimeters above your belly button)
•   Pick a note within your easy range then sing on one pitch. Any note will be suitable for this.
•   When you are singing the note, gently push in with your hands. The aim is to push in, then pull out, and push in, then pull out, and so on. Try to do this at a rate of between 3 to 4 cycles a second.

You can hear how your voice wavers in vibrato in singing. It is likely to seem more exaggerated at this time however this exercise is designed to give you the experience of singing in vibrato. You will not be doing this while you are singing your song! 

Now, you can understand what it feels like while singing in vibrato, it is time to try an alternative exercise that will help how to develop vibrato in singing.

This Exercise Helps To Develop A Superb Vibrato In Singing

Here is another exercise that will show you how to have vibrato in singing.

•   Start by using a straightforward scale, use an “Ahhhhh” sound to practice. 
•   When you begin each scale using no vibrato in singing you can then add some tension to your vocal cords.
•   Then when you hit the final note in the scale, back off this tension. Allow the vibrato to come through. 

This One Helps Kick Start Your Vibrato In Singing

In your mouth there is a place where you can apply the smallest amount of manipulation to ensure you get vibrato in singing off to a good start. Try to feel the sound in the area and then make a ‘wobble’ in the pitch back and forward, this will make the vibrato come through easily.

It is important to note that you do not need to move your jaw (as you may have seen some famous singers do). This only causes tension and makes it hard to get your vibrato in singing going.

You just need a small amount of manipulation, but if it doesn’t work, that means you should go back and use exercises that take the tightness out of your voice. 

The Best Way To Use Vibrato In Performances

When singing in vibrato there are no specific rules on how to use your vibrato, however, there are methods that sound great. So, this is the best place to start.

This method is where you start with a note or phrase with no vibrato. Then as a phrase tails off, make sure you allow some vibrato in singing to come through as you finish the final note.

You can achieve this by “thinking” as if you are putting a subtle amount of tension on your vocal cords in the first part of the phrase. Then letting go of the tension at the end to let some vibrato in singing come through. 

Famous Singers With Good Vibrato

In modern singing, some incredible singers have vibrato in singing. Artists such as Ed Sheeran, Demi Lavato, and Adele all sing vocal trills which span over various notes.

Famous female vibrato singers such as Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston (to name a few). Also, there are famous male vibrato singers such as David Phelps, Lee Hyuk, Adam Lambert. 

Although they can move between notes very quickly, it is important to note that riffs are different from vibrato. That’s because riffs span different notes, instead of wavering on a single note. It’s a valuable lesson to watch famous singers and take in how they use vibrato in singing.

How To Decrease Vibrato

With this exercise, you can decrease or turn off vibrato in singing. It will help you control the use of vibrato.

•   Pick a low note in your chest voice, on a downward Five Tone Scale, say “mum” and sustain the bottom note. As you sustain it, clamp down on the vocal cords with the “m” sound to stop or prevent vibrato from starting. Hold the straight tone and change to “uh’. Repeat this several times, each time preventing the vibrato. See if you can do it easier while maintaining a straight tone.
•   Repeat. This time, after you hold a straight tone, you will start the vibrato slowly like this. (Don’t clamp down as hard.) Alternate between two pitches. Use your fingers like this to signal your vocal cords to move up and then down one whole step. Do this several times slowly. Maintain control. Don’t let the vibrato take off. You exert control over each note. Practice this until you can stay in control.
•   When you hold a straight tone, start slowing alternating pitches quicker and quicker. Go as quick as you can but maintain control. You can use your fingers to direct you.
•   Practice going from straight tone, to alternating faster and faster. Each time speed it up. Ultimately your cords will begin to take over the waves. But, this time you only let this if the waves stay consistent. If they begin going too quick, stop then start over.

Final Thoughts

You should have now tried out the best exercises for singing in vibrato. We hope these exercises will help you to know how to develop your singing in vibrato. If they haven’t yet then be patient as it will happen. You may not hear the vibrato clearly in your voice but wavering can begin slightly before it grows bigger. Try to record yourself singing then listen to it back, repeat the process and you will eventually be singing in vibrato in no time.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How To Get Vibrato In Singing appeared first on TeenStar.

With vocalists such as Bruno Mars, Sam Smith, Adele, and Lady Gaga it is doesn’t know how to belt healthily. It’s all related to having a proper belting technique. Belting technique in singing is best learned by studying with a professional vocal coach but this article is a great place to start practicing proper belting technique.

If you’re learning how to sing, you need to learn how to belt sing technique. Let’s jump straight in…

How To Belt Singing Technique

Here’s how to belt sing. Before you begin to belt out singing, it’s a good idea to understand belting technique in singing. Belting singing refers to singing notes in your head voice using the power of your chest voice.

When you place your hand on your chest and sing low notes, you will feel a vibration which is known as your chest voice. When you sing higher, you will feel that vibration move. Your head voice is an old term established by Italian singing teachers which refers to the range of notes at the top of your voice.

Belting voice means yelling and we yell when we’re angry, excited, or scared. When people sing, they yell or belt notes in their voice to demonstrate emotion. If you belt incorrectly, you can damage your voice.

How To Belt Higher

When belting high notes, you will gradually approach your mixed register. If your voice is untrained, you will feel tension. Here are some techniques for how to belt higher:

Build vocal strength

Belting high notes requires vocal strength. This relates to power and stamina. Basic vocal strength comes from singing and practicing belting technique in singing. Singing incorrectly damage your vocals and limit your power as well as your stamina. Practicing how to sing correctly reduces strain and makes you a stronger vocalist.

Support your notes

Known as a point of Appoggio (an Italian term for support). It’s a fancy way of saying depend on your breath support to project notes rather than your throat and chest for how to belt healthily.

Correct vocal placement

Belting high notes is your singing head voice notes with the power and strength of your chest voice. To get the power you need the correct vocal exercises for proper belting technique.

How To Mix Belt

The proper belting technique is acquired by learning to mix the chest voice and head voice registers to produce one smooth and powerful sound. There are plenty of teachers that will teach singers to pull up their chest voice as high as they can. This is the difference between belting vs singing and is very difficult to correct if it’s done for a while. Many students who have just been taught to belt won’t trust their mixed voice even if it sounds better than their belt.

How To Belt Without Damaging Your Voice

There are some techniques to belt out singing:

Vocal Strength

Proper belt singing technique requires some basic vocal strength that comes from singing and practicing vocal technique. Singing incorrectly affects your voice and ruins your strength. Practicing proper vocal techniques to ease the strain and make your belting voice stronger.

Tongue Down, Soft Palate Up

When you watch a belting singer, their whole throat opens up and you can see their tonsils. This is due to their tongue being down where it should be. As the tongue goes down it allows the singer to have laryngeal compression which means they have control over the increase in air pressure. The only time this isn’t required is for vowels where the tongue is high especially for ee sounds. When the back of the tongue is down, and the soft palate is lifted then the voice can create a more powerful, belting voice. Ensuring the tongue remains down as you sing takes a lot of practice. You shouldn’t force it and it is through a proper belting technique that teaches the tongue how to move which eventually becomes muscle memory, just like learning to ride a bike. Singers who are taught the correct vocal technique get control of the tongue without force. The position of the tongue assists to keep the larynx down and allows a belting voice that can handle the pressure of volume and power.

Power Up Your Alignment

Belting singing has a lot to do with alignment. People’s postures are usually slightly rounded, which is a problem for belting singing. You need a lifted sternum and head aligned over the body to enable a belting voice without straining.

•   Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and keep knees soft
•   Tuck your pelvis under, then pull up tall from the hips and waist.
•   Lengthen the back of your neck up as if you are standing at a wall.
•   Shoulders back and down.
•   Chin tucked in and down.

Use this alignment each day when practicing the belting technique in singing and it will become muscle memory.

 “Point of Appoggio”

To do proper belting technique it is important to make sure you know how to belt sing healthily. You can do this with the correct support so you don’t belt from the throat as this will damage your vocals over time if not straightaway.  The easiest way to take the belt away from the throat muscles is by using your body instead. 

As mentioned for how to belt sing technique correctly you have to practice feeling the point of appoggio at your sternum/chest area that takes the pressure/tension away from the throat, neck and jaw.  You will gain a skill called the “sternum press.” The only tension you should feel when belting singing is the pressure of your chest while the head and neck remain free of any tension.

Rehearse this when you are conducting a simple breathing exercise. Allow the pressure from your fingers to do the work in order to keep your chest lifted. The more you press the easier it will be for your chest to stay up. Keep the high chest during your inhalation and exhalation. This is perfect when you begin to program the right muscle memory for your belting voice. Make sure you relax the back of your neck when you maintain pressure on your chest. A good tip is to do pushups daily as this helps to strengthen your pectoral muscles which need to be strong for a good belting voice. 

Warm-ups

Image 3

The following belting voice warm ups are great exercises which are designed to challenge singers and let singers get a lot out of them.

How to Belt with the “Nae” Exercise

1. Say the word “Nae” (just like “Nasty”) out loud with the bratty sound. Tip: If you are struggling to find the correct sound then pretend as if you are a child in the playground teasing with a “Nae Nae Nae” sound.
2. Then, sing the bratty “Nae” on a relaxed starting pitch (you can try F#3 for males or C#4 for females).
3. Lastly, sing the bratty “Nae” on an octave repeat scale and then you exchange each note of the scale with a bratty “Nae” sound.

It is not uncommon for singers to when learning to belt incorrectly so it is important to try to keep the bratty sound. Make sure when you are learning belting voice with this exercise to retain the bratty sound even on the high notes.  You will be impressed by the amount of power you can add to your voice just by completing this easy exercise.

How to Belt with the “Mum” Exercise

1. Speak the word “Mum” (just like “Mummy”) out loud at a volume that is comfortable.
2. Then, discover a comfortable note at the bottom of your voice (such as C3 for males and G3 for females).
3. Lastly, sing an octave and a half-scale where you exchange each note of the scale with a “Mum” sound.

How to Belt with the “Gug” Exercise

1. Recite the word “Gug” (as in “Gut” but with a “g” at the end) aloud at a powerful volume. Articulate the “G” consonant powerfully.
2. After, find a comfortable note (such as E3 for males and C#4 for females) then sing the word “Gug” on that note out loud.
3. Then, sing the “Gug” on an octave repeat scale where you change each note of the scale with the “Gug” sound.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, how to belt sing! Once you have learned the belting technique in singing you should be able to belt out singing. By now you should be able to understand what it means to do belting singing. Hopefully, you have a clear view of what the difference is between good and bad belting singing. Although you may sometimes have a good and bad belting technique we hope you have learned some techniques to ensure you don’t damage your vocals and know how to sing properly. With these techniques, you can build power on high notes, and don’t worry if you are not sure of the exercises straight away as these take practice. Find the exercise which works for you and make sure you practice daily to become a successful belting singer.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How To Belt Sing; Belt Singing Technique appeared first on TeenStar.

 A good place to start is by researching how to sing opera. It isn’t easy but if you are dedicated it can be very rewarding. Here are some tips to help get you started on how to be an opera singer.

How To Become An Opera Singer

How to become an opera singer requires you to first master the fundamentals. You will need to perform pieces that include a libretto (text) and a musical score complemented by an orchestra. Opera is complex so you need to have a reliable foundation. Immerse yourself in opera in order to get a clear picture of how-to sing opera. Watch as many opera performances as you can, it will give you an idea of how operas are structured and how to achieve perfect harmony and give you an idea of how to train your voice to sing opera. Identify opera singers whose vocals you like and define your own style to see which roles you’d like to learn.

How To Sing Opera Style

Get the right Teacher

To become an opera singer you should consider how to sing opera technique. Once you have mastered the fundamentals of opera it is a good idea to find a teacher. They will help train you to manage your power, hit high notes, and develop your opera skills. If you are looking to make a career in opera make sure you have a teacher who can help you with how to be an opera singer. Your teacher should have studied being an opera singer and be a master at it. Experts are not always easy to find and they can be selective but it is vital to get training if you are wanting to become a professional.

Study Language and Classical Techniques

Opera is usually sung in Italian, German and French, so it’s a good idea to study these languages when finding how to become an opera singer. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the art and pronunciation if you can speak these languages. Opera singers tend to play an instrument which gives them a better understanding of reading sheet music. It’s still a great idea to focus on diction and style, especially classical songs. Shorter songs help to develop stamina and range without putting too much tension on your voice.

Watch Top Opera Singers

You should take the time to learn from the best. Top opera singers are those who know how to sing opera style, are consistent in vocal quality, and recognise what they can and can’t perform. Watch performances of the best singers, you’ll notice that they take care of their voices and don’t take on roles which aren’t suitable for them.

How To Sing High Notes Opera Style

Learning how to sing high notes opera correctly is important to avoid strain on your vocal cords.

Warm-up: Ensure you warm up your voice with elevator slides. Create an “ah” sound, start as low as you can go then ascend to as high as you can, and go back down.

Breathe: Then take a slow, deep breath in, inhale through your nose and take time to get a solid breath.

Keep your diaphragm expanded: Find your diaphragm by putting your hands around your waist and cough. When you take a deep breath, your diaphragm expands; it should remain expanded for the entire phrase you’re singing

See if you have a soprano voice: Soprano is the highest range of voice. Sing from middle C up two octaves to see if you fall into this range. Coloratura sopranos, can sing the third F above middle C may be higher. If you can’t hit the highest C, you could be a mezzo-soprano.

How To Sing Opera Alto

The vocal range of each alto varies from F3 to F5 on the treble staff. Just like how to sing high notes opera for how to sing opera Alto you need proper technique.

Relax your vocals: Breathe from your diaphragm to allow your lungs to support each note. Your abdomen will rise as you inhale if you are doing it correctly.

Use chest voice: The chest voice is your speaking voice as a singing voice. You can learn to recognise this as you sing, start speaking the song lyrics. Slowly transition to an “ooh’ vocal warm-up which triggers resonance in your chest. Start with a soft, low volume then get louder (without straining) as you practice. Inhale gradually through your nose and mouth in a relaxed yawn to learn how to get open space in your throat, mouth, and nose. Humming can help to develop this.

Listen to others: Listen to altos so you can learn by hearing others sing opera. Listening to others sing will allow you to establish how you should sound.

How To Teach Yourself To Sing Opera

Although it is recommended you get a teacher there are some tips you can use at home to practice how to sing opera:

Sing like you’re yelling:

Opera is based on throwing your voice so you need to be able to sing loudly.

Sing like you speak:

Speaking lyrics can enable you to discover your range and enable you to project without restricting volume while singing.

Trust your body’s resonance:

Vocal cords alone sound dull however, when resonated in the larynx, chest, and sinuses as well as around your head, you can produce loud sounds, which are perfect for how to train your voice to sing opera.

Breathe:

To sing powerfully, lots of breath is needed in the lungs. The best way to improve your breathing is through singing.

Practice:

The main way you are going to improve is through lots of practice.

How To Understand Opera Singing

Anyone with a passion for singing and has dedication can learn how to sing opera. However, working professionally as an opera singer requires lots of creativity and a willingness to dedicate your life to music. It will be a six-day working week and includes a heavy workload. In order to understand how to become an opera singer, you need to understand classical singing. You need a lot of stamina and see which role suits you best from dramatic to lyric to colatura singer. There is an operatic role suitable for almost every classical singer.

Another difference is the mixture of acting and singing surrounded in opera. Opera is an extremely powerful emotional experience as both a listener and a performer, because of the depth of the music and the theatrical nature of the genre. Operas are usually based on pre-existing work. Once the opera’s subject matter has been decided on, the librettist (the person who writes the text for the opera) will convert the text into poetic verse, suitable for singing. The composer then creates music for that libretto.

Opera singing is all about understanding the fundamental resonance your voice can accomplish. Attaining a solid classical technique as an Improver is immensely important to advance your understanding of where your voice lies naturally and it assists the voice to grow in both range and projection. Simply, opera singing varies from other sorts of music-making because the singer is trained to create their own inner microphone, in comparison to using the assistance of an electronic one, which pop, musical theatre and jazz singers use.

Final Thoughts

Being an opera singer is more than just knowing how to sing, it requires technique and education to take your talent to the next level. It is also good to build a support team to help you to achieve your dreams and research how to be an opera singer. Opera singing needs a high level of physical fitness, and it is recommended you start working on this as soon as possible. You will want to incorporate exercise into your routine to build core strength, stamina, and flexibility. Build on your foundations slowly and make sure you have the basics up to scratch when learning how to be an opera singer. You will want to concentrate on your vocals to ensure they aren’t strained and practice your breathing. You may sometimes feel you are behind when it comes to training to be an opera singer but with lots of dedication, you will be on your way to becoming a top opera singer.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post How to Sing Opera Style appeared first on TeenStar.

Well, a choir can be defined as a musical ensemble of singers. Choirs may perform classical music from the Medieval era to the present or even popular music. Most choirs are led by a conductor who leads the performance with their arm, hand, and facial gestures. 

Now let’s discover the different types of choirs and see which are the best in both the UK and worldwide.

Famous Children’s Choirs

The sound of a children’s choir singing must be up there with one of the most beautiful and calming things you could listen to, which is why they are famous worldwide.

These are thought to be the top 10 children’s choirs in the world:

1. Children’s Choir ‘Alye Parusa’ – Russia
2. Guangzhou Little Petrel Children’s Choir – China
3. University of Houston Moores School Concert Chorale – USA
4. Tygerberg Children’s Choir – South Africa
5. Kamerniy Devichiy Khor by Lysenko – Ukraine
6. Seisen High School Choir – Japan
7. Guangdong Experimental Middle School Choir – China
8. Shenzhen Senior High School Lily Girls Choir – China
9. Stellenberg Girls Choir – South Africa
10. Cantamus Girls’ Choir – Great Britain 

Famous Welsh Choirs

There are many famous welsh choirs however, welsh male choirs seem to have the best reputation. There are thought to be over 100 male choirs in Wales today, many free of charge with weekly or even twice-weekly practices. 

Here are three of the most highly regarded welsh male choirs:

• Morriston Orpheus Choir – Formed in 1935, the Morriston Orpheus Choir is in high demand all year round. The Choir undertakes performances on television, at national and promotional events and provides corporate and after-dinner entertainment. 
• Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir – The Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir was founded in 1966 and has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years since with frequent TV and Radio appearances, as well as national and international concert tours, Charity performances and weddings.
• Treorchy Male Voice Choir – For 130 years the Treorchy Male Choir has been recognised as one of the greatest choral ensembles of all time. The famous choir have had regular radio and television broadcasts, feature films, commercial recordings, not to mention toured around the globe.

Famous American Choirs

The number of Americans singing has increased over the past decade, with now over 54 million adults and children participating in choral groups. That means more than one in six Americans over the age of 18 sings in a chorus. 

Here are two of the best American Choirs

• The Tabernacle Choir – Formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, was founded in Salt Lake City in 1847 and has become a foundation for US choral tradition. The choir have performed at several US presidential inaugurations including those of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and the present incumbent. The famous choir has around 360 members making it one of the largest choirs of all time.
• Mississippi Mass Choir – Set up by Frank Williams in the late 1980s and is now directed by Jerry Mannery. Jerry’s gospel ensemble have won countless awards and showcased their talents both at home in Jackson, Mississippi and abroad including singing for Pope John Paul II when on tour in Italy.

Famous British Choirs

Music for divided choirs was first developed in the early 16th century in England and reached a peak of excellence in the late 16th- and early 17th-century. Since then, Britain has been home to some incredible choirs, including:

• Choir of King’s College, Cambridge – This choir is thought to be one of the most famous in the world, thanks to their immediately recognisable sound and being featured on BBC’s Radio broadcast of its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols every Christmas Eve. The choir has been around since the college’s foundation in 1441 however it was in the 1960s – under choirmasters David Willcocks, Philip Ledger and Stephen Cleobury – that its popularity increased rapidly. Watch a wonderful performance of theirs here.
• St Paul’s Cathedral Choir – St Paul’s Choir is renowned for hosting the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Cricketer Alastair Cook and actor Simon Russell Beale are among the former trebles to have been beneath the building’s famous dome.
• The Sixteen – Despite the name, The Sixteen don’t always perform with 16 singers. It was given that name because that was the number of friends who first got together when the group was assembled by conductor Harry Christophers in 1977. Today, The Sixteen has nearly 100 discs under its belt, and its regular ‘Choral Pilgrimage’ concert tours around the UK and beyond are sell-out shows.
• Tallis Scholars – In 1973, Peter Phillips founded the Tallis Scholars which, as the name suggests, focused on studying and performing Renaissance repertoire. Nearly 50 years and countless best-selling discs later, Phillips and his singers are still one of the best choirs in Britain.
• Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge – Oxbridge college choirs featuring boy trebles on the top line – notably King’s and St John’s in Cambridge and New College, Magdalen and Christ Church in Oxford have an impressive reputation. Nowadays, however, those comprised entirely of students, with female sopranos and altos who have started to share the spotlight.

Famous Black Choirs

These are some of the most notable black gospel choirs:

• Mississippi Mass Choir – The choir has won numerous awards whilst performing all around the world, watch an amazing performance of theirs here.
• Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – This is a Grammy award-winning choir led by Carol Cymbala.
• Kirk Franklin and the Family – An extremely popular choir formed by the father of contemporary gospel. 
• Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers – This well-loved group is led by the former vocal coach of En Vogue.

Famous Female Choirs

A few famous female choirs include:

• Mädchenkantorei Limburg – A group at the Limburg Cathedral founded in 1971, are associated with ecclesiastical organizations. 
• Mädchenchor Hannover – Is an award-winning choir of girls and young woman founded in 1951 in Hanover.
• Anna Crusis Women’s Choir – Is the oldest feminist choir in the U.S. founded in 1975.
• Melodia Women’s Choir – This choir was founded in 2003 to promote new music.

That’s Everything You Need To Know About Famous Choirs 

We hope you’ve found it interesting reading about the most famous choirs in the UK and worldwide!

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Famous Choirs UK & Worldwide appeared first on TeenStar.

The good news is as a classically trained singer can definitely learn to sing pop. It may take some practise but there are plenty of successful classically trained pop singers. Throughout this article we are going to look at what does classically trained mean, how to become a classically trained singer and where you can get singing classical training.

Classical singing training can help you become a versatile singer and make you more in demand as a performer.

How to Sing Classically?

Classical singing training is important to become a professional opera singer and it also helps when performing other genres. So, how to sing classically?

Firstly, you need to learn classical music recordings. You can do this by listening to classical music so make sure you browse various classical music by either going to the library or researching on the internet.

Next, listen carefully to international classical music. Take notes about what you like or don’t about various singers and styles. Also attend performances from a classically trained singer. It doesn’t need to be expensive you can check this out at local church or see an opera from a local college. 

Look for a classically trained voice coach, this is important if you want to become a classically trained singer. Your voice teach will help you to learn music theory and read music as well as music technique. It is then a good idea to practice singing try practicing Ave Maria in English to practice your breathing and diction before translating. Focus on vocal warm up for a least 10 minutes before you sing.

What Does Classically Trained Mean?

A classically trained singer is basically someone who has had formal singing lessons from a trained professional. Some singers take exams however not all do but you will practice songs from classical and operatic styles alternatively to pop music with your teacher. You will not learn techniques in association to pop, rock or musical theatre and will focus primarily on classical techniques.

Does Classical Training Help Me Sing Better?

Classical singing training can help to improve your vocal range and flexibility. Classical singing training relies on warm-ups to warm-up the voice and challenge the singer to go out of their comfort zone. In lessons you will learn to access many notes because classically trained singers work on techniques to expand their vocal range and concentrate on strengthening your head voice. Flexibility is another rewarding factor of classically trained singers. Your training will be thorough and you learn to sing with lyricism and singing long, slow phrases as well as swift runs. You gain more confidence to explore other genres because one you master classical you gain the foundation to virtually sing any style.

Classical Singing vs Pop Singing

In the mid 2000s there saw a rise in the popularity of a genre known as operatic pop which remains popular to this day. Groups such as Il Divo and soloists such as Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson and Britain’s Got Talent Winner Paul Potts brought the genre to the forth front of the charts.

Many singers have used their fame to adapt their classical singing to pop, however this takes hard work to adapt their sound to fit. As a classically trained singer they have a sound which is fuller and richer with stronger vibrato and diction. Whereas pop allows singers to develop their own style and sound by being less formalised. Opera techniques you won’t use in pop are heavy vibrato, bel canto and pianissimo. Classically trained singers have a smooth transition between the parts of their voice and won’t use techniques such as vocal fry, falsetto and whistling to achieve variety. The sound is well balanced but they use head voice in the high notes but don’t change the sound quality when they do it.

You don’t have to be classically trained to sing pop but if you are a classically trained singer you’ll have a good start in transitioning to pop, just pick a vocal coach who specialises in the genre.

Classically Trained Pop Singers

Top pop artists from Alicia Keys to Elton John are classically trained singers and have said their classical training is an invaluable source to their song writing inspiration and music theory. Here are some of our favourites:

Ed Sheeran

He spent his early years singing hymns in his local church in Suffolk and even became a patron to the choral foundation in Ipswich.

Katy Perry

She studied Italian opera at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara. It has remained close to her and at the Grammy Awards in 2014 she wore a dress designed by Valentino with the Verdi score La Traviata on it.

Alicia Keys

A dab hand on the piano, Keys first fell in love with the instrument aged 7 and went on the graduate from performing arts school at 16. Classical piano helped with her song writing and the dedication it took to study classical music is what opened a lot of doors for her.

Elton John

He has deep classical piano roots and studied it at London’s Royal Academy of Music as well as singing in the Academy choir. He has stated it is what has shaped his unique musicianship.

Some Examples Of Classical Singing Training Colleges US And UK

Here are some of the best colleges in UK and UK to gain classical singing training:

College-Conservatory of Music

The College-Conservatory of Music is an institution at a large campus with over 40,000 students, part of the University of Cincinnati for voice and opera students. Students gain weekly private lessons with faculty and a holistic approach to the profession that includes language instruction. The program has associations with local organisations such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

Manhattan School of Music

Voice students at the Manhattan School of Music can select to focus on either classical singing training or opera theatre training. Students in the voice department learn aural skills, diction, music theory and are expected to go to concerts each semester on and off campus. The school holds recitals to assess their sophomore year and to prepare students for performance careers. Over 70 master classes with musicians and vocalists from various disciplines happen on campus every year, and graduating students complete their training with a senior showcase.

Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music provides free tuition. The program only has 175 students enabling induvial classical singing training and mentorship. Students are also able to enrol at classes at the University of Pennsylvania, free of change once requirements are reached. Vocal students focus on opera, song literature and chamber music. Their ethos is that learning by doing with over 200 performances carried out each year such as recitals, ticketed performances with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and the Curtis Opera Theatre. Students also have the opportunity to travel with Curtis on Tour, which goes all over the world.

RNCM School of Vocal Studies and Opera

Set in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is one of the top forward-thinking conservatoires. Dedicated to provided excellent education to propel students into their careers. The renowned classical singing training is provided by the School of Vocal Studies and Opera. The carefully curated programme draws on the expertise of dedicated tutors and professional partners to provide young singers with the skills necessary and experience to develop long careers.

London Singing Institute

The London Singing Institute is a top academy for adults wanting to improve their classical singing training. They work with amazing classically trained singers who help anyone from complete beginner to proficient amateur. It is a non-judgmental and calm environment which can help anyone wanting to become classically trained. Classical singing training takes place weekly at their premise in Marylebone.

Final Thoughts

Classically trained singing is a unique vocal world. It is high energy and demands lots of physical requirements such as projection over an orchestra. This type of training can take many years to ensure vocalists can meet the standard. When looking at becoming a classically trained singer it is important to research which vocal institute is best for you. By being classically trained you will be gaining lots of great skills and the perfect foundation for starting a successful music career. It can help improve your vocal range and flexibility and if you decide to transition into pop music you will be following in the footsteps of some already successful artists such as Katy Perry. So, what are you waiting for? Start downloading and listening to classical music and practise your vocal technique.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post Classical Singing Training: How to Sing Classically appeared first on TeenStar.

In 2021, TikTok became the most popular app in the world. It was the entertainment app which got many people through lockdown, with celebrities and young fans taking to the app to upload challenge videos. From lip syncing, comedy to micro blog content there is something for everyone and is the current ruler for mobile apps.

In this article, we will look at what is TikTok, what age is TikTok for, and what TikTok is used for.

What Is TikTok?

To fully understand TikTok it is necessary to know what is a TikTok. Basically, TikTok is a short-form, video-sharing app which enables users to create and share 15-second videos.

Created in 2012 and owned by Zhang Yiming, TikTok is the leading platform for short-form mobile video, with a mission to inspire creativity.

The platform has evolved and expanded and is now available in over 150 countries, in 75 languages. India has the highest number of users. TikTok remains a different app for the Chinese market, known as Duyin, which has over 300 million active monthly users.

What Is TikTok Used For?

So, let’s start by saying what is TikTok app and what is TikTok used for? When you open the app, you will be greeted by tons of amateur and professional videos. Most videos are music related or a TikTok challenge. The primary purpose is to showcase video content which is just 15 seconds long. Although there is an option to share videos up to a minute long, there isn’t any long-form videos. Since 2019 TikTok has been downloaded more than a billion times, capturing interest from brands and celebrities as the platform evolves.  

You will find entrepreneurs such as Gary Vaynerchuk who shares content repurposed for the relevant demographic. The main benefit of TikTok is users are able to post just about anything. Humour, hobbies, fitness, travel, music, photography, dance and even business-related activities. Each category is able to gain lots of attention and offers exposure to those who can adapt their content into short form videos.

Even though entertainment seems to be the main appeal, there is becoming more interest in educational, aspirational and business content.  

What Age Is TikTok For?

TikTok is a peek into what it means to be rising in today’s hyper-connected world. You may be wondering what age is TikTok for, although the average age of a TikTok creator is Gen Z, it is beginning to attract a wider audience with over 38% of TikTok users over the age 30 in the US.

TikTok is still directed at those under the age of 25 and incredibly popular with Gen Z. The majority of users on Facebook are aged over 40, whereas Instagram is very popular amongst users aged 20-40.

What Is The Most Liked Video On TikTok?

There is so much content available through TikTok but what is the most liked video on TikTok?

Bella Poarch

https://youtu.be/r0y59TyB2_w

Bella Poarch is the third most followed user on TikTok. She is known for her lip-syncing content and gained viral fame in August 2020. She officially earned the most likes with over 40 million just by bopping her head to Millie B’s ‘M to the B’. Bella enabled the track to reach a global audience and even sparked various copycat videos.  

Billie Eilish

https://youtu.be/nHokyjdaeQQ

You’d be right in thinking what is the most liked video on TikTok and thinking of Billie Eilish. She managed to gain over 25 million likes with her first TikTok video as she tried out the Time Warp Scan Filter.

Charli D’Amelio

https://youtu.be/p8OctG2KWX0

Charli joined TikTok in late 2019 and took over as the most followed user shortly after in 2020. Previously a competitive dancer, she is best known for her viral TikTok dance trends, particularly the “Renegade” dance.

Loren Gray

https://youtu.be/YCcJY8-Zcjc 

What is a pro account on TikTok? Well, it simply allows you to view certain analytics for your TikTok videos. Pro account user and Social Media personality Loren Gray pursued her dreams of becoming a singer by releasing tracks such as ‘Queen’, ‘Options’ and ‘Cake’. She has achieved success with over 52 million followers.

Dixie D’Amelio

https://youtu.be/UF7wcXxcYYQ

What is TikTok without the creators who draw people to the platform? Gaining TikTok fame herself, Dixie is the older sister of Charli. Dixie has made a career beyond TikTok in the music industry with her hit songs ‘Be Happy’ and ‘One Whole Day.’

Michael Le

https://youtu.be/ks_eDsQubg0

When you consider what is TikTok you may recognise Michale Le, known by his username justmaiko.  Famed for his dancing content which regularly features his younger brother, Jonathan e.g. Mini Mike.  He has collaborated with Jason Derulo and performed plenty of viral dances. His main passion is dance and choreography and is a member of the choreographed TikTok dance troupe, Shluv Family.

What Is Shadow Banning On Tiktok

So, what is shadow banning on TikTok? It is where you have been banned from using the platform or your visibility has been reduced. This means your videos won’t appear on the For You Page as much as it did before. It is ultimately like having the spotlight taken away from you without you noticing. Shadow Banning tends to go unnoticed unless another user points it out to you.

You will notice a decrease in audience engagements and your likes, views and shares will go down. There is no formal explanation to shadow banning techniques however shadow bans tend to occur when creators violate the community guidelines. This often includes nudity, drugs, hate speech, copyrighted music or fake news.

How TikTok Has Propelled The Popularity Of Some Songs

Another reason for what TikTok is used for is to boost musician’s popularity. Since TikTok has propelled various streaming hits on Spotify’s viral chart it is necessary for Indie Artists to know about what is TikTok to enhance their music and fame.

The most notable artist to propel in popularity is Olivia Rodrigo. She became an overnight hit when her ballad ‘Drivers License’ went viral on TikTok and dominated the charts. It gained the most one-day streams on its fourth day for a non-holiday song on Spotify, topped the Billboard chart and is one of TikTok’s clearest successes.

The song became the choice for many trends such as transformations, intentionally bad covers and many became invested in the song’s story of a heartbroken teen with even speculation to who the song is about.  

This isn’t the first time a song has reached fame, it first happened back in 2019 when Rapper Lil Nas X ‘Old Town Road’ became a TikTok viral sensation. Looking at the charts shows that many featured singles have been recognised as ‘TikTok songs’ due to their popularity on the app. What is TikTok without music but TikTok is redefining mainstream music with professional artists being criticised for creating songs with an aim to go viral on TikTok. Justin Bieber received criticism from fans for heavily promoting his tune ‘Yummy’ through TikTok.

Drake’s track ‘Tootsie Slide’ is also an example of a song which was created to go viral on TikTok, meaning artists are turning to the app for attention. Some of TikTok’s appeal is its unpredictability. The app is known for its unusually accurate For You page algorithm which is the main way for users to find new content. While the feed is sometimes influenced by who you follow, it isn’t completely user-curated unlike other social media sites. It is a key tool for musicians however it is hard to decipher the next big music trend, after all who would have imagined the success of Sea Shanties.

If you are starting out in the music industry you will want to understand how to upload your music to TikTok. Sounds are central to what is a TikTok. Pairing a video with the right tract can increase share-ability of the post and also inspire creators to use your track in their own viral videos. When you create videos via TikTok you can use your own tracks, sounds from other videos, or sounds from TikTok’s music library. You are also able to record voiceovers and you can create your own sounds to use in future TikTok videos. These sounds can be funny, sound effects, cover songs or anything else you think of.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, what is TikTok is that it is a fun and entertaining app which is continuing to grow in popularity. TikTok is set to be the next big marketing tool and social networking platform. The app enables users to upload music and dialogue which they can lip sync or generate funny videos. The social media platform is paramount for sharing short videos and popular amongst young people who want to express themselves by singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing and lets creators share content to its community. Now you know what TikTok is, it’s time for you to create what may be the next viral video.

Showcase Your Talent

Our TeenStar competition applications are now OPEN. Apply here! TeenStar is the biggest search for teenage and pre-teen singers, with prizes and opportunities for young artists looking to develop their talent. With industry judges including TV scouts, Record Label A&R, Management companies and more, TeenStar is a great place to for young artists to get started in the industry and auditions are open right now!

The post What Is TikTok & What Is TikTok Used For? Our Guide appeared first on TeenStar.