We recently gathered a few of our voice instructors across different cities to talk about what they see most often in new voice students. We compared notes, shared teaching stories, and laughed a little—because we’ve all had students who make the same avoidable mistakes in those first few months.
Here’s a recap of our teacher discussion on beginner singing mistakes, plus how we help students work through them.
Mistake #1: Breathing Like You Talk
“Most students breathe from their shoulders like they’re about to give a speech—not like they’re about to sing a phrase.”
— Ms. Erin, voice teacher (Atlanta)
Why it matters: Talking and singing require different breath support. When singers use shallow, chest-based breathing, it limits volume and control.
How we fix it:
- Introduce belly breathing with lying-down exercises
- Use physical cues (like placing a hand on the diaphragm)
- Practice long “siren” slides to build airflow awareness
Mistake #2: Singing Too Hard, Too Soon
“They think loud equals good. But forcing volume strains the voice and leads to tension.”
— Mr. Mark, voice teacher (Houston)
Why it matters: Beginners often over-sing, especially in the upper register. This causes pitch instability and fatigue.
How we fix it:
- Warm-ups that emphasize soft onset (like humming or lip trills)
- Focus on tone over volume
- Use recorded playback so students hear the difference between controlled and forced singing
Mistake #3: Comparing Themselves Too Much
“Teen singers especially worry they don’t sound like their favorite artists—so they hide their real voice.”
— Ms. Tasha, voice teacher (Denver)
Why it matters: Comparison undermines confidence and limits vocal growth. No two voices are the same, and that’s a strength.
How we fix it:
- Encourage individuality through song choice
- Celebrate unique tone and vocal color
- Use “before and after” recordings to highlight real growth
Helpful Reinforcements
We always tell our students: these beginner singing mistakes are normal. That’s why taking private lessons matters—you get real-time feedback and tools to grow safely and confidently.
For more insight into setting healthy goals early on, explore our article on realistic music lesson goals.
For broader information about vocal health in beginners, Johns Hopkins Medicine offers a great overview on how to protect your voice at any level.
FAQ
Is it okay to sing every day as a beginner?
Yes, but keep it short and gentle at first—15 to 20 minutes with proper technique is a good start.
Do I need a warm-up even if I’m just singing one song?
Absolutely. Warming up reduces strain and improves tone. Even five minutes can make a big difference.
How long does it take to fix bad habits?
With consistent lessons, most students see noticeable improvements within a few weeks. Deeper habits may take longer—but they’re fixable!
