How should a complete beginner start?

[Sun]

I have a friend who wants to learn how to sing, thing is he has no musical experience of any sort.

How do I start him off? Have him sing along to songs for a few weeks first? I know personally all you need is the will and you can make it happen, just not sure if I should bombard him with exercises/refer him to a teacher before he fully commits to doing it.

[Owen Korzec]

I have a friend who wants to learn how to sing, thing is he has no musical experience of any sort.

How do I start him off? Have him sing along to songs for a few weeks first? I know personally all you need is the will and you can make it happen, just not sure if I should bombard him with exercises/refer him to a teacher before he fully commits to doing it.

Have him learn some basic piano first. Not that it's a requirement but I think it would help him develop his overall musical understanding quicker. And then he can just apply that right over to singing.

That being said I wouldn't know how to go about it any other way because I started as a pianist....

[Sun]

Yeah that is a pretty good idea, I come from instrument background as well it helps immensly.

I'll teach him basics, the notes, what octaves are, major/minor etc

[Nicogratouille]

Have him sing along to songs for a few weeks first?

Yes, if he wants to sing, he should do just that: sing! Just find some songs that he likes and are easy for him to sing. Leave the harder ones for later. Singing shouldn't be complicated, especially not in the beginning.

I wouldn't tell him about major scales, arpeggios, etc... for now. Music theory and playing an instrument is good, but not a requirement.

Nick

[Gina Ellen Vocalist]

pitch first, can you play him a note on the piano in his range and him sing it back, then move onto a few combinations of notes. See what he's starting with. you can then work out his basic range and pick some songs that suit him. I would then start with some very basic breathing technique. It's difficult to know exactly as it would differ from student to student depending on what they need to work on most.

[jonpall]

First things first. Tell him to hit the gym and buy new cool clothes.

[Jens]

He should start where the passion is, singing and technique is just means to portray the art

[Felipe Carvalho]

Why does he want to learn? And what is his goal, professional, karaoke fun, hobby, girls?

[Sun]

Well both him and I are avid hard rock fans, I was already a musician so starting singing was just another instrument for me and I already had theory and music in general down. He got me into some of my favourite bands that I listen to now.

The difference for him is probably since he is not a musician already, he is probably not fully convinced he could learn it, but he wants to be a hard rock singer as well. You know the typical "oh I could never do that" thinking pattern. It's just a mental barrier it took me quite a while to look at myself as an actual singer instead of some idiot trying to sing along to records. I didn't want to take lessons at first because I didn't think I was an actual singer/good enough but once you get past that it's smooth sailing.

I like the idea of the tuner for learning pitch matching.

[Felipe Carvalho]

I understand Sun.

Well, its hard to predict things like this. Maybe he already got an idea of what trainning can do from what YOU do and thats why he is asking you in the first place?

Id say despite of the decision not being solid, if thats what he says that he wants, then go for the whole deal. The best possible initiation is not just getting a few intervals here and there (although it is of course important), but getting a good talk with someone with experience on training, to know what to expect and also understand that it will depend solely on HIS work.

To influence decisions and commitment, there is only way in life, not only on singing: leading by example. If he looked for you in this matter, chances are you are doing your part well . Dont hold back because of the lack of experience on instruments/music, because its not necessary, I would either have a straight talk or take him to a teacher soon.

GL for you both.

[ronws]

I understand Sun.

Well, its hard to predict things like this. Maybe he already got an idea of what trainning can do from what YOU do and thats why he is asking you in the first place?

Id say despite of the decision not being solid, if thats what he says that he wants, then go for the whole deal. The best possible initiation is not just getting a few intervals here and there (although it is of course important), but getting a good talk with someone with experience on training, to know what to expect and also understand that it will depend solely on HIS work.

To influence decisions and commitment, there is only way in life, not only on singing: leading by example. If he looked for you in this matter, chances are you are doing your part well . Dont hold back because of the lack of experience on instruments/music, because its not necessary, I would either have a straight talk or take him to a teacher soon.

GL for you both.

Outstanding post.