Why learning classical music isn’t the ONLY way to learn how to sing!

Sometimes, when I’m scrolling on apps like TikTok or Instagram, I’ll see a comment that says something along the lines of, “That’s why classical singing is the best way to learn how to sing.”

And I gotta be honest: I cannot tell you how much that phrase grinds my gears, even as someone that studied classical music & opera!

Learning to sing is a unique journey for each person, and while classical music is a popular choice for training, it's not the only way to become a great singer. People often think that only classical music can teach singing, but there are more ways to explore. In this article, we'll talk about why studying other types of music is also important for learning how to sing well.

• Expressing yourself through different genres

  • Classical music is very structured, but other types like pop, jazz, rock, and R&B let singers express themselves in unique ways. These styles let you show your emotions and make up your music as you go, which can make your singing special. Learning from these styles can help you become a better singer in your own style.

• Learning Diverse Skills

  • Each kind of music needs different singing skills. For example, rock music requires a different vocal style than classical music, jazz, or even musical theater! When you learn these styles, you gain skills that help you become a more versatile singer.

• Cross-over skills

  • Believe it or not, but many singing skills such as breath management and understanding resonance cross over between styles. While the musical styles are different, non-classical singers have access to a lot of the same skills as classical singers.

• Working with Different Musicians

  • Today, musicians often work with others from different music styles. If you learn many styles, you can sing with many people. This helps you learn new things and make exciting music that's a mix of everything.

• Enjoying What You Sing

  • While classical music is nice, you might like other styles more. Singing songs you love makes learning fun and keeps you excited about getting better.

• Breaking Old Ideas

  • Some people think only classical music is serious. But learning different styles shows that all types of music are important. It helps to make music more fair for everyone.

Classical music is great for learning to sing, but it's not the only way. Exploring different styles helps you be creative, learn new things, and have more fun. Remember, learning from all kinds of music makes you a well-rounded singer and lets you enjoy the wonderful world of music in many ways!