Using karaoke as a vocal training technique is not likely something most people would think of trying in order to improve their skills at the microphone. The fact is however that it can be a very valuable training aid.

Most people may think to themselves "but I can't sing, especially not into karaoke machines" and not realize that being able to sing at all is not really about how well you sing, but rather how well you can listen. Most people can speak and utter noises over a wide range of frequencies so you need to realize right off the bat that the singing part is possible. What needs work is the art of listening and being able to correct what's wrong when you hear it.

One of the best ways for you to get started is to get some karaoke gear and below is one of the best deals I've come across anywhere on the web.Go ahead and click on it for info. A new window will open so you can check it out easily and come back here for more info...

For less than 35 bucks you're on your way to having your own karaoke system. This thing removes vocals from songs and allows you to put effects on your voice, to help make you sound like a pro! You can connect a stereo or mp3 player via its' stereo line inputs and outputs. This way you 're able to use music you already own to practice singing.

So now the hard part, and this might sound a little silly. Start singing your chosen song. You likely will need to pick one that has a moderate range to start. I recommend starting with something you think you'll do best, not necessarily what you wish you could do.

Break the song into "little bite sized pieces", one phrase at a time. Experiment with singing higher and lower. You'll have a pretty good idea if it sounds right or not. If you think you're too low try to sing higher or vica versa. If you feel your low notes are wavering try to play with the muscles in your stomach to help make it smoother. Flex them, flex different stomach muscles, try different facial expressions to help hit the higher notes. You would be suprised that it can make a difference. Don't worry about looking silly. Remember, when you're singing karaoke, nobody can really see your face because you will have your fist in front of it holding a big microphone in front of your face. Also remember to look up because that will help hide the facial expressions. If you're looking down it's actually easier for everybody to see your face.

Really listen to what's coming out of your system and take the steps to correct what's wrong. It's not right if you get the first and last notes and nothing in between so be sure to take your time and find the note(s) for each word in the song. Compare it to the original and see where you can improve. You'll be surprised at how quickly you get the hang of it. I think the biggest thing for most people is that their voice sounds different when amplified because they no longer hear their head voice. Once you get use to hearing your voice amplified it doesn't take too long to improve. Just don't be afraid to try. And the biggest thing of all. Don't try to sound like the singer you're copying. You almost certainly will not be happy with the results. Hit the right notes at the right time to start with and then worry about tone.

If you prefer there are sites like Song Galaxy where you can buy karaoke backing tracks that really are top quality. I've used these tracks myself, in particular the multi-track files and I swear these are the greatest things ever. Every song sounds great, they have a huge reportoire and you can preview everything before you buy it. They're only a few bucks per song so it's fairly painless to buy them one at a time. Here's the best part, they have an MP3 key changer for sale on their site so you can change the key or tempo of any MP3 to suit your voice! I actually use this tool for changing the key to the backing tracks we use on stage so I know it works well. I have also used the Multi-track files that they sell and used them on stage. They're really top quality. Multi-track files do cost more but they're more suited to those of you that are already in bands and want a way to cover a horn part or keyboard part without having to hire someone to do it for you. That's a HUGE cost savings. Click on the banner to check them out and check out a couple of songs while you're at it. I know you'll be impressed with the quality...