10 Singing Myths Debunked

The world of singing is shrouded in myths and misconceptions that can hinder aspiring vocalists and even seasoned performers. Whether you're a shower singer, an aspiring professional, or simply someone who loves to belt out tunes in the car, you've likely encountered advice or "facts" about singing that left you questioning their validity.

In this blog, we will unravel 10 of the most common singing myths, shedding light on the truths that every singer should know. Get ready to separate fact from fiction and take your vocal skills to new heights!

1. I can’t sing because my teacher told me I’m tone deaf

False. Tone deafness, also known as amusia, is quite rare and requires a proper medical diagnosis. Voice teachers, unless they have the appropriate medical qualifications, are not equipped to diagnose amusia in their students. Often, students receive incorrect assessments from their teachers, mistaking their initial struggles for tone deafness. In reality, the vocal folds simply need time and practice to adjust to new pitch coordinates. With consistent effort, pitch accuracy typically improves over time.

2. You should only sing songs that are comfortable for you

False. If you never challenge yourself to try new things, you’ll never grow. Adapting to new techniques may take time, and your voice might initially struggle, but with correct practice, you will improve.

While learning unfamiliar techniques, you might experience some strain, but your voice is resilient. Pay attention to your body, rest when needed, and allow yourself the time to heal if you experience any discomfort.

3. You should sing from your diaphragm

False. While this is a common phrase you will hear others say, you don’t actually sing from your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle used for inhalation. It plays an important role in ensuring you have enough air for singing, but people (typically) sing on an exhale, not an inhale.

4. You shouldn’t sing from your throat

**False.** I often hear this misconception and find it baffling. Your vocal folds, ventricular folds, aryepiglottic sphincter, arytenoids, and other structures used in singing are primarily located in the throat. If we couldn't use our throat for singing, we wouldn't be able to produce sound at all.

Image by @nicolasladinosilva

5. You need talent to be able to sing

False. While talented people surely exist, I firmly believe that practice surpasses talent any day. Those singers who have never taken a class yet sing wonderfully? They are undoubtedly talented, but don’t be fooled into thinking they don’t practice on their own.

With proper guidance and consistent practice, even those with less natural talent can achieve extraordinary things they never imagined possible.

6. Heavy metal screams and other distortions are bad for the voice.

False. When performed correctly, vocal distortions can be done in a healthy manner. Most distortions are not produced at the vocal fold level. Instead, structures such as the ventricular folds, epiglottis, or uvula create the distorted sound. That being said, even distortions produced at the vocal fold level, like vocal fry and grunts, are not harmful to your voice when executed correctly.

When practicing your distortions, it is important to avoid squeezing your vocal folds too tightly and then forcing too much air through them. Always aim to balance the volume of your distortions so you don’t hurt your voice.

7. You can’t expand your vocal range

False. Expanding the low end of your vocal range is somewhat limited, as it directly correlates with the size of your vocal folds. However, you can improve the quality of your low notes through consistent practice.

Increasing your higher range is more achievable. You can stretch your voice by doing exercises in your flageolet register. Although it may take some time, with consistent effort, you can significantly extend your vocal range.

8. Your soft palate needs to be raised to sing higher notes

False. While it is possible to sing high notes with a raised soft palate, lowering the soft palate can make it easier to blend registers and is less harsh on your voice. This is because the air has two pathways to escape: through your mouth and your nose. Keeping your soft palate low requires more control as your soft palate will naturally raise when singing higher notes. You can lower your soft palate by adding a nasal consonant, like n, m or ng, after the vowel you typically use in your exercises.

9. Belting is bad for the voice

**False.** Although belting sounds powerful and requires a thicker vocal cord coordination, it is not harmful to the voice when done correctly. Ensure that your belt is not too loud and switch to a lighter mix when needed to protect your voice. With adequate training and vocal warm-ups, singers can use this powerful and expressive technique safely and sustainably.

Image by @xoutcastx

10. Nodules always require surgery

False. It is a misconception that vocal nodules always require surgery. In many cases, vocal nodules can be effectively treated through non-surgical methods such as voice therapy, vocal rest, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is generally considered a last resort, only necessary when nodules do not respond to conservative treatments. Therefore, with proper care and intervention, many individuals can recover from vocal nodules without the need for surgery.

If you suspect something is wrong with your voice, remember to always see a qualified doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment; voice teachers are not qualified to diagnose you.

Nina Standaert
Voice Teacher Nina