1. Think about who you are writing for. The best way to achieve the perfect sound is to stay within your singer’s range, and when writing for soloist, do not give them the impossible, expecting their best performance. Stay true to what can be expected from your group. If possible sing in your own tone, if you are able to make it work, the singer should not have an issue.

2. Ask yourself what kind of effect would you like to achieve. Texture and syllables are created by scat lyrics – these can make or break the song. Try to be as exact as possible on your sheet music, you don’t want any regrets. Strong syllables within the song are more memorable and sound well-put together and professional. If you can remember that syllables are the finishing touches, than your song will sound polished and the sound molded. A few key points in picking out scat sounds: vowel sounds have different volumes due to mouth positioning, anytime you wish to define an end note, place a consonant at the end (Ms are great for a soft sound), and echoing lyrics behind the syllables produces a really cool effect.

3. Think about the singer’s capabilities musically. Some songs are too difficult to replicate and if made too simple, are not very pleasing to the ear. Try to balance between singable and sounds appealing. Generally, two extensions per chord.

4. Make charts dynamic, keep everyone interested and entertained with what they are singing. A group does not normally want to sit idly by while a soloist sings and the rest repeat a two-bar pattern. Use through-composed charts (a continuous, non-repetitive song), this style is used by most acapella groups around the world.

5. Balance. Try to have your singers’ parts balanced; remember there is never more than one singer per range in a group. The top voice will cut through, so the necessity of more power in that particular range is obsolete. All the parts should be harmonizing in perfect balance when the arrangement is done correctly.

6. Stick to what you like. Try arranging music that you are more fond of. Most projects that are not liked inevitably end up on the charts you don’t like. Try to remind yourself if it sound good, it probably is, and if it’s not what you expected, re-work it!

7. Know your song. Listen to it many times a day, every time you listen to the song pick out an instrument and concentrate on the music it plays. Then sing along with that part, if it is doable, then progress into the arranging mode. Remember the more you know about the song, the better the arrangement.

8. Ask for advice or feedback. People are almost always more than willing to listen to a new creation, such as a new piece of music. A true music lover would especially love an aapella piece and would respectively consider giving some constructive criticism. Everyone normally hopes for positive feedback, but for the sake of argument, negative feedback are the things you can work on to make them better. Be willing to accept all forms of criticism.

9. Keep up the good work. It’s tough to stay focused, but don’t lose hope. Take it out every once in a while and work out the wrinkles, if you don’t have a deadline, that is.

I hope that these tips will help you to produce some amazing vocals and don’t forget to place your name somewhere in the syllables. How else is anyone supposed to know who wrote the song?

The history of a capella began a long time ago in churches where music accompaniment was not allowed – the loose translation is “in the style of the church.” A capella was used in many faiths dating back to 670 AD. Since then, many styles have evolved from this church-style singing. The first style was being used in collegiate singing groups in the early 1900′s. It is still up in the air about who the actual originator was, but some very notable groups came from Yale University called The Whippenpoofs and the Spizzwinks(?). And no that is not a typo, due to the strange name, the editor of the Yale Banner, unsure of the spelling, added the punctuation. The group loved the way it looked and kept it up.

Barbershop music and barbershop quartets are an American exclusive vocal styling started a little after collegiate groups started bellowing. The groups used four-part harmonies and overtones. This music movement was closely linked to African-American gospel quartets. In the 1940′s it soared to mass popularity and in 1954 settled into the pop mainstream with the Chordettes song, “Mr. Sandman.” Perhaps the most visible moments for the Barbershop music scene was The Buffalo Bills appearance in the 1962 production of, “The Music Man.”

Jazz musicians also started to use nonsensical words to form sounds where an instrument had been originally, called vocal jazz. Groups like the Andrews Sisters, The Mills Brothers and Modernaires made the public go crazy for more of this innovative sound. From this point, doo-wop music was introduced into the pop world and the audience craved the fun sounds and harmonizing. This movement inspired the “bird” name bands such as, The Orioles, The Swallows, and The Larks. In 1955, the doo-wop scene really caught on with many cross-over tracks creating lots of attention with “The Great Pretender,” “Earth Angel,” and “Only You.”

It was only a matter of time that the a capella sound would hit the soul, pop and rock scene. The 1960′s saw the influence of the “church-style” singing with vocal surf music, experimental rock and psychedelic.The Beach Boys had a couple popular tunes by the name of “Surfer Girl” and “Surfin’.” The Beatles rerecorded a version of their White Album a capella calling it the Grey Album. The Persuasions became a very well-known name in the 1970′s when they hit it big with “Chain Gang.”

The Manhattan Transfer founded shortly after, brought a capella to the center of pop music. Many pop groups were inspired. One in particular, The Nylons, became super popular after their release of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The a capella didn’t stop here, it went on to bring more creativity and individuality to music. Led Zeppelin, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon were a few of the many who were trying out new sounds, vocally. Bobby McFerrin and Boyz II Men had huge successes with their a capella tributes in the 80′s and 90′s.

Today the use of different vocal styling can be seen in almost any genre of music. Even the Ramones, David Bowie, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have contributed to the amazing sounds of a capella music. Record companies dedicated only to a capella have formed all over the world and there is even a Recorded A Capella Review Board where one hundred albums a year are posted and discussed. This unique sound has caught the interest of African and Indian nations as well. Do I hear a punjabi take on a capella is the wave of the future?

Picking the Right Song

The number one thing to remember not to do when trying to make an impression: picking a song totally out of realm or character. If this is your first time singing karaoke, choose a song that you like, know and can try to carry a tune to. Finding a song that is right for your singing style is key. Try to pick a song within your vocal abilities, this will decrease your anxiety as well as make you sound the best you possibly can.

Be Comfortable

Ever wonder how some people just seem to have that poise, that stage presence that so many are attracted to? They are comfortable and you should be too. Remember karaoke is a way to get out of yourself and be a star. If you have a hard time standing on stage, try asking the KJ (karaoke jockey) if there are other places besides the stage to do your first number. This should give you the extra vote of confidence your next time around.

Don’t Drink and Shout

A common complaint amongst karaoke bar workers is a really drunk, obnoxiously loud singer. People often feel they need to get really intoxicated in order to overcome the stage fright, however this normally just makes you shout, slur your words, and even forget the words as they scroll across the screen in front of you. And since you want to really participate in the singing fun, avoid the drunken karaoke parodies.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

The only way to really fine tune and mature your voice is by stepping out of the usual. Try new songs that you find yourself lip-syncing in the car on the way home or to the office. A new fun way to step things up is by playing karaoke kamikaze. This is where songs are randomly picked and then sung. There’s a less intrusive method of rotating some new songs around – ask the KJ to take down a list of songs you do normally, along with a couple new ones and randomize them. This way you don’t know which song is coming up, forcing you to take the challenge.

Practice Makes Perfect

Just like your old coach used to say, practice really does perfect whatever talent you are trying to hone in on. Singing comes naturally to a few, but for the rest of us, we need those practice sessions in the shower or in a traffic delay during the commute. If you don’t have the best vocals, at least work on rhythm and timing, which is sure to improve your performance.

Have Fun!

Last but not least is have some fun. The worst thing you could possibly do is not have some enjoyment. If you wind up at a karaoke bar and just “don’t feel it,” then by all means sit and watch the other singers. It’s all about having fun, so don’t fret!

I dabble with home recording, so you’ll get recommendation microphone and sound card recommendations, along with my (limited) software knowledge for producing amazing vocals. I’ll also talk about performing live, which I do from time to time, everything from karaoke to paid gigs. I may throw in a bit of randomness about music and singing in general if I come across (or create!) something cool.

Singing is a beautiful thing to do, and it’s part of who we all are. I think if people sang more, the world would be a better place. So if this site encourages people, I will have done my part!

Have fun talk soon!