HOW TO SING

Four Parts:Setting the FoundationHealthy Singing HabitsThe AttitudeThe PerformanceCommunity Q&A

Singing - the one talent virtually everybody possesses. Of course, some are more naturally skilled than others, but even a poor voice can be overcome by dedication, practice, and more practice. Even if you're content to sing in the shower, there are some things you can do to improve your voice. Your golden voice will be ringing out in no time!

Part 1

Setting the Foundation

1. 
   1
   Choosing your singing style. The style you want to sing in can vastly change the way you sing. Understand the demands of your particular style, but realize that learning the techniques of multiple styles can only make you a better singer. Try going to a high note then a low note. This way you can test and see if you feel comfortable with notes... This article mainly covers overall technique, but you can get specifics on particular styles like:
   

   • Pop
   • Rock
   • R&B
   • Jazz
   • Country
   • Hip Hop
   • Rapping
   • Beatboxing
   • Psychedelic style - If you want to take a risk with your musical appearance, then perhaps try this style. This is a more 'dreamy' and 'new wave' style of singing, which many people will appreciate. Styles like this, if you pull it off properly, will likely develop a 'cult' like following, if you make it big!
   • 'Indie' style music is very big nowadays, and there are many opportunities in the genre for creative growth, particularly in songwriting.
2. 
   2
   Find your vocal range. This is essential, as singing pieces written for the wrong range may strain your voice to the point that you sound like a bear with a cold.
   

   • Your range is largely determined by the size and shape of your instrument: your voice. The size and shape of your larynx is the primary factor contributing to your vocal range. However, it is possible to extend your range higher than you most likely will ever need to sing, but it takes very specific training and must be done correctly.
   • Below is a guideline of vocal facts or voice types. Everyone has a "sweet spot" in their range and it generally lies in the following areas, once the voice is developed:
     • Sopraninos: Reaching the highest of the ranges, a Sopranino can sing to D6 and beyond.
     • Sopranos: Sopranos sing from C4 to A5, or higher.
     • Mezzo-soprano: The mezzo-soprano range extends from about A3 to F5.
     • Alto: The standard range for altos is approximately E3 to E5.
     • Contralto: The lowest female voices are called "contralto," and extend below E3.
     • Countertenors: Males with very high vocal ranges, into the alto and soprano ranges of female vocals, or who have a strong, clear falsetto, are called "countertenors."
     • Tenor: This is near the upper end of the male's vocal range. A tenor can comfortably sing between C3 and A4.
     • Baritone: A baritone singer ranges between F2 and E4.
     • Bass: The range for a bass singer is around F2 to E4, with a comfort range normally between G2 and A3.
     • Contrabass: If you can sing G1 or lower, you are what's known as a sub-bass, contrabass, or a basso profundo.
   • People will love or hate your voice based on its sound character, not just how many notes you can hit or runs/trills you can do. Your range can be developed with the right training, but be sure to use proven techniques that do not strain or wear out your voice.
3. 
   3
   Get started for free. There are hundreds of vocal training videos on YouTube, filled with everything from amateur tipsters to educated, professional singers.
   

   • Be careful because not all of the information is correct and even if you find good information, there is a chance you will misinterpret the instructions. This is why a teacher or vocal coach is preferred.
   • It can be tricky finding a good vocal trainer on the Internet, but think of it this way: It's a great way to find out if you like being taught how to sing, whether you're ready to practice, and most of all, if you're ready to start taking lessons.
4. 
   4
   Take lessons. Find a vocal coach or qualified voice teacher who can help you become a better singer. Check with your local music store or your school music teacher for trustworthy references.
   

   • If you're serious about becoming a singer, taking lessons sooner rather than later is the way to go: Poor performance techniques can ruin your singing voice for good!
   • If you cannot afford a teacher, or do not want the dedication that comes with hiring a professional voice coach, consider joining a local choir.
   • There are also a few at-home vocal training courses out there, such as Singing Success, Sing and See, Singorama, Singing for the Stars and Vocal Release, but be sure to do your research to see which ones have really worked for other singers.
5. 
   5
   Get to know your singing tools. The more familiar you are with how everything is supposed to move and feel, the more attuned to your voice you will be.
   

   • Touch the top of your collarbone. About a half of an inch below your finger is the top of your lungs.
   • Examine your ribs. They move like bucket handles attached to your spine and your sternum. When you breathe in, they move upward as your chest expands. When you breathe out, they move downward as the air in your lungs is exhaled.
   • Find your chest line. This is the place where your lungs expand the largest. Place your hands about halfway down your torso, towards the bottom of your sternum. Take a deep breath, and move your hand till you find the point of maximum extension of the ribs.
   • The bottom of your lungs is right below your sternum, where your rib cages meet. This is also the housing for your diaphragm. The reason your stomach may pooch out when you breathe deeply is because your diaphragm is pushing down on everything below your rib cage, not because your lungs are in your stomach.

Part 2

Healthy Singing Habits

1. 
   1
   Stand up straight! Correct posture helps, so stand tall, one foot slightly in front of the other one, and feet shoulder width apart. This allows you to breathe easily and reach maximum lung capacity, which results in better notes and phrases.
   

   • Stand up straight with shoulders pulled back and down, so that you are floating over your torso. Make sure that your chest is high to give room for your lungs to expand and contract. Relax.
   • If you're sitting, the same things apply! Keep both of your feet flat on the floor--don't cross your legs. Keeping your body in line allows for more control and sustained singing without strain if you are sitting your back should also not touch the back of seat it should be straight.

1. 
   1
   Breathe properly. The voice is best described as a wind instrument, because breathing is 80% of singing and proper singing begins and ends with proper breathing. Breathe low, from your stomach, and push out, tightening the muscles when you exhale.
   

   • If you try breathing from your chest, you will find you won't have enough support for high notes.
   • Practice the old fashioned book method: Lie on the ground and place a book on your stomach. Sing a comfortable note, and when you are exhaling/singing, try to make the book go up.
2. 
   2
   Practice your warm ups. Before you begin singing or doing practice exercises, it's always best to warm up. Try this: sing in your middle range, then low range, then high range, and back to middle.
   

   • You should spend at least 10 minutes on each range and do not stress your voice if you're frustrated and cannot hit a note. Relax, then try again, carefully. Other things to practice:
   • Dynamics: Dynamics are variations to the intensity of your resonance. Even the simplest use of dynamics will make your songs come alive, and the more you practice, the louder and softer you'll be able to sing healthily. Sing a comfortable pitch and start very softly, crescendo to loud then decrescendo to soft. When you start out, you will probably only be able to sing from mp (mezzo piano, or moderately quiet) to mf (mezzo forte, or moderately loud), but your range will increase with practice.
   • Agility—Hit the "do re mi." Try singing from do to sol, back to do really fast back and forth, trying to hit all of the notes. Do this in increments of half steps on different syllables. This will help your voice become more flexible.
3. 
   3
   Pronounce your vowels correctly. Practice all your vowels at every pitch (high, low, and in between). In English there are very few pure vowels. Normally, we will encounter diphthongs which are two or more vowel sounds elided together.
   

   • In classical singing, the singer will sustain the note on the first vowel and then say the second on the way to the final consonant. In country, singers like to slide through the first vowel and elongate the second vowel on the sustained note.
     • For example: whereas a classical singer might sing "Am[aaaaaaai]zing Gr[aaaaaai]ce" and a country singer would sing "Am[aiiiiiii]zing Gr[aiiiiii]ce".
   • If you can, always sing the first vowel for as long as you can before letting the second vowel in.
   • Here are some pure vowels to practice with: AH as in "father", EE as in "eat", IH as in "pin", EH as in "pet", OO as in "food", UH as in "nut", EU as in "could", OH as in "home".
4. 
   4
   Practice scales. Practice this often, especially if you have pitch problems. Most coaches will recommend 20-30 minutes a day when starting out, as practicing scales will also strengthen the muscles used for singing and give you better control.
   

   • To practice scales, identify your range (tenor, baritone, alto, soprano, etc.) and know how to find the notes that cover your range on a keyboard or piano. Then practice the major scale in every key, moving up and down using the vowel sounds.
   • At some point you can start working in minor scales as well. Solfege (Do,Re,Mi,...) is also an effective tool for improving pitch problems.

Part 3

The Attitude

1. 
   1
   Be confident. Do not care what people think, just keep practicing. If you are limited by your inhibitions, your voice will be, too.
   

   • Be confident that you are going to get better, and you will continue to improve. Making safe decisions will not stretch your abilities. In order to do new things with your voice, you must be fearless.
2. 
   2
   Be reasonable with your expectations. Regardless of where you are coming from, if you can devote 20 minutes or more a day to practicing scales and songs, you can expect measurable improvement within four weeks.
   

   • Most pitch problems can be corrected within 3-4 months. Understand that your progress is linked to your ability to practice daily (as with most training). If you only do 10 minutes a day, a few days a week, you could spend a year or more.

Part 4

The Performance

1. 
   1
   Make sure you have practiced. By the time it comes to performing your piece in front of others, you should have practiced a lot and ensure that you are confident that the performance will be comfortable and sound amazing.
2. 
   2
   Stay confident throughout the performance. Audiences often have misleading expressions. If they don't look impressed, don't worry about it. Keep singing, and smile too - it will cheer them up endlessly.
3. 
   3
   Look at the people. Nobody wants you looking at the ceiling. You might find it easier to look just a little above their heads if you have stage fright.

How to Dance

• Five Methods:FreestyleSlow Dancing with a PartnerDancing at a WeddingGetting All the Right MovesDressing to DanceCommunity Q&A

Hate being the one in the corner of the room while everyone else is enjoying themselves on the dance floor? Have an event coming up that will require you to step out to the beat? If a little crisis of confidence or some uncertainty about how to move is keeping you from joining the fun, look no further than this article for what you need to know to spin, step and strut the night away in style!

Method 1

Freestyle

1. 
   1
   Bob your head. Start by understanding the beat in your head to get how the music is. If it helps, count 1, 2, 3, 4 in your head. Try to pick out the rhythm the band/artist is using for time, it can be a steady beat from the drums, or from the bass.
2. 
   2
   Shift your weight. Shift all of your weight to one foot. You can lift the other foot slightly off the ground to make sure all your weight is off of it.
   

   • At every other count (preferably 1 to 3) shift your weight completely to the other foot. You can also shift your weight at every single count, but starting out slowly will help you get comfortable before you begin dancing fast.
   • Keep your legs loose and bend your knees slightly; there should be just a little bit of "bounce" to your weight shifts, and a subtle bounce (in place) on the counts when you aren't shifting your weight as well.
3. 
   3
   Move your feet. Once you're shifting your weight to the rhythm, begin moving your feet. Right before you shift your weight to a foot, move it slightly, even just an inch or two from where it was before. When you move your foot, keep it fairly close to the ground.
   

   • If you're dancing with someone else, be sure to move around in a way that accommodates your partner without stepping on him or her.
4. 
   4
   Add some hip action. When you put your weight on a foot, move your hips (and your body) slightly in the direction of that foot. If you shift your weight onto your right foot, for example, move your hips to the right. You can twist your body slightly to add a little more movement. For example, when you move to the right, put your right shoulder forward a little and left shoulder back vice versa for when you move to the left.
5. 
   5
   Move your arms. If you're uncomfortable, the tendency is to keep your arms close or to let them hang limp. Instead, move your arms around. Keep your hands open or in very loose fists. You can put your arms in the air or at 90 degree angles at your sides (like when you're running)or try one of the arm moves listed below. Whatever you do, don't get stuck on just one move; keep switching it up.
   

   • Roll the dice. Make a loose fist and shake your arm and hand as though you are shaking a pair of dice for a roll. After a few shakes, "roll" the dice. Don't overuse this move to the point that it becomes comical. (More commonly used by men).
   • Mow the lawn. Bend forward and with one hand grasp the starter of an imaginary lawn mower. Pull your hand back as though you're pulling on the string to start the mower. Once you get it going, you can take a few steps while you mow the lawn. This move requires a certain amount of confidence to pull off, but it's a lot of fun and can bring a smile or a laugh to those dancing around you. (More commonly used by men).
   • Swing an air lasso. Grab an imaginary lasso and swing it above your head as though you're about to rope a cow. Shift your weight to the foot opposite your "lasso hand" and thrust your hips in that direction. (More commonly used by women).
   • Pump your fist. Make a fist and then make a pumping motion overhead in a celebratory fashion. (Best used when attending a concert).
6. 6
   Style. Natural impulses should be followed when dancing freestyle. It's easy to feel like you're only good at one move, but the more you feel the rhythm the more natural the motions will come out. Listening to subtleties in music will also help to train your body to move. Most importantly: be creative! Creating your own dance moves is easy with confidence and an understanding of your body.

Method 2

Slow Dancing with a Partner

1. 
   1
   Get lined up. Rather than lining up directly in front one another, position yourselves so that the center of the woman's chest lines up with the inside of the man's right shoulder.
2. 
   2
   Position the arms. The man should place his right hand flat on the small of the woman's back and hold his left hand out to the side at chest level. The woman should place her left hand the man's shoulder, raise her arm to chest level and extend her hand out to the right to hold her partner's hand. Hands should be interlocked like two C's rather than held with fingers intertwined.
3. 
   3
   Leave some space. A good guidelines is three to six inches of distance between you to your partner. Be sure your arms are relaxed with a comfortable bend in the elbow and your knees are soft rather than locked.
4. 
   4
   Begin moving. The man is meant to lead in a slow dance, so gentlemen should begin by shifting all weight to the right foot. Then every time the music hits the "one" of a four-count beat, shift your weight to the other foot. As your weight shifts, pick up the opposite foot and put it down in a slightly different spot so that you don't stay rooted to just one location for the duration of the dance. Move clockwise.

Method 3

Dancing at a Wedding

1. 
   1
   Chicken Dance. The Chicken Dance is a staple of many wedding receptions. It's easy to do because there are just three basic moves, and you change them in time with the music. This is a very low-pressure dance--no one cares if you mess up. It's called the Chicken Dance after all; don't take it too seriously.
   

   • Raise your arms shoulder level and line your thumbs up with your index fingers to create a shape that resembles a chicken's beak. Move your thumbs up and down to simulate a chicken clucking.
   • Then, ball up your hands and tuck your fists under your arms as though you have wings. Flap your wings up and down in time to the music.
   • With your wings still in place, continue flapping but now stick out your backside, bend your knees and wiggle your bottom down toward the floor.
   • Repeat these moves over and over until the song ends.
2. 
   2
   The Hora. The hora is danced at many traditional Jewish wedding receptions to the song "Hava Nagila." The hora simply involves dancing in what's known as a "grapevine" pattern.
   

   • Step the left foot across to the right. Let the right foot follow. Step the left foot in back of the right. Follow again with the right. That's it; that's the grapevine.
   • This dance is performed in a circle with dancers either holding hands or throwing their arms over one another's shoulders. The tempo of this dance is typically fast; sometimes the music starts slowly, and the band speeds up the tempo as the song goes along.
3. 
   3
   Dollar Dance. Also known as the money dance or the apron dance, wedding guests line up and pay a dollar (or more) to dance with the wedding couple. In some cases, men dance with the bride, and women dance with the groom; other times, both men and women dance with the bride. You can follow the basic slow dance instructions for this dance, but it's really not about the moves; it's about having a few moments with the bride or groom to express your happiness for the couple and compliment the wedding ceremony and reception. Holding on and simply swaying in place is perfectly acceptable if it makes it easier to have a personal conversation.

Method 4

Getting All the Right Moves

1. 
   1
   Take a dance class. There are dance classes for every style of dancing from hip-hop to ballet, break dancing to salsa. Search online for the classes in your area. Whatever style of dance you're interested in, you could probably benefit from a ballroom dancing class as the steps of many other dance styles have their roots in some ballroom basics.
   

   • When you are being taught a routine, look at what the teacher is doing. Try to copy it exactly. If it doesn't work, watch the teacher again and look for the little things he or she does that make it easier. Go ahead and and ask your instructor for tips; experienced instructors have worked with hundreds of students and have ideas that can help you overcome whatever it is you're finding to be difficult.
   • Even a few hours of class time can help you learn the basics and build your confidence.
2. 
   2
   Join a flash mob. A flash mob is a spontaneous public performance--usually a dance--that appears seemingly out of nowhere and then disappears just as quickly. While these dance performances may seem spontaneous, the truth is that they're usually fairly well rehearsed in advance. You can find flash mobs online, join them for a several-week rehearsal period as the group learns a dance and then perform with the mob in public. Flash mobs welcome people of all skill levels; their focus is on having fun and creating a joyful scene, so the more people who participate, the better. You'll also learn some great dance moves and connect with people who also enjoy dancing.
3. 
   3
   Watch dancing on TV. Dancing is a wildly popular activity, and you can get plenty of exposure to it just by watching TV. Tune into reality television dance-competition shows. Focusing on the steps might be a bit challenging. Instead, pay attention to how loose the dancers are, how much confidence they display and how much fun it looks like they're having on the dance floor.
4. 
   4
   Rent a classic dance movie. There are so many dance movies to choose from; see as many as you can or pick and choose those that speak to your particular interests.
   

   • Developing confidence. Check out "Dirty Dancing" or "Shall We Dance" to watch two dance novices develop confidence and grace and learn to perform with pizzazz.
   • Finding your inner dance rebel. Watch "Footloose" or "Flashdance" to see the power of dance as a form of defiance against uptight authority figures and personal circumstances.
   • Moving with grace--Rent anything starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They are the embodiment of grace and elegance not to mention great role models for how to move with a partner.
   • Developing an attitude. Look no further than John Travolta's performance in "Saturday Night Fever" for dance floor confidence that wins the girl and the admiration of the crowd. You might want to do a Travolta movie marathon and pick up "Grease," or "Staying Alive" .
   • Coming into your own. When Tom Cruise slides across the floor in an oxford shirt and gym socks in "Risky Business," he kicks off a song-and-dance number that's a carefree celebration of how good it feels to move to the music. Let it inspire you to lose yourself in a great tune and make up some dance moves that just feel good to you.
5. 
   5
   Attend a dance competition. Ballroom dancing competition, officially known as DanceSport, are held all over the world. Check online for a competition near you. Check out websites such as the International Grand Ball, United States Dance Championships and the Access Dance Network to name just a few.

Method 5

Dressing to Dance

1. 
   1
   Put on your boogie shoes. Choose a shoe with a flexible, thin sole for the dance floor. Stay away from platform shoes; that thick sole and heel make it difficult to feel the floor. Be sure, too, that your feet feel secure in you shoes. Backless sandals are best left at home. Do not wear sneakers or other shoes with rubbery or sticky soles or be prepared to pick up your feet. At best, you'll risk looking a bit herky-jerky in your movements; at worst you may find yourself with a twisted ankle or tweaked-out knee.
2. 
   2
   Make sure you can move. Tight satin might look (and feel) great, but it could inhibit your moves on the dance floor, and one wrong move could leave you with an embarrassing rip. Stay away, too, from tops or shirts that fit low in the armhole; they make it harder to move. Try on your outfit at home to be sure you can dance with ease.
3. 
   3
   Be prepared for the heat. If you tend to perspire, choose garments made of natural fibers. Tank tops and halter tops can look great, but sweaty or clammy skin could be a turn off if a partner asks you to dance. Drop a pack of moist towelettes and a travel-size powder in your pocket so you can freshen up when needed.

List of Best Affiliate Marketing Companies in Nigeria

So, you’ve decide to start affiliate marketing in Nigeria, your next like question will be; which affiliate program network will I join?

Making money online through Affiliate marketing has come to stay in Nigeria. If you are a webmaster or Nigerian thinking of making money online and you don’t know where to begin from, I will suggest you start with Affiliate marketing. With Nigeria affiliate programs, you don’t need to begin to struggle with Amazon paypal account which is
notfunctional in this part of the world or depend solely on google adsense before you can make some money online.

Here are the lists of legitimate Affiliate program companies or merchants in Nigeria you can promote their products or service as an affiliate to earn passive income online and how to start affiliate marketing in Nigeria
Konga.com (konga Affiliate program)
Konga is one of the Nigeria top Online retail store that provide varieties of products and services that could be shopped online by Nigerians. Konga offers website and blog owners the opportunity to earn money through affiliate program. In Konga’s affiliate program, you use promote their products with banners, innovative tools such as the Editor’s kit, text link and the Flexible destination tool. Konga.com pays their affiliate close to 9% per sale. The Konga.com Affiliate program pays internet publishers, webmasters and Konga.com merchants to drive new users and sales to Konga.com.
Some Nigeria blogger like Mr. Pascal Okafor, the owner of www.naijatechguide.com has hit a jackpot with Konga.com affiliate program. He won N1000000 as the best affiliate marketer of konga.com. Some other blogger like Linda Ikeji, the owner of www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com is milking Konga.com affiliate program.
Jumia (Jumia.Com Affiliate program)
Jumia is another online Nigeria store, one of the one of the leading online retail store for Nigeria. Jumia also offer Affiliate programs for bloggers and website owners
To earn as an affiliate from Jumia,all you need to do is sign up with jumia affiliate marketing program to promote Jumia’s products with banners, text links and innovative tools such as the Editor’s kit and the Flexible destination tool. You get paid a percentage of the income made on every sale generated by your effort. If you want to sign up for jumia affiliate program, follow this link..Jumia.com.
Web4africa (web4Africa Affiliate program)
Web4Africa company limited whose headquarter is based in Ghana deals on professional reseller and shared web hosting on linux and windows platforms, as well as affordable domain name registration and e-commerce solutions for residents of Ghana, Nigeria and the rest of the world. They also provide Affiliate program for their clients, by referring customers to buy web hosting plan, and domain names from web4africa you get compensated.
Apple Affiliate program (Apple-iTune Affiliate program)
The Apple affiliate program provides a unique way for your website or app to link to millions of songs and thousands of apps — as well as books, movies, TV shows and more — while earning commissions on qualifying sales.
By joining the affiliate program; you earn commissions from your link to music, apps, books and more on iTunes, the App Store, iBooks and the Mac App Store.  To join Apple iTune Affiliate program, follow this link; Apple Affiliate program
Kaymu Affiliate Program
Another online marketplace for buying and selling electronics, clothing, real estate and vehicles.  Kaym.com.ng in line with its mission of empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs is set launch its Affiliate Program.

AdNation and AD:dynamo act as affiliate marketing middle men.
I will continue to update this list of best affiliate marketing  companies in Nigeria.
Now, lets get to know how to start affiliate marketing in Nigeria

How to Start Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria

To start affiliate marketing in Nigeria, these are the major steps;

• choose an affiliate program network to join. The above list of best affiliate marketing companies in Nigeria will be of great help. If you are interested on Jumia affiliate program, here is all you need to know about how to make money on Jumia affiliate marketing
• choose your best affiliate product. These begins with you, examine your area of knowledge and the things you are passionate about.  However, do some search engine research to make sure that your merchant(affiliate program company) is NOT aggressively competing with you on that product promotion. The reason is that, when the merchant competes with you, he/she will basically stealing your commission. Every sale referred directly by the merchant is a sale lot to the affiliate.
• decide on  your affiliate marketing channel or funnel. Which channel will you use in promoting your affiliate product? This question is as important as the affiliate marketing itself. The affiliate marketing channels you can use include but not limited to;  blogs, websites, email, social network ( facebook, twitter, Google plus etc).