Can Anyone learn to sing?
Are great singers born or made? It’s one of the questions I get asked a lot, and a fair one. Some voices seem to come alive effortlessly, while others take time and a lot of struggle to find their sound. But here’s the truth: singing is a skill, not magic. Just like learning to ride a bike, draw a straight line, or solve a tricky equation, it takes practice, patience, and the right guidance.
Yes, some people may have a bit of a head start. But that doesn’t mean you can’t catch up, or even go further! So, can anyone learn to sing? Absolutely. But it doesn’t happen overnight, and definitely not without effort.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what it actually takes to learn how to sing, even if you feel like you weren’t “born with it.” Because your voice is worth discovering, no matter where you're starting from.
The Truth: Yes, Anyone Can Learn to Sing
Let’s start with the so-called ‘naturals’. Whether someone grew up surrounded by music, sang in a choir, or just picked things up quickly, they might seem to have a certain ‘edge’. But here’s the thing: sounding good isn’t the same as knowing what you’re doing. Technique doesn’t just land in your lap.
I didn’t need to work that hard to sound decent. But I was a lazy student. And soon enough, those who did put in the work passed me by. That natural talent? Only took me so far.
Once I started learning how my voice worked, and how to use it properly, everything changed.
And as a teacher I’ve helped a lot of people who were just starting out. People who were convinced that they could never learn how to sing. But with a teacher and the correct tools, learning how to sing is available to anyone who is interested. It’s simply a skill one can develop.
Coming from a teacher’s point of view, what we train is not just the voice. We train your ears, your understanding of what singing techniques you already use in your daily life. You use your voice everyday. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re already a sound-maker, a communicator. The question is: where are the gaps?
Maybe your voice cracks when you go higher. Maybe you find it hard to sing out loud. These aren’t blocks, they’re clues. And they’re fixable.
A quick rule of thumb: if you enjoy music, you’re most likely not tone deaf. True tone deafness - called amusia - is very rare. Once thought to affect 4% of people, newer studies suggest it’s only 1.5%. (source)
So chances are: you can learn to sing. Or you’re incredibly rare. Either way—worth exploring, right?
Why Some People Struggle at First
Learning how to sing from a YouTube video can be tricky, and that’s exactly why some people struggle. Without guidance, it’s easy to feel lost or frustrated. You might follow along, but suddenly the instructor tells you to “warm up” with a tricky melody that keeps climbing higher. They sing it a few times, then stop and say, “Now you!” leaving you to figure out what comes next, all on your own.
Singing along to an existing song is a lot easier due to a few things.
1. Someone sings along
2. You don’t have to think about timing
3. You don’t have to think about pitch
4. You are not confronted with just the sound of your own voice
When you start to learn how to sing it is suddenly much more than humming along to your favorite tune.
This is why all teachers will start with simple exercises. This helps you to develop your voice and ears in a controlled manner. It helps you to distinguish different types of singing, subtle changes in your voice that will help you later on.
You might feel a little lost at first, but with practice it will eventually make more sense.
I like to look at it as if you were learning a new language. It’s going to be awkward to speak at first, but the more you practice, the more you start to feel comfortable.
You‘ll learn pitch perception, you’ll develop muscle coordination, you’ll learn which vague tips and tricks are actually helpful and which are better left untouched. You’ll gain confidence, control.
Regular practice helps you develop this faster, but there is no set schedule for everyone. You decide how fast you’ll go.
How to Start Singing: Step-by-Step for Beginners
Ok, so by now you know that you can probably learn how to sing and that if you decide to do so, regular practice is key. What does this look like? How to start singing?
Step 1: Find a vocal warm-up that you’d like to repeat.
YES, you need to warm up. It’s like stretching. Depending on what you want to sing, those vocal cords are going to endure more than when you just have a conversation. They’re only tiny little membranes that are around 1.25 cm (0.5") to 2.5 cm (1.0") in length. More on this in another blog, but remember to stretch. Good vocal warm-ups are all around on the internet these days, just make sure to specify.
“Vocal warm-ups for beginners” or “Best belting warm-up”, “vocal warm-up for classical singers’’. If you’re ever in doubt feel free to sent me the link. I’ll explain in depth why something is good or could be improved for your particular situation.
Step 2: Find your comfortable range.
Vocal range and voice type are not the same thing, I’ll go into this another time. But it’s good to know where you’re starting from. A vocal range can grow, but there are some things that can be good to know.
- It’s easier to get to know your voice in a comfortable range
- Growing starts outside of your comfort zone
- You can only grow what you know
Yes, you learn outside of your comfort zone. But if you go at it alone, don’t push yourself. Be patient and don’t skip steps to get to the results faster. Your results will be better if you take the time to get to know your instrument.
How to know if you’re in a comfortable range? Easy, you can easily match pitch and follow the song or exercise.
If you can't figure out if this is your situation, you might benefit from meeting with a vocal coach.
Step 3: Practice with simple songs.
The duller the melody, the simpler the song.
A good example is Green Day’s ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’. This says nothing on how good a song is, that’s for you to decide. But if the melody is not that challenging it will be easier to follow along.
Step 4: Take online classes
I can’t speak for everyone that teaches online, but all of the above will be available to you if you start online classes. I make this whole endeavor easier to start and stick with.
You’ll get an online learning environment where you get exercises that work with your level. I’ll answer questions, help you determine whether or not a song will fit your voice - you pay for convenience.
Tips to Stay Motivated and Track Progress
Starting something new always comes with ups and downs, but staying motivated is much easier when you see progress, even in the small things.
- Set small, realistic goals. One note at a time. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for consistency. Want to hit that high note without straining? Or sing through a full song with confidence? Break it down, step by step. Not sure what steps to take? I got you! Go to my beginners course. (coming soon!)
- Record yourself regularly. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s one of the best ways to hear your growth. Even if you only listen back once a week, you’ll start to notice changes you might otherwise miss.
- Celebrate every win, no matter how small. That clean transition, that awesome note, that moment you stopped doubting yourself? Worth cheering for.
- Create a gentle routine. Even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. A beginner-friendly schedule might look like this:
- 2x a week: 15-min vocal warm-up + song practice
- 1x a week: record yourself and reflect
- Rest days: listen to music intentionally, pay attention to vocals, phrasing, and breath
Progress doesn’t have to be loud. It just needs to be steady.
When to Work with a Vocal Coach
There’s only so far YouTube videos and solo practice can take you. If you find yourself:
- Feeling stuck or unsure what to practice
- Struggling with pitch, breath, or confidence
- Wanting feedback or a personalised plan
…it might be time to work with a vocal coach.
In lessons with me, you’ll get a safe space to explore, clear guidance tailored to your voice, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're brand new or restarting your singing journey, I’d love to support you.
Curious? Book a free trial lesson here
Conclusion
Yes, you absolutely can learn to sing. Your voice doesn’t have to sound like anyone else’s to be worth hearing. With the right mindset, support, and a bit of courage, you’ll be surprised at what you can do.
Start with one small step today. Warm up, hum your favourite melody, or just breathe like a singer.
Ready to explore your voice? Let’s begin!
