There’s a lot of singing advice out there. Some of it helpful, some of it… less so. Over the years, I’ve collected golden nuggets from voice scientists, master teachers, and brilliant singers — bits of wisdom that actually stick, and actually work.
Here are a few of my favourites, with a quick note on why each one matters:
1. “You don’t sing with the throat. You sing with the whole body.”
— Richard Miller, voice pedagogue
A reminder that singing is a physical act, not a mystical one — and posture, breath, and muscle coordination all play a role.
2. “Technique is the ability to make artistic choices.”
— W. Stephen Smith, vocal coach and author
Technique isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about freedom — the kind that lets you be expressive, not just accurate.
3. “Let the breath drop in.”
— David Jones, author of A Modern Guide to Old World Singing
The best breath isn’t forced. It’s released — quietly, naturally, and deeply. Start there, and everything gets easier.
4. “Don’t sing louder. Sing more.”
— Renée Fleming, soprano
More space, more vibration, more support — not just more volume. Big sound doesn’t mean pushing.
5. “If you can’t sing it simply, you don’t own it yet.”
— Thomas Hampson, baritone
Strip away the drama, and see what’s left. Great singers always sound grounded — even in the quietest moments.
6. “The voice is smarter than you are.”
— Kristin Linklater, voice teacher
Stop over-controlling. If you get out of the way, the body knows what to do. Trust the process.
7. “Think, then sing.”
— Janice Chapman, author of Singing and Teaching Singing
A split second of clarity before sound changes everything. Intent matters.
8. “Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for true.”
— (Not famous. Just me.)
Because what makes people listen — and stay listening — isn’t polish. It’s honesty.
Want to train in a way that makes this advice actually work?
That’s what we do at Symons Studio. Build skills, step by step — with encouragement, not ego.
Great Singers aren’t born. They’re Trained