The way you hold the mic can have a big effect on how you sound and feel on stage. Singing into a microphone can take a bit of getting used to. If you spend some time learning how the microphone sounds and feels and practicing, you will soon feel comfortable singing into a microphone.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting comfortable with a microphone
Step 1. Practice with objects similar to a microphone
Even if you don't always have access to a microphone during your solo practice time, you will still have to get the feeling of singing with an object in hand.
- You can use something like a hairbrush or a bottle of water to simulate the feeling of holding the mic while singing.
- The microphones are very heavy; therefore, use an object of the same weight. For example, if you use a water bottle to practice, use a full one instead of an empty one.
Step 2. Hold the microphone at a 45 degree angle
The rounded head of the microphone will be close to your mouth.
- Grasp the microphone firmly with all the fingers of the hand of your choice. If you want, you can hold the microphone with both hands or switch between hands. Your grip should be firm but not very strong.
- Do not touch any part of the microphone head as you can muffle the sound. Your hand should be almost halfway up the microphone.
Step 3. Keep your elbow towards your body
This is the elbow of the arm that holds the microphone. Keeping it close will help you lock in your microphone and maintain a consistent sound.
However, don't hold it too tightly close to you, as this will restrict your airflow or the expansion of your rib cage while you sing
Step 4. Use a microphone stand
If you are not comfortable holding a microphone, you can use a microphone stand. This will keep your arms free and can help ease your nerves.
In certain locations, such as in a recording studio, the microphone is most likely always on a stand. So you no longer have to worry about holding it
Part 2 of 2: Sing into the microphone
Step 1. Place the microphone close to your mouth
Vocal mics are designed for close use. However, you won't have to touch the microphone with your mouth.
- Ideally, your mouth should be about 1 to 4 inches (3-10 cm) from the center or axis of the microphone head.
- If you're using a stand, make sure it's raised so the microphone head is level with your mouth when you stand up straight. The top of the microphone head should be directly in front of your lower lip. You won't have to raise or lower your chin to sing into the mic.
Step 2. Hold your head steady
Since you want your mouth to point toward the center of the microphone, your pitch may change if you move your head too much.
- If you move your head during a performance, be sure to move the microphone along with it.
- Alternatively, try to keep your head steady above the microphone.
Step 3. Maintain your posture
Your posture is an important part of the sound when you sing. You will have to make sure that the position of the microphone allows you to maintain a good posture in place.
- Your back and neck should be comfortably straight.
- You should not hunch over the microphone. You also won't have to lift your chin to sing into the mic.
Step 4. Test the microphone
Whether you are recording or performing, you will need to test the microphone before you begin and become familiar with it.
- You must know how to turn on the microphone. It may sound silly, but you will have to make sure you are comfortable with the fundamentals of the specific microphone you are using.
- When you test the sound, don't just say a few words. Sing some of your songs and try to test a series of notes and levels. You will need to ask the sound technician to adjust the microphone to your specific tone and voice instead of you trying to adjust the microphone.
- Make sure you can hear yourself, whether you hear yourself on speakers or have headphones. If you can't hear what you're singing, ask the sound technician to adjust the microphone or headphones.
- Make sure the sound is clear. Be on the lookout for unwanted couplings. That can be an indicator that the levels need to be adjusted.
Step 5. Do not compensate for your singing with a higher or lower volume level
You will have to sing at your natural level, that is, at a level not too low and not too high.
- Resist the urge to adjust your distance from the microphone when singing at different pitches or volumes.
- The microphone should be adjusted to you since you will want to sing at a normal volume.
- Don't feel like you have to slow down on big crescendos just because you're singing into a mic.
- When doing sound checks, make sure you sing at the level you will sing during the performance.