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10 Common Singing Myths — Debunked by a Professional Voice Coach

10 Singing Myths Debunked by Science and Experience

There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to singing. But many of the so-called “rules” passed around in voice lessons, online forums, and even music degrees simply don’t hold up to what we now know about the voice. If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or stuck, there’s a good chance one of these myths is to blame.

Let’s debunk the 10 most common vocal myths that could be holding you back — and get you back on track toward a stronger, freer voice.

  1. “You have to sing from your diaphragm.”

    This one tops the list. It’s vague, misused, and usually misunderstood. Yes, breath support is essential — but singing is about vocal coordination, not just pushing air. Singing louder doesn’t mean singing better.

  2. “You’re either born with it, or you’re not.”

    This myth stops more singers than it should. The truth? Learning to sing is a skill like any other — one that improves with smart, consistent training.

  3. “Falsetto is the same as head voice.”

    Nope. Falsetto and head voice use different vocal fold behaviors. Understanding the difference is key to developing range and power. Here’s a quick explainer as to what falsetto is, and how it differs from head voice (plus why I don’t like falsetto)

    4. Continue reading “10 Common Singing Myths — Debunked by a Professional Voice Coach”

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Why Your Singing Voice Isn’t Improving (And What to Do About It)

Why Your Singing Voice Isn’t Improving (And What to Do About It)

Key Points (TL;DR):

  • If your voice isn’t improving, it’s almost always a functional issue — not lack of talent or effort.
  • Most singers never sort out their chest voice properly, which throws everything else off.
  • You can’t rely on your own ears. What you think you sound like isn’t what others hear.
  • Pre-made programs lack context. Exercises aren’t magic — how you use them matters more than which ones you use.
  • If you’re serious about fixing it, book a session.

When I Was the One Stuck

I started getting lessons in my early 20s. I wanted to sound better in bands and at church, but I kept hitting walls with my voice. People said I sounded good, but I knew my range was limited, and I’d often crack at the top. Unlike some singers who could force their way through higher notes, my voice didn’t respond well to pushing — it just gave out.

I bought a distance learning course from a big-name vocal coach. It gave me more range, but it made other things worse. The exercises were solid — they’re the same ones I now teach — but I had no idea how to use them. My voice got weirder, not better. I extended my range, but it sounded disconnected and lacked power.

Eventually, I found a coach who taught Speech Level Singing. That’s when things started to shift. But it wasn’t just the method — it was having someone who understood my voice and could apply the right tools at the right time. That’s what actually changed things.

Why You Might Be Stuck

1. Your Chest Voice Isn’t Right

Everything in your voice builds on chest voice. If it’s too heavy or too light, the rest of your range won’t work properly. It’s not just about strength — it’s about the right kind of tone for your voice. Get this wrong and nothing above it will behave.

2. You Can’t Hear Yourself Clearly

What you hear inside your head is not what comes out. Some singers try to “fix” how they sound to themselves, and in doing so, end up distorting their actual tone. You need outside ears. Like a dancer needs mirrors, singers need feedback — not just guesswork.

Courses vs Coaching

There are loads of decent courses out there. The problem is, they’re designed for the average user, not for you. What matters isn’t the exercise — it’s when and how it’s used. You can’t brute force a fix. You need to be assessed, and then guided.

I wrote about this in more detail here: What Most Singing Teachers Get Wrong About Teaching Voice

Real Results From Real People

“Mark is the only singing teacher I’ve ever worked with to actually deliver results… I felt the results almost immediately… I’ve rediscovered the creative process, and I can’t put a price on that.”
— Martin Jackson, pro singer & performer

“I noticed dramatic improvement in tone, vocal delivery and control. I’m now hitting high notes with ease… the techniques break down vocal barriers and allow use of the full voice.”
— Kristian P, rock singer

“Mark has saved me from giving up on my voice… I can now hit high notes without any strain. These lessons are definitely worth it.”
— Rachel B, lead performer

Want to Actually Fix It?

If you’re still stuck after months or years of trying, it’s not that you’re broken — you’re just guessing without guidance. That’s completely fixable.

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Why is singing so hard?

Why Is Singing So Hard?

Understanding the unique challenges of singing, the reasons for so many asking “why is singing so hard” — and how to overcome these challenges.

1. Singing Requires Incredibly Precise Muscle Control

Most people don’t realise singing involves coordinating dozens of fine muscle groups in real time — without any tactile or visual feedback. Contrary to what you might hear online or hear from young bombastic performers, great singing is not about gritting your teeth and blasting your way to the top notes. That’s what causes voices to give out, and shortened careers.

Great singing requires very fine motor control that takes years to cultivate and develop. Here are a few articles that go into this in more detail so you can understand why.

Continue reading “Why is singing so hard?”

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Why learning to sing can feel so hard

Why Learning to Sing Can Feel So Hard

Short Version: You’re building an instrument you can’t see or touch, while also learning to play it.

Long Version:
Singing feels natural — but mastering it is anything but. Here’s why developing vocal skill is uniquely challenging, even for otherwise talented musicians.

You have to build the instrument, and train it to respond precisely in real time, while having no access to its moving parts.

Most instruments give you feedback. You move a key, press a string, shift a valve — and you see and feel something change. You can then try again and again until it feels right.

The voice offers no such feedback.

You sing a note, and you hear what came out a fraction of a second later. Then you try to internally feel what muscles created it.

You can’t see it, touch it, or directly manipulate it. It’s like building a model ship inside a bottle, with chopsticks, behind your back.

The level of precision required is extreme. You need to coordinate several muscle systems, simultaneously and precisely, across a wide range of intensities.

Most people never need that kind of motor control in their daily life. That’s why it feels so alien at first.

Continue reading “Why learning to sing can feel so hard”

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Singing Voice Expertise

Expert Advice on Singing Voice Development

Drawing on years of experience as a professional voice coach, this hub consolidates key insights, corrections to common misconceptions, and proven techniques for developing the singing voice. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your technique, you’ll find answers and direction grounded in real-world expertise.

Featured Articles

  • 1. My Approach to Vocal Technique – Understand the principles that underpin my vocal training method, designed to help singers find freedom, control, and confidence.
  • 2. Common Myths About Singing – Debunking widespread misunderstandings that hold singers back—like needing to sing from your diaphragm, or the idea of a ‘natural’ voice.
  • 3. Can Anyone Learn to Sing? – A direct, experience-backed answer to one of the most asked—and most misunderstood—questions in vocal coaching.
  • 4. Head Voice vs. Falsetto – Learn the crucial difference between these two registers, why most singers confuse them, and why I don’t like falsetto.
  • 5. What is Mixed Voice? – Explore what it really means to sing in a mixed voice—and why chasing it as a technique might be doing you harm.
  • 6. Why You Lose Your Voice – Vocal fatigue and loss are almost always preventable. This article explores how and why voices fail, and what to do about it.
  • 7. Building Vocal Range the Right Way – A collection of articles on the best approach to extending range without forcing, straining, or falling into compensatory habits.

Why Trust My Advice?

I’ve worked with hundreds of singers across a range of styles—from beginners to professionals—helping them unlock their natural sound and overcome deeply held vocal limitations. My approach is grounded in evidence, clarity, and practicality. There’s no fluff, no mysticism, no false promises. While you can’t learn to sing from just reading and watching YouTube videos, my hope is that these articles give you an insight into what it takes to build and grow a voice.

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Effective Voice Training and Technique

Effective Voice Training and Technique

If you’re serious about building a voice that works, and works reliably, you’re in the right place. This is not about gimmicks or viral trends — it’s about real technique, real training, and real results. While we cannot build a complete voice just by reading content online, whether you’re just starting out or refining years of experience, the articles below should help you understand your voice, your habits, and the pathway to real progress.

Voice Training Fundamentals

Vocal Health and Longevity

Volume, Power, and Control

Range, Pitch, and Placement

Repertoire and Song Choice

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Vocal Recording and Home Studio Guide

Vocal Recording and Home Studio Advice

Whether you’re just starting out or improving an existing setup, these articles guide you through the essentials of vocal recording—from gear and setup to technique and mindset.

These are just a few of our best articles on home recording and recording your voice at home. If you’d like to browse more of our articles, you can do so by clicking here.

If you’d like help setting up your studio and getting the best from your voice at home, you can book in your vocal session with Mark via the booking button below.

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Pavarotti: Singing, Range and Vocal Technique

Pavarotti: Singing, Technique, Training, and Influence

Luciano Pavarotti remains one of the most iconic tenors in history—not just for his voice, but for his insights into the craft of singing. This cluster of articles explores his approach to training, technique, and how his legacy continues to shape modern vocal teaching.

If you’d like to read more, we have other select articles on beginner singing techniques, and advanced singing techniques.

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