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.