Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to improve my singing, like, really improve it. It’s always been a “shower singer” kind of thing, you know? But I decided to get a little more serious. I’m calling this my “Rory Singing Journey” – sounds kinda epic, right?

First Steps: Finding My Voice (Literally)
I started by just… singing. A lot. Like, every day. In the car, doing dishes, walking the dog – you name it. I picked songs I liked, mostly pop stuff and some oldies. Didn’t worry about sounding good, just focused on getting comfortable with using my voice more.
Then Itried to record myself .I just used to sing along the original * felt really hard at the first * I kept doing.
Getting Some Guidance (aka YouTube is My Teacher)
Next, I dove into YouTube. There are SO many vocal coaches and singing tutorials online. It’s kinda overwhelming, to be honest. I watched a bunch of videos on breathing techniques – apparently, that’s, like, super important. Who knew?
- I learned about “diaphragmatic breathing,” which is basically breathing from your belly instead of your chest. Sounds weird, but it actually makes a difference.
- I also found some warm-up exercises, like lip trills and humming scales. Felt silly doing them at first, but my voice definitely felt more… open? …afterward.
Practice, Practice, Practice (and Some Embarrassment)
So, I started incorporating these exercises into my daily routine. I’d do the warm-ups, then sing a few songs, trying to focus on the breathing and stuff. Honestly, I probably sounded terrible most of the time. My dog definitely gave me some strange looks.
Then I began recording myself singing. Oh boy. That was… humbling. Hearing your own voice played back is a whole different experience. I cringed a lot, but it also helped me pinpoint areas where I needed to improve. Like, I realized I was straining on high notes and my pitch was all over the place.

Seeking Feedback (aka Braving the Real World)
After a few weeks of this, I decided to get some actual feedback. I was terrified, but I sang a little snippet for a friend who’s a pretty good singer. She gave me some helpful tips, like relaxing my jaw and focusing on my posture. It was nerve-wracking, but definitely worth it.
Still Learning, Still Growing (and Still Having Fun!)
So, that’s where I’m at now. I’m still very much a beginner, but I’m definitely seeing some progress. My voice feels stronger, and I’m a little more confident hitting those high notes. It’s a slow process, but I’m actually enjoying it. It’s like learning a new instrument, except the instrument is… me! I have found that it’s really a joyful thing that sharing your voice with others. I’ve learned that it’s really about enjoying the journey with your * I’ve learned a lot from doing this!
I’m still recording myself, still watching YouTube tutorials, and still practicing every day. I might even try joining a choir or taking some actual lessons down the line. Who knows? The journey continues!