Small Adjustments, Big Results: How Awareness Transforms Your Singing
If you’ve ever seen any before and after videos, you’ve probably noticed how small changes can make a big difference in your singing. But most singers don’t know WHAT to change in order to see great results. That’s where a vocal coach comes in—to help you hear and understand the things you might not notice on your own.
This is why I created Vocal Evaluations. In these sessions, I break down real singers’ performances, highlighting what’s working, what needs improvement, and how small adjustments can lead to fast vocal growth.
In this post (and on our From Singer To Artist Podcast), I provide live feedback on three singers’ performances, pinpointing areas of strength and improvement. As you go through these examples with me, pay close attention to the things I point out. Did you notice them too? If not, rewind their clip and listen again. Training your ears this way will help you understand what to listen for in your own voice—so you can start making improvements more quickly!
Coco Meléon - Halo (Beyoncé)
What’s Working
Great chest-dominant mix voice in pre-chorus
Great artistic vocal interpretation
Solid, clear, head voice at the end
Areas Of Improvement
Pitch stability, particularly in the lower register, where some notes are slightly out of reach.
Avoiding key changes mid-song, as shifting keys will make it impossible to sing to the music (not talking about changing the key of the whole song - that’s definitely allowed!).
Creating an inverted megaphone with the mouth shape, not letting the sound fully resonate and come out fully.
When transitioning to lower notes larynx drops dramatically, significantly changing the tone of the voice.
Coaching Notes & Tips
Be mindful of sticking to one key throughout the song to maintain consistency - Practice together with music to help you stay in key.
If certain low notes feel out of reach, consider adjusting the key to better suit your range, change the melody in those parts or practice range expanding exercises (example in podcast).
Try to keep a relaxed jaw and throat when reaching for high notes to prevent unnecessary tension.
To avoid creating an inverted megaphone shape, push the lips forward. This will help you sound less like you’re holding back.
➡️ Coco's breakdown starts at 2:05 in the video/podcast episode below!
Timothy Shay - Help! (The Beatles)
What’s Working
Great energy and engagement with the song.
Strong rhythms and clear articulation of lyrics.
Confident approach to the melody, maintaining a consistent vocal tone.
Areas Of Improvement
Some notes in the transitions tend to go slightly flat.
Rushing through certain phrases affects the overall phrasing and groove.
Keeping the same tone and volume throughout the song can make it feel monotone.
Coaching Notes & Tips
Sing the song with 20% less volume to allow your voice to flow our more naturally.
Lighten the mix on the highest notes to help with not going flat as well as introducing a new color of your voice
Experiment with phrasing and rhythmic playfulness to make the delivery more dynamic and emotionally engaging.
➡️ Timothy's breakdown starts at 25:10 in the video/podcast episode below!
Shara Cooper - Loose Control (Teddy Swims)
What’s Working
Unique character in her voice with expressive tone variations.
Great use of dynamics to add emotional intensity.
Strong stylistic choices in phrasing and articulation.
Areas Of Improvement
Some phrases are not properly supported through to the end.
In fast lyrical sections, diction could be clearer to avoid sounding slurred.
Changes in melody are creative but should be intentional to avoid sounding accidental.
Coaching Notes & Tips
Try experimenting with different mouth shapes on "Feels like the walls" to improve stability.
Keep fast lyrics sharp and deliberate—slower practice will help clarify phrasing.
When changing the melody in songs, be sure to not change the same notes in the same places, as that can make it sound like you’re unsure of the actual melody.
Keep the energy and breath moving through to the end of each phrase to maintain intensity.
➡️ Shara's breakdown starts at 42:03 in the video/podcast episode below!
Want to Improve Your Singing? Get a Professional Vocal Evaluation!
Want professional feedback on your voice? Submit your singing clip for a personalized vocal evaluation! Whether you want private feedback or a chance to be featured in our next episode/post, we’d love to help you grow as a singer! Just let us know which sharing permissions you prefer when you’re submitting your video.
Check Out The Full Video With Detailed Breakdowns Here
Prefer Listening To The Podcast On Your Favorite Platform? Listen Below.
