We all have our favorite vocalists and favorite songs. Often we try to emulate what we hear and to "sound like" the original singer.  I strongly suggest and advocate listening to other singers and to music in general.  Listen to the way they phrase things, to how they express what they feel the message is in the song.  Vocal inflections and sensitivities - the way you use your voice in various pieces - are important to convey what you want to get across to your audience.

When you listen to other artists, don't listen with the attitude of "oh yeah, I can do that," "I can sing like that."

So, how do you do all of that?  Don't think it to death - feel it.  Feel the music, feel the words, feel the song.  Allow it to be an expression of yourself, your own soul.  You want people to feel what you do, not just to hear it - feel it.  Allow the song and the music "to be."

The music is just as important as the singer's voice.  It is all one expression, one element, one thing. Don't approach a song or a piece thinking that your part is the most important, or the key to the entire piece.  It all goes together.  Understanding this and being humble when you sing and perform makes all the difference in the world.

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