Vocal Myths Busted: What Every Singer Thinks is True (But Isn’t) | Vocal Training Advice from a Vocal Coach

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Every singer starts somewhere. Maybe it’s belting your lungs out at karaoke, maybe it’s a school choir audition, or maybe it’s your bathroom echo convincing you you’re the next Adele. But somewhere along the way, you’ll hear a few “truths” about singing that sound convincing — until your vocal coach gives you that look.

Today, we’re clearing the air (and the throat). From breathing myths to diva diets, let’s bust some of the biggest vocal misconceptions that might be holding you back.

Myth #1: “You have to be born with it.”

Ah yes, the classic. The idea that great singers emerge from the womb with perfect pitch, flawless tone, and a five-octave range. If that were true, most of us would still be croaking “Happy Birthday” off-key.

Here’s the truth: singing is a learned skill. Sure, some people may have a natural ear for pitch or rhythm, but every professional singer you admire — yes, every single one — spent years training, refining, and conditioning their voice.

Vocal training is like going to the gym, but for your voice. You wouldn’t expect biceps after one gym session, so don’t expect powerful notes after one lesson. With the right exercises, guidance, and patience, anyone can learn to sing beautifully. Talent is just the seed — training is the sunlight, water, and fertiliser.

Myth #2: “The louder, the better.”

Volume does not equal skill. (Just ask your neighbours.)

Many beginners think they need to push harder or sing louder to sound powerful. In reality, forcing volume can strain your vocal folds and cause long-term damage. True vocal power comes from resonance and airflow, not brute force.

It’s about singing through the sound, not at it — letting air flow and the spaces in your head do the heavy lifting. The next time you’re tempted to yell your way through a chorus, remember: even powerhouse singers like Celine and Whitney achieve their sound through technique, not throat pressure.

Myth #3: “Drink honey water and your voice will magically heal.”

This one’s practically folklore. Before every performance, someone swears by their special concoction — honey water, lemon tea, ginger juice, pei pa gao, or something that tastes vaguely like a medical miracle.

Now, honey is soothing for the throat. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t actually touch your vocal cords. When you swallow, the honey goes down your oesophagus, not your windpipe (otherwise you’d be coughing it up).

So, while warm honey drinks can keep your throat comfy and reduce irritation, they don’t directly “heal” your singing voice. The best vocal health formula still includes hydration, rest, and proper technique — not potions.

Myth #4: “You should avoid dairy before singing — it ruins your voice.”

This one is half-true, half overblown. Dairy can make some people feel phlegmy, but it’s not a universal law of nature. For many singers, a small amount of milk or cheese makes no difference whatsoever.

If you notice dairy affects you — great, cut it out before big performances. But if not, don’t feel guilty for enjoying your morning coffee with milk. Your voice won’t spontaneously combust. (Though maybe skip the char kuey teow before karaoke sessions… that’s just self-sabotage.)

Myth #5: “You must always breathe from your diaphragm.”

This one’s a vocal training buzzword that gets thrown around a lot — usually by well-meaning YouTube/Reddit commenters. Yes, diaphragmatic breathing is important, but most singers misunderstand what that means. You don’t literally “breathe into your diaphragm” — it’s a muscle that contracts to help your lungs fill with air.

What you do want is relaxed, deep, low breathing where your ribs and belly expand naturally.

If your shoulders are rising like an anxious pigeon every time you inhale, you’re doing it wrong. The goal isn’t to force a deep breath — it’s to allow one.

A good vocal coach can help you feel the difference instantly. It’s less about “control” and more about coordination and awareness.

Myth #6: “A few singing lessons won’t make much difference.”

Oh, if only you knew how many singers regret believing this one.

Just a handful of guided sessions can completely shift your understanding of your voice — how you breathe, how you shape sound, and how you manage tension. The beauty of vocal training is that it doesn’t just make you sound better; it makes singing feel easier and more enjoyable.

Most singers who think they’re “stuck” at a certain level aren’t lacking talent — they’re missing feedback. You can’t fix what you can’t hear. A vocal coach acts like a mirror for your sound, helping you discover things you never realised about your voice.

Myth #7: “High notes will cause pain because they’re meant to be strenuous... that’s why we limit how many big songs we sing.”

Nope. Absolutely not. Big red flag. 🚩

Pain while singing means something’s wrong — period. Whether you’re belting high notes or crooning low ones, singing should feel energising, not painful. If your throat feels tight, scratchy or sore after singing a bunch of high notes, that’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, ease up!”

Even rock singers who use growls or distortion learn safe techniques to achieve those textures without strain. So if you’re ever tempted to “push through the pain,” take a break instead. The strongest voices are the ones built on healthy habits, not heroics.

Myth #8: “Good singers don’t need to practise.”

Imagine an athlete who never trains but expects to win gold. Doesn’t work, right? Same thing with singing.

Your voice is a muscle that needs consistent conditioning. Even if you’re naturally gifted, without regular warm-ups, cool-downs, and maintenance, your vocal muscles lose flexibility and stamina.

Great singers rehearse scales, do breathwork, and practise vocal runs — not because they have to, but because they want to stay sharp. Think of it as voice hygiene. You brush your teeth daily, so why not brush up your voice too?

Myth #9: “Singing is all about hitting high notes.”

Ask any experienced singer: the high notes get the applause, but it’s the low, middle, and everything in between that win hearts.

Vocal range is fun to show off, sure — but emotional connection, phrasing, and tone quality matter just as much (if not more). If you only chase high notes, you’ll miss the music.

The truth? Most professional singers spend more time polishing their middle range than screaming at the stratosphere. So instead of asking, “How high can I go?”, try asking, “How well can I express what I’m singing?”

Myth #10: “Once you’ve learned the basics, you’re done.”

Singing isn’t something you master and move on from — it’s something you grow with. Your voice changes as you do: with age, emotion, and experience. Every stage of life brings a new sound, a new layer of depth.

That’s the beauty of vocal training — it’s a journey, not a checklist. There’s always more to explore, and that’s what keeps it fun and magical!

Final Thoughts

So the next time you hear a friend say, “Oh, I can’t sing… I wasn’t born with the talent,” just smile knowingly. Then invite them to join you for a warm-up and show them what consistent practice can do. Remember, singing isn’t about luck or myths — it’s about technique, awareness, and joy. And that’s what makes it so special and joyful.

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🎤 Ready to bust your own singing myths and start real vocal training?At The Vocal Experiment, I help singers of all levels unlock their most authentic voices — through proven, science-based techniques… and a whole lot of laughter along the way!

👉🏼 Visit www.thevocalexperiment.com to book a lesson or find out more about how a vocal coach can help you hit new highs with your voice (literally and figuratively).