Contributed by Info Guru Jennifer Andrews

Singing is a remarkable talent that many people are blessed with – and others not so much.

Although you may not win the next American Idol contest, it is possible to improve your voice and become a better singer. Check out the following top ten things to help you sing better and maybe even move beyond the Karaoke machine!

10. Practice, practice, practice

The best things to help you sing better are also the most obvious such as consistent and frequent practice! Set up regular practice sessions to train your voice and perfect your singing skills throughout the week.

9. Lessons

Sign up for singing lessons to improve your singing voice and vocal skills. Vocal coaches can help identify pitch problems as well as areas of weaknesses, strengths and what to do at home.

8. Warm up

Warming up is not only meant for physical activity exercises. Rather, warm up your voice prior to singing with basic drills and vocal exercises that will prepare them for long singing sessions.

7. Hydrate

Be sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, to keep your singing engine running strong. Thirst can lead to a dry mouth, sore throat and scratchy voice as well as send you in coughing fits.

6. Record it

One of the top things to help you sing better is to record your own voice while singing on a digital recorder. Listening to how you sound while singing is the best way to determine where you need to improve as you listen to what other people hear.

5. Perform

Performing in front of others can help you sing better by helping you to overcome the nerves and jitters that lead to shaky and cracking voices. Friends, family and unknown audiences can also provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism.

4. Eat well

Although it varies among singers, many people claim that certain foods such as dairy products can increase mucus-production in the throat, disrupting singing ability. Avoid any foods that irritate your throat and stick to generally healthy foods.

3. Have fun

Learn to sing better by experimenting with your voice and trying different ranges and sounds. Having fun and trying new things are the only way to find out what doesn’t work for you!

2. Genre

Experimentation is a great way to learn what works and doesn’t work for your voice. Eventually, however you will learn what type of music and genre is your forte. A country singer does best sticking to country instead of heavy metal rock and roll!

1. Just breathe

Singers should learn to breathe from the diaphragm to protect their singing voice and hit all the right notes. Breathing from the diaphragm versus the lungs will increase air capacity helping you to sing better.