There are few simple tricks that can help you learn to sing on pitch. They complement this post. There are also other posts about mastering various aspects of vocal techniques.
Like many singers who have auditioned in American Idol or other talent shows, you have not been able to sing in tune with or without a musical instrument. You might have been going too high or too low on interpreting notes. This could be due to the lack of singing practice, which leads to possible lack of knowing proper techniques, lack of learning one's own voice, and lack of practicing different voice exercises. For further reading on the above topics, check out Vocal Exercises for Singers, Improving Vocal Range, and Additional Tips to Singing Better. They can lead you to figure out how to sing in key.
Visit Brett Manning's Singing Success. Ask other members in online forum. Sign up to learn with a vocal coach who can help you with figuring out how to sing in key.
In order to dig deeper on how to sing in key, you simply need to routinely practice your voice. Also there are some important tips mentioned in other posts that will be discussed here again. The following will provide some ideas on how to sing in key:
- Recording and playback: If you haven't done this, pick up a voice recorder and a microphone. You can also sing with a piano (if you have one) and record yourself. Listening to a recording of your voice is a simple step towards learning what is not right and how you would improve it.
- Breathing and relaxation: This should go along routinely when you perform any vocal exercises/warm ups. You should make an effort to breath constantly before, in between, and after each exercise. To help you breath and relax better, take some yoga classes where you can also learn some relaxation techniques.
- Vocal ranges and pitches: It is somehow necessary for you to learn about chest voice, mixed voice, head voice, relative pitch, and perfect pitch. They are basically the skills for you to master different notes and to become a better listener/interpreter. You can learn them yourself or take a voice class.
Sing with Confidence. In order to get there, you need to master the skills suggested. If you need help, visit Singing Success today and sign up for a lesson.
Figuring out how to sing in key is also figuring out how serious you are with singing. In order to lift up your singing potential, you should do what have been suggested in other posts and ideas above. Going along with all ideas and suggestions, you should consider taking vocal/singing class traditionally or online. A vocal coach and your classmates in a singing class can provide better support and help you learn better. You may also learn better through video demonstrations if you choose to take online vocal lessons.