5 Budget-friendly ways to work on your singing
It’s no secret that private voice lessons require a money AND time investment, which not everyone has. But there’s good news—you can improve your voice without breaking the bank! Whether you're singing for fun, in a school choir, or dreaming of a music career, there are simple and affordable ways to get better. Here are some of my tips to help you grow as a singer—without spending too much time OR money:
1. Learn from a singing membership or course
While private voice lessons with a voice teacher is the most personalized form of vocal training, it isn’t the only way to get feedback from an experienced teacher. Memberships and courses—like my Curious Singer Membership—are a low-cost, low-time commitment way to work towards your singing goals. Bonus: the Curious Singer Members now have access to my NEW mini-course, the Rising Voice, which contains everything you’d get in private lessons with me. Click the link above to learn more!
2. Use Free or Cheap Singing Apps
Some of my private voice students enjoy using (and have had success with!) the following singing apps:
Vanido – Great for daily practice.
Smule – Sing karaoke and get feedback.
Vocalizer – Focus on pitch and breath.
Many apps are free or offer basic tools at no cost. Perfect for practicing anytime, anywhere.
3. Record Yourself
This is one of my biggest tips for singers looking to improve their singing, and it’s something I say to my own students all the time! You won’t understand which singing skills need brushing up unless you can hear yourself—which you can’t do by just practicing alone. Use your phone’s voice recorder or a free app like Audacity to record your singing. Then listen back:
Are you staying on pitch?
Is your phrasing smooth?
Are you struggling to access certain notes/do certain pitches feel strained?
Are your words clear?
This helps you catch things you don’t notice while singing!
4. Join a Choir or Community Group
I got my singing start by singing in my school choir. I learned a lot about my voice, and also made some great friends in the process. Check your school, church, or local community center for free or low-cost singing groups. Singing with others teaches you:
How to blend your voice
How to follow a conductor
Staying on pitch when singing in harmony with others
Plus, it’s fun and social!
5. Practice with Friends or Online
Ask a friend to sing with you or form a mini practice group. You can also join online singing spaces like:
Discord singing servers
Facebook groups for singers
Reddit’s r/singing community
You’ll get support and feedback from other music lovers.
Singing doesn’t have to be expensive. Everyone deserves to have access to the joy and healing effects of singing! With low-cost memberships/courses, helpful apps, and collaborating with others, you can improve your voice and have a great time doing it. So start small, sing often, and watch your voice grow!
Interested in the Curious Singer Membership, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Schedule a 15-minute chat with me!
