How to Find Your Vocal Style: 7 Tips for Developing a Unique Singing Voice

As singers, we often look up to those who inspire us, trying to capture their magic in our own voices. It’s natural to want to sing like the greats—whether it’s the powerhouse of Beyoncé, the raw emotion of Adele, or the smoothness of Frank Sinatra. 

But while imitation can be a useful tool for learning, it’s not where your vocal journey should end. The truth is, the most compelling singers are those who find their own voice, bringing something new and authentic to their performances. 

In this blog, I’ll share tips on how you can find and develop your unique vocal style.

1. Embrace Your Natural Sound

Before you can develop a unique style, you need to know your natural voice. This means understanding your voice's inherent qualities—its timbre, range, and texture. Instead of pushing your voice to sound like someone else’s, start by celebrating what’s naturally yours.

A good way to do this is by recording yourself singing a simple, familiar song. Listen back, not with a critical ear, but with curiosity. What stands out? Is your voice warm and rich, or light and airy? Are there qualities you may not have noticed before? Once you have a clear sense of your natural sound, you can begin to explore how to shape and enhance it.

2. Experiment with Different Genres

One of the best ways to discover your unique voice is by exploring a wide range of musical styles. Singing different genres will challenge you to use your voice in new ways, and you may be surprised at what feels most comfortable or natural.

For example, if you usually sing pop, try jazz or folk for a change. If you lean toward classical, why not explore some R&B or rock? Each genre has its own vocal techniques, phrasing, and dynamics, and by experimenting, you’ll not only expand your skills but also uncover sounds and styles that resonate with you.

3. Focus on Emotion and Authenticity

At the heart of a unique vocal style is authenticity. Your voice is not just a sound—it's a vehicle for expressing your feelings, experiences, and personality. Don’t just sing the notes—sing the story behind them.

Think about the emotion behind each song and let that guide how you deliver the lyrics. Do you want to convey vulnerability, confidence, or joy? Your interpretation of a song’s message will set you apart, even if you’re singing a well-known track. The more honest and connected you are to the material, the more distinctive your voice will become.

4. Play with Vocal Techniques

Part of developing your vocal style involves experimentation with different vocal techniques. While you don’t need to master every vocal skill, it’s helpful to explore a variety of tools to see which ones enhance your unique sound.

Here are some techniques you might explore:

• Dynamics: Varying your volume, going from soft to loud, or vice versa.

• Vibrato: Experimenting with a slight vibrato (natural oscillation in pitch) or using a straight tone.

• Runs and Riffs: Adding ornamentation to your melodies with short runs or riffs.

• Tone Shaping: Adjusting the brightness or darkness of your voice to suit the song or mood.

Trying out these techniques can help you shape a voice that is distinctly yours, tailored to your strengths and creative preferences.

5. Draw Inspiration Without Imitation

It’s perfectly fine to draw inspiration from other singers, but be mindful not to lose yourself in imitation. Every singer has their own unique combination of influences, and the goal is to let your inspirations shape you while still sounding like you.

Create a playlist of singers who inspire you and identify what draws you to them. Is it their phrasing, their control, or the emotional impact of their delivery? Once you’ve pinpointed what you admire, think about how you can integrate some of those elements into your own singing in a way that feels authentic to you. Rather than copying their sound, use them as a springboard to discover how you can express similar ideas in your own voice.

6. Work with a Vocal Coach

A great vocal coach can help you unlock your unique vocal style by guiding you through exercises that enhance your voice’s natural strengths. They can offer personalized feedback and help you experiment with different techniques and genres in a supportive environment.

Working with a coach also helps you avoid bad habits that could compromise your vocal health or authenticity, giving you the tools to safely explore your full vocal potential.

7. Trust the Process

Finding your unique vocal style doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of discovery that involves trial and error, patience, and consistent practice. Give yourself the freedom to experiment and evolve over time. Your voice, just like any other part of your identity, is always growing and changing, so enjoy the journey!

Conclusion

Your voice is unlike anyone else’s, and that’s your greatest strength as a singer. By embracing your natural sound, exploring different styles, and staying true to the emotion behind your music, you’ll develop a vocal style that’s uniquely yours. Remember, the most powerful voices are the ones that are authentic—so don’t be afraid to sing in a way that feels true to who you are. 

Your unique voice deserves to be heard!