How to Become a Vocalist | A Self-Study Roadmap and How to Determine Your Level of Skill for Band Performance

1. What you realize when you search for "I want to be a vocalist"

If you search for "how to become a vocalist," you'll encounter the same phenomenon as with other instrumental parts. While you can find plenty of articles explaining "how bands can recruit vocalists," there are almost no articles written from the perspective of someone who "wants to become a vocalist." Just like with guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, information for those "looking for a vocalist" is readily available, while information for those "wanting to become a vocalist" is surprisingly scarce.

Our blog has previously published articles on the difficulties of finding a vocalist and how to find one, as well as a complete guide on what to do when you can't find a vocalist . However, these have all been written from the perspective of "how a band finds a vocalist." This article, however, is written from the other side—from your own perspective: "I want to practice singing and become a vocalist who can make it in a band." I believe that information surrounding vocalists is only complete when both articles from the recruiting side and articles from the aspiring vocalist side are included.

This article will provide a roadmap for those starting to learn to sing on their own, and explain, as concretely as possible, how to determine "at what level you need to be able to participate in a band." Whether you're a karaoke pro or a complete beginner, the ultimate goal is the same: to be able to make your voice heard within the context of live music in a band.

This article is the fifth and final installment in the "Becoming a" series, following " How to Become a Keyboardist," "How to Become a Drummer ," "How to Become a Bassist ," and "How to Become a Guitarist ." Just like with drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards, there are "problems for those who want to become a vocalist" behind the "problems for those who are searching." Try to keep in mind which position you are currently in as you read on.

Membo , the service we operate, allows you to search across information from multiple Japanese band member recruitment sites. When you look at the recruitment conditions gathered there, you'll notice an astonishing number of phrases like "Vocalists with experience welcome," "Singing as the main focus is acceptable," and "Those who can play guitar and sing welcome." In other words, once you've followed the roadmap outlined in this article, there are far more entry points available to you than you might imagine.

2. There are many people who can sing, so why are there so few people who can sing in a band?

In Japan, there is a deeply rooted culture of enjoying the act of singing itself. According to a survey by Teikoku Databank , the karaoke market, which declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since recovered and is approaching 2018 levels. Many people have likely held a microphone in a karaoke box at least once. Furthermore, a survey conducted by Cross Marketing in 2024 found that 54.1% of men and women aged 20-69 had experience playing a musical instrument, with "piano (including electronic piano)" being the most popular instrument at 31.7%. Many of those who play musical instruments are actually quite familiar with the act of singing itself.

First, let's clarify some terms. In this article, "someone who sings well" mainly refers to someone who can sing an entire song in tune without going off-key, especially in karaoke. On the other hand, a "vocalist (the lead singer of a band)" is a musician who, in relation to the other parts such as drums, bass, guitar, and keyboard, controls their volume and dynamics while staying precisely in rhythm, and sometimes plays a role in moving the entire song forward without being fazed by problems during the performance. Although both involve the act of "singing," the required skills are completely different.

Nevertheless, when it comes to actually finding a vocalist for a band, it's surprisingly difficult—this is something the Membo editorial team has repeatedly heard from those working in the field of recruitment, and it's something we've discussed in detail in our article on the difficulties and methods of finding vocalists. Considering the large number of people who are good at karaoke and the high frequency of "vocalist wanted" postings, it's easy to imagine that there's a significant gap between the two. The reason is simple: there's a much bigger difference than you might imagine between "singing an entire song at karaoke" and "continuing to sing in a band while controlling rhythm and volume."

Five common pitfalls for people who are good at karaoke.

• The karaoke key of the backing track and the rhythm of the live band are different : Karaoke backing tracks play at a constant tempo and key, but with a live band, you need to sing along to the drum fills and tempo fluctuations, which can be confusing at first.
• I've always relied on the karaoke equipment to adjust the microphone volume : While karaoke boxes automatically optimize echo and volume, live music venues require you to consciously control your vocal volume and pronunciation yourself.
• They are too focused on the "accurate reproduction" of the lyrics and melody : If you're used to singing exactly like the original, you'll be confused by the "adapting your singing style to the groove of the moment" that's required in a band.
• Lack of stamina and vocal endurance to sing multiple songs for extended periods : Singing one or two songs at karaoke is completely different from singing an entire setlist at a live concert in terms of the strain on your throat.
• Unaccustomed to stage presence and MCing (talking between songs) : Suddenly, they are expected to take on the role of a "frontman," creating a connection with the audience in addition to singing.

These are by no means weaknesses. Rather, because you have developed a sense of pitch and the ability to memorize lyrics through karaoke, these are obstacles that can be easily overcome if you practice in the correct order. The following self-study roadmap is structured to address each of these five stumbling blocks one by one.

3. Self-Study Roadmap Step 1: Building a Foundation for Correct Vocalization

In the context of popular music, the term " vocalist" refers to "the role of performing songs with one's voice, or the person who takes on that role." When aiming to become a vocalist through self-study, the first hurdle is "building a foundation for correct vocalization." Singing by simply straining your voice using only the strength of your throat may allow you to produce a loud voice in the short term, but it will cause throat damage during long live performances or repeated practice.

The foundation of this is diaphragmatic breathing . Diaphragmatic breathing is a breathing technique that involves contracting the diaphragm, and compared to chest breathing, which involves shallowly inhaling using only the chest, it allows you to exhale more air steadily and continuously. By using this breathing technique when singing, you can support your voice with your entire body without relying on your throat, and as a result, your vocal volume, pitch stability, and stamina will all improve.

The following order is recommended for a specific procedure:

• Observe the up-and-down movement of your abdomen while lying on your back : Lie on your back on the floor, place your hands on your stomach, and breathe. First, get a feel for the sensation of your abdomen expanding.
• Practice breathing while standing : Gradually transition from the diaphragmatic breathing you mastered while lying on your back to reproducing it while standing or singing.
• Practice long tones (holding a single note for an extended period) to train your body to control your breath : Repeat the exercise of holding an "ah" sound at a constant volume for 10-15 seconds.
• Make lip rolls and humming a habit as warm-up exercises : Lip rolls, which involve vibrating your lips while making sounds, are a classic warm-up exercise that warms up the vocal cords without straining the throat.
• Improve your posture : A hunched back prevents the diaphragm from moving properly, so practice singing with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.

The estimated practice period is approximately 1 to 2 months if you consistently practice for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Of course, there are individual differences, but once you have become stable in "diaphragmatic breathing while standing" and "holding a long tone for 10 seconds or more," you can consider Step 1 a signal that you are ready to move on to the next stage.

At this stage, there's absolutely no need to try difficult songs. Choose songs with a slow tempo and minimal melodic fluctuations, like those introduced in the first band practice roadmap , and prioritize getting the feeling of "continuously producing sound with stable breath control" ingrained in your body.

Throat care and daily habits

Unlike instruments, a vocalist's "instrument" is their own throat. If you overdo it, you'll lose your voice regardless of how much you practice, so daily care is just as important as the foundation of your roadmap. Hydration is fundamental. When the mucous membranes of the throat dry out, the movement of the vocal cords stiffens, so making sure to hydrate frequently not only before and after practice but also on a daily basis will help stabilize your voice. Maintaining humidity in your room is also effective for the same reason. In addition, always warm up before singing loudly for extended periods, and conversely, it's important to rest if you feel any discomfort or pain in your throat. Smoking, cold drinks right before practice, and lack of sleep are known to easily affect the condition of your voice, so it's reassuring to be especially mindful of getting in shape the day before a live performance or practice.

4. Self-Study Roadmap Step 2 | Training in Pitch and Rhythm

Once you have a solid foundation for vocalization, the next hurdles are "accurate pitch" and "staying in rhythm." In karaoke, the accompaniment guides you on pitch, but in band practice, you need to maintain pitch using only your own ears and senses. This is where relative pitch becomes important—the ability to distinguish the pitch difference from a reference note. Unlike absolute pitch, which is the ability to distinguish sounds in isolation, relative pitch is said to be something that anyone can develop through training.

A recommended practice method is to use a piano or tuner app to play a reference note and practice singing along to it. You can start at a slow tempo. By gradually increasing the amount of repetition—accurately tracing the do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do scale, singing simple melodies phrase by phrase while checking your pitch, and recording yourself singing using your smartphone's recording function and listening back objectively—you will develop the ability to maintain pitch without relying on accompaniment.

In terms of rhythm, practicing singing while clapping along to a metronome app is effective. By repeatedly practicing clapping on the off-beats and accurately timing syncopated melodies, you will develop a singing style that stays in sync with the drum beat. As a guideline, after completing Step 1, you should practice for another 1-2 months until you can listen to recordings of your own voice and no longer notice any pitch discrepancies. As introduced in the first band practice roadmap , it's sufficient to gradually improve your performance in line with the band's overall practice schedule. Rather than "joining a band only after you can sing perfectly," the important thing is to "join actual band practices once you can sing to a certain extent and refine your skills there."

5. Self-Study Roadmap Step 3 | Expressiveness and the Ability to Play in a Band Ensemble

Once you have a solid foundation for your vocal technique and your pitch and rhythm are stable, it's time for the final big step towards reaching a level where you can "work in a band"—strengthening your expressiveness and ability to adapt to a band ensemble. This is where the technique of mixed voice becomes important. Mixed voice is a vocal technique that lies between your chest voice and falsetto, and it is said to be a technique that prevents the quality of your voice from breaking when switching between vocal ranges. Trying to sing high notes using only your chest voice puts a great strain on your throat, but by mastering mixed voice, you can cover a wide vocal range without strain.

When practicing mixed voice, you don't need to jump straight into tackling the high notes of difficult songs. It's more realistic to start by practicing switching between your chest voice and head voice within a comfortable vocal range, gradually smoothing out the transitions. Step 3 is a training method without a clear finish line, but as a guideline, continuing for another 3-6 months after completing Step 2 often reduces anxiety about your voice cracking during the chorus of a song. Equally important is the ability to adapt to ensemble playing with drums and bass. In a band setting, you're frequently required to make improvisational decisions that can't be understood from sheet music alone, such as "where should I be during a guitar solo?" or "when should I start singing during a break (the moment the music stops)?" Since there are limits to what you can learn through self-study alone, it's recommended to visit session bars or open mic events as early as possible if possible. The experience of actually playing together with other musicians will give you insights that you can't get from self-study. If you can't find session partners, you can try searching for bands that welcome one-off sessions on Membo . You might also want to refer to our beginner's guide to jam sessions .

6. Practice methods you can do at home: Using apps, recording, mirror practice, and karaoke

Having several practice methods you can do at home is a great advantage when continuing to learn on your own. My top recommendation is "recording your own voice and listening back to it." When you're singing, your own voice sounds lower and muffled than it actually is due to bone conduction, so you'll notice many pitch inaccuracies and pronunciation habits that you only notice when you record yourself. Even just using the standard recording app on your smartphone is enough to get good practice results.

Mirror practice (practicing singing while looking in a mirror) is also effective. Points such as how you open your mouth, your facial expressions, and poor posture are difficult to notice without a mirror. In particular, getting into the habit of checking in the mirror to make sure you're not putting unnecessary tension in your shoulders and neck when singing high notes will reduce unnecessary strain.

Karaoke boxes can also be effectively utilized as a practice environment for self-study. The karaoke market is said to be on a recovery trend in recent years , and by using "hitokara" (solo karaoke), you can practice your vocal exercises for extended periods without worrying about those around you. By practicing not only by raising or lowering the key from the original, but also by changing the key to suit your own vocal range, you can develop a comfortable sense of your vocal range.

Vocal practice app comparison

Practice apps for smartphones and tablets are convenient tools that compensate for the weaknesses of self-study, offering features such as real-time pitch assessment and recording management. A comparison of some representative apps reveals the following (pricing plans may change, so always check the official website for the latest information before using).

While these apps are excellent at "objectively understanding pitch and developing basic vocal skills," they don't teach you how to sing in time with a band's rhythm or while listening to other parts. It's best to view apps as merely tools to improve the efficiency of basic practice, and once you feel you've made some progress, it's recommended to quickly transition to actual band practice. Ultimately, the skills needed to succeed in a band can only be honed through the experience of playing in sync with other people.

7. How to use a microphone and the basics of live performance equipment

Even if you train your vocal technique and sense of rhythm through self-study, if you're not used to handling the microphones used in live performances, your voice won't reach the audience as you'd like. The Shure SM58 is a globally standard choice for vocal microphones in live music venues. It's a cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic microphone, known as an industry standard that has been manufactured since 1966, and is permanently installed in many live music venues.

The first thing you need to remember when using a microphone is "a sense of distance." If you get too close to the microphone, the proximity effect will occur, emphasizing the low frequencies, and if you move too far away, your voice will sound quiet. As a general guideline, keep the microphone about the width of your fist as a base, and learn to move it a little further away when you want to speak loudly, and closer when you want to express yourself softly. This will make it much easier to control the volume of your voice.

Another important aspect is preventing feedback. Feedback is an unpleasant high-pitched squeal that occurs when a microphone picks up and amplifies the sound coming from a speaker. It is more likely to occur when the microphone is pointed directly at or close to the speaker. While live music venues have staff who conduct sound checks beforehand, knowing the basics yourself, such as not pointing the microphone at the speaker and appropriately communicating the volume of the monitor speaker (a speaker used to check your own voice), can prevent problems. Before your first studio practice or live performance, it's a good idea to check the basics of equipment in the practice studio rental guide .

8. Learn about vocal styles by genre.

The singing style required of a vocalist varies greatly depending on the genre. Practicing with the genre of band you aim to play in in mind will help you determine the right direction for improvement.

Regardless of the genre, the most important thing is the foundation of correct vocalization that you acquired in Step 1. Special singing techniques and flashy expressions can only be safely attempted after you have a stable foundation.

9. Learn from world-renowned vocalists from Japan and around the world.

When you get lost while continuing to learn on your own, the paths of vocalists who have actually been active in bands and on stage can be a great source of inspiration. Here, we introduce some real vocalists whose careers can be verified.

Overseas, Freddie Mercury of Queen is a prime example. He is known as a British singer-songwriter who gained worldwide fame with his wide vocal range of four octaves and theatrical performance style. He is an indispensable figure when discussing the expressive range of rock vocals. In the field of soul and pop, Whitney Houston is a notable example. She is considered one of the most award-winning singers of all time and is known for her exceptional singing ability and wide vocal range. Her singing style, which combines mixed voice and rich expressiveness, continues to be referenced by many vocalists as a perfect example of singing technique.

In Japan, Koji Tamaki of Anzen Chitai is a prime example. He was one of the figures who shaped the Japanese music scene in the 1980s, and as the central figure of the band Anzen Chitai, he was responsible for hit songs such as "Wine Red no Kokoro," and has since continued to pursue his own unique musical style as a solo artist. His journey is insightful for learning how the voice can drive the overall song within a band. What they have in common is that they did not shy away from existing "good singing techniques," but instead independently pioneered the role of their voices within the band structure.

10. 7 Checklist Items to Determine "Band-Ready Level"

Many people who continue to learn on their own worry whether they are ready to join a band. There is absolutely no need to aim for perfection, but try using the following seven items as a checklist as a guideline.

• Can you sing an entire song without accompaniment, maintaining pitch using only your own voice?
• Check if the timing of when you start singing is off, in sync with the metronome or drum rhythm.
• Can you listen to a recording of yourself singing and identify any pitch or rhythm inaccuracies?
• Can you create contrast in vocal volume and expression between the chorus and the verses/pre-chorus?
• Can your voice last through the entire setlist of a single live performance (approximately 30-60 minutes)?
• Can you adjust the distance from the microphone yourself to control your voice volume?
• Can we create a song in a rehearsal format after just a few sessions, even with members we've just met?

You don't need to meet all the requirements. In fact, these are skills you can develop after joining a band. By referring to the guide on how to rent a practice studio and gaining experience playing with a band in a studio, you'll naturally acquire many of these skills. What's important is not waiting until you can sing perfectly, but having the courage to take the plunge once you can do about half of the seven requirements.

I've spoken to many band members, and I've found that most bands looking for a vocalist aren't necessarily looking for someone with exceptional technical skills from the start. What I've heard far more often is, "We just need someone who can sing along to the rhythm," or "We want someone who can create a great atmosphere, including looking good on stage." This 7-item checklist isn't meant to measure perfection, but rather to be a map to help you understand where you stand right now.

11. The Limitations of Self-Study and the Option of a Voice Training School

Self-study has its limitations. In particular, vocal habits and incorrect use of the throat are difficult to notice on your own. Continuing to use your voice incorrectly can also damage your throat, so if you feel you're not making progress, it's worth considering a voice training school.

Even if attending a school is difficult due to cost or time constraints, self-study options aren't limited to apps. YouTube offers numerous channels from vocal trainers explaining everything from basic vocalization to mixed voice practice, and the vocal training textbooks available in bookstores are classic self-study materials that systematically organize diaphragmatic breathing and vocal range expansion training. By combining videos, textbooks, and apps according to your own level of understanding, you can increase the effectiveness of your self-study while keeping costs down.

Common points of failure and how to overcome them

Self-teaching vocals is often said to be difficult to master compared to other instruments because it's harder to feel progress. With instruments, it's easy to see the moment you learn a new chord or phrase, but changes in your voice are slow and hard to notice on your own. Two common stumbling blocks are "not being able to produce the sound you want" and "not being able to maintain a stable pitch." In most cases, not being able to produce the sound is due to too much tension in the throat, so the quickest way to improve is to go back to diaphragmatic breathing and warm-up exercises. If you're having trouble with pitch, instead of immediately tackling difficult songs, going back to repeating simple scales to re-align your ear and voice is ultimately the shortest route to improvement. When you feel stuck, don't be afraid to go back to the basic exercises in Step 1 and Step 2. Stagnation is a path that most vocalists go through, and it's not a weakness unique to you.

12. Taking a step beyond self-study | Joining a band and writing a self-introduction

Once you've completed a certain portion of the roadmap, it's time to dive into the real world. Continuing to practice the basics alone is a good method, but if you want to acquire the skills needed to succeed in a band as quickly as possible, participating in actual band practices and jam sessions is the most direct route.

For those who are anxious about joining a band for the first time and want to know how to proceed, our beginner's guide to joining a band provides detailed explanations. If you are joining an existing band midway through, please refer to our guide on how to write a self-introduction statement and explain in detail what kind of practice you have done and what genres of songs you are good at, which will put the band at ease. If you want to form a band from scratch, we recommend starting with our guide on how to start a cover band and gradually working your way up to creating original songs .

If you're struggling to write a self-introduction as a vocalist, the following approach might be helpful.

• For a self-taught beginner : "I love karaoke, and I'm practicing diaphragmatic breathing and long tones on my own. I'm still stabilizing my pitch by checking it with recordings, and although I don't have any band experience yet, I want to keep practicing and expand my capabilities."
• For those with karaoke experience and in the transition phase : "I'm used to singing karaoke, and I'm currently self-studying vocalization and rhythm keeping in preparation for becoming a band vocalist. I've also started practicing mixed voice, and I can adapt to the key and sing songs I've never heard before. I'd love to participate, even if it's just for practice once or twice a month."

Rather than listing off your perfect singing skills, being honest about "what level you're at now and how often you can practice" will be more reassuring for the band.

Along with your self-introduction, it's a good idea to prepare a short demo recording of your singing. Even just recording one or two songs with your guitar or a cappella on your smartphone will make your self-introduction far more persuasive than one that's just written. You don't need to make it perfect; the goal should be to "convey your current abilities as they are." Regularly posting videos of your practice sessions or short singing performances on social media is also an effective way to find a band. Simply including your social media accounts when applying for a band will allow potential band members to get a more concrete idea of your voice and personality.

Vocals, along with drums, bass, and keyboards, are one of the parts that bands often lack. When you read about how to find a drummer or a self-study roadmap to becoming a keyboardist , you'll realize that the same struggles exist for those who want to play other parts as well. In other words, if you can sing, you are a rare and sought-after member by many bands. Using a band member recruitment service like Membo , you can search for bands that match your skill level and desired genre on a nationwide scale. If you can't find a suitable band in your local area, expanding your search area is also an effective strategy.

13. How foreign vocalists can enter the Japanese band scene

It's not uncommon for talented foreign musicians to join Japanese bands. However, they often struggle with Japanese lyrics and communication in Japanese. This article introduces practical tips for finding band members, overcoming language barriers when foreigners and Japanese people form a band . For foreign musicians who want to start a band while living in Japan, please also refer to the Complete Guide to Forming a Band in Japan (Practical Edition for Foreign Musicians) .

Membo 's commitment to supporting eight languages stems from its desire to lower these language barriers as much as possible. Even if you're not familiar with Japanese lyrics or band terminology, being able to check recruitment information in your native language and start communicating using translated text significantly lowers the barrier to participating in the Japanese band scene. No matter where you live in Japan, using Membo , which supports all 47 prefectures , expands your chances of finding bands looking for vocalists. If you want to learn more about the Japanese music scene itself, you can also refer to "What is the Music Scene? A Complete Guide to the Japanese Band Scene: Map and How to Get In ."

14. Summary | The "Becoming" Part 5 concludes here.

This article directly addresses the search intent of "How to become a vocalist," presenting a self-study roadmap—three steps: building a foundation for proper vocal technique, training pitch and rhythm, and refining expressiveness and band ensemble skills—along with a seven-item checklist to determine if you're at a level where you can succeed in a band. We also looked at the paths of real-life vocalists such as Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, and Koji Tamaki. They, too, started from the stage of simply being able to "sing," and honed their voices within the context of a band.

Many people are good at karaoke, but few can sing in a band—the gap mentioned at the beginning of this article is, conversely, a great opportunity. By building a foundation for your voice with diaphragmatic breathing, stabilizing your pitch and rhythm, and gradually honing your mixed voice and band ensemble skills, you can become an indispensable member for many bands.

This article is the final installment in the "Becoming an Instrument" series, following keyboard , drums , bass , and guitar . What all five parts had in common was the same gap: "There were articles for those looking to learn an instrument, but almost no articles for those who want to become one." I would be happy if this series could encourage someone who is thinking of starting each instrument or part to take their first step. From the goal of "being able to sing" to the goal of "being able to play together." When you are ready to take that first step, try searching for bands looking for a vocalist on Membo . If you have any problems, be sure to check out Membo 's help page , Membo user guide , app usage page , Membo announcements page , and author information page.