How to develop your unique singing style

You can’t create something unique until you know what you’re working with. Forget about trying to sound like your favourite artist for a moment. The first step is understanding what makes your voice yours.

• Record yourself singing: This might feel awkward at first, but trust me—it’s the best way to hear what’s really happening. Sing a song you know well, then listen back. What do you notice? Is your tone warm, sharp, breathy, or strong? These are the raw ingredients of your style.

• Find your vocal range: Maybe your high notes soar, or perhaps your voice shines in the lower register. Whatever it is, embrace it. Your limitations can actually help define your sound.

• Experiment with your natural tone: Sing a simple melody in different ways—soft and airy, bold and direct, or even with a bit of a rasp. Pay attention to what feels comfortable and authentic.

If you want to find out more about vocal range, watch vocal coach Stevvi Alexander go through the basics.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Discover more great tips and practical exercises in Stevvi's Singing for Beginners course.

Singing within a genre is a great place to start, but don’t box yourself in. The most interesting artists often borrow from multiple styles.

• Try singing in different genres: Take a jazz standard, a pop ballad, and a rock anthem, and sing them all in your voice. What feels natural? What challenges you? Each genre has its quirks—jazz might push your phrasing, while rock can help you explore vocal grit.

• Blend and experiment: Once you’ve explored a few genres, mix them up. Add a soulful twist to a pop song or sing a rock ballad with a touch of classical phrasing. This is where your style begins to emerge.

Your voice is more than just a sound—it's a tool for storytelling. The way you express emotion is a huge part of what makes your style unique.

• Practice emotional dynamics: Sing a happy song as if you’re heartbroken, or a sad ballad with a hopeful tone. Notice how changing the emotion alters your delivery. This isn’t just about acting—it’s about discovering the nuances of your voice.

• Add your own spin: Instead of copying how others perform a song, ask yourself: How does this song make me feel? Slow it down, change the phrasing, or emphasize different lyrics to make it yours.

Your voice is like a painter’s palette—full of colours and textures that you can use to create something one-of-a-kind.

• Work on your vibrato: Do you have a natural vibrato? If so, practice controlling its speed and depth. If not, experiment with adding a subtle vibrato to long notes—it can bring warmth and personality to your sound.

• Explore vocal effects: Try adding a little rasp for an edgy feel, or use a breathy tone for intimacy. Just be careful—overdoing effects can strain your voice or come off as forced.

• Play with dynamics: Practice switching between soft whispers and powerful belts within the same song. The contrast can add drama and make your performance unforgettable.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Vocal textures rely heavily on proper breath control. Find out how to improve vocal stability and emotional expression in our complete guide — Breathing techniques for singers.

Every singer has influences, and that’s a good thing. The key is to take inspiration without losing your individuality.

• Pick apart your favourite voices: What do you love about them? Is it Adele’s emotional delivery, Sam Smith’s falsetto, or Freddie Mercury’s dynamic range? Focus on why you love these qualities and see how you can incorporate them in your own way.

• Blend influences: Combine the phrasing of one artist with the tone of another and add your own flair. This creates a fusion that feels fresh.

A unique style shines brightest when you’re singing something that resonates with you.

• Choose songs that speak to you: Your audience will feel the connection if you do. If a song feels like it’s written for you, it’s more likely to bring out your best performance.

• Rewrite covers: Don’t just sing a cover as it’s written. Slow it down, change the rhythm, or strip it back to just vocals and a simple instrumental. A unique interpretation turns any song into something personal.

You’ve started to develop a style—now it’s time to polish it.

• Record everything: Keep a record of your progress. Listen back to hear how your style is evolving. It’s a great way to spot what’s working and what isn’t.

• Get feedback: Share your recordings with trusted friends, mentors, or even online communities. Be open to constructive criticism, but remember, the final decision is yours.

• Stay consistent, but not static: Once you’ve found your style, nurture it. But don’t be afraid to adapt and evolve—it keeps things interesting for you and your audience.

Developing a unique singing style isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a process of discovery and refinement.

• Stay true to yourself: Don’t force something that doesn’t feel right. Authenticity is what truly connects with an audience.

• Enjoy the journey: Every great artist started where you are now. The process of finding your voice is as rewarding as the final result.

► ARTMASTER TIP: As Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas) explains in his Songwriting for Beginners course: "Be real with your music because your first thought is usually the most authentic one. Trust that instinct — it’s what will really help your audience connect with the song on a deeper level"

Your unique singing style is already there—it just needs a bit of coaxing to come out. And remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection.

There’s no better way to connect with your voice than through one of Stevvi Alexander’s courses. Having performed with legends like Barbra Streisand, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake, Stevvi brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for music’s ability to inspire and connect.

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