Why Singing Is The Easiest Musical Instrument To Learn

You actually sang before you started speaking. And what's more, you sang without a flaw in your voice. Your singing was on key (in tune, on pitch), perfectly placed, with just the right amount of vibration going on to set your vocal bands (chords, folds) in motion for producing sound.

And what a sweet sound it was. We call this sound "cooing." Cooing uses the full vocal range and there is never a break or cracking in the voice. The clear, confident but relaxed sound is such a pleasure to hear. We smile at the pure, delightful sound and all is right in our world for a sweet second or two.

But there is yet another musical sound. This collection of vibrations announces our arrival into this world. With a tiny mouth open wide enough to view the little tongue, gums and even the hard and soft palate, our cry resonates throughout the hospital or birthplace. What grand projection!

We are naturally using our bodys musical instrument. The most important singing techniques such as breathing by using the diaphragmatic muscle, opening the mouth wide, using the resonating areas, projecting the voice without undo tension - it's all there naturally and requires no effort.

You may be surprised to learn that singing is the easiest musical Instrument to learn. It cost you absolutely nothing and is always ready to be unleashed. Even if you don't like the sound that comes out when you sing, your brain sure does.

Endorphins, (feel good sensations), appear like magic and actually cause a change for the better. Although your singing sound may not be the best, It's the most beautiful sound on earth to a restless baby, most animals and the forgotten elderly. This easy instrument is waiting within you, longing to be set free.

The first sound you made during the birthing process was your cry followed soon after by melodic cooing sounds. This is such a natural thing and not one baby needs instruction. You are born using your musical instrument. No lessons needed.

As an infant you were also able to respond to music. The video below offers some cute examples of how babies are affected by different voices singing to a variety of sad and happy songs.

Remember: Singing is your birthright.

We are even born with the very foundation of singing - breath. I have always found it interesting that both life and singing depend on the breath.

The more air we inhale, the louder the singing (crying or cooing becomes}. And as babies, our throat never hurts or gets tired because we naturally and automatically use our diaphragmatic muscle to support our sound (tone) when we breathe instead of our chest and shoulders.

Even our posture is perfect which aides the singing apparatus to perform properly. With tiny arms stretched out and waving with a rhythm all their own, we are set for the stage and an audience. We have no fear and why should we? Singing is as natural as breathing. It is one of the many gifts we bring into our world along with blinking, swallowing and body movement.

So if we are born singing with a free and delightful sound. why do most of us lose our natural voice and ability to sing?

We don't lose our natural voice. Our singing is not lost at all. It is simply buried beneath the following:

• Fear
• Ridicule
• Comparisons
• Lack of opportunity
• Ignorance of others
• Negativity
• Wrong thinking
• Loss of confidence
• Peer influence
• Sibling rivalry

These are only a few reasons our voices are hiding beneath the surface. And like a beautiful sparkling diamond that is buried deep beneath the sand and rock of the earth, it lies there until it is discovered. Once this stone is found, debris removed and polishing is complete, the most amazing sparkle glistens and shines. It's light, one of a kind, is like no other.

So it is with your singing voice.

Yes, I believe that our very own voice is the easiest music instrument to study. In the event that sadly you may prefer a different easy instrument to study, I recommend the following:

• Kazoo
• Recorder
• Tambourine

However, no other instrument can compare with the beauty and perfection of the human voice.

Children flourish and grow when encouraged and inspired to sing. Allow them to sing without judgement or criticism. This provides self-fulfillment and confidence.

Teach them to share the gift of singing when they are young. Praise them often as praise helps to develop trust in themselves. This trust spills over into leadership, higher grades in school and all around good citizenship.

No one can tell before he tries whether or not he can sing. Like any other instrument, if you want to learn, you must try. If vocal lessons are the way you choose to go, I can't express enough how important the right teacher is. Because the voice is so closely related to our self-esteem, it is absolutely crucial to interview teachers and find one that is kind, patient, encouraging and has a great reputation.

Audrey Hunt aka vocalcoach is known world-wide as an instructor of the singing voice. She has authored countless articles on the subject of the singing voice and the structure of singing. The "Anyone Can Sing" vocal instruction series is the product of Audrey's writing and recording project while living in Hawaii.

Regarded as an authority on how the voice works, she is a free-lance writer for HubPages.

Thank each of you for reading my hub about the easiest music instrument to learn. I hope to see you soon. Please leave me a message in the comment section. Vocalcoach