How hard is it to sing with a microphone?

[Sir Thomas Sean Connery]

So here's the deal,

I've been taking singing lessons for the past few weeks in preparation for a talent show of sorts.

However, I have only recently learned that the room I will be singing in is too large for just natural voice and a mic will be needed. Unfortunately, I have next to zero experience with a microphone and from what I have heard, singing with a mic is a COMPLETELY different thing.

My questions for the musically knowledgeable denizens of the advice forum are these:
How different is it to sing into a microphone than singing naturally?
Can a somewhat decent singer with no previous microphone experience sing well into one?
Any tips for singing into a microphone?
Experiences?

POST PERFORMANCE EDIT: Everything went pretty well! I followed the advice you wonderful fellows gave and got a big cheer(though everyone did).

Thanks Again!

 

[Alexi089]

Admittedly, I'm going off what I've read about singing in a manual by Jaime Vendera (I've only got the basics down, never performed), but I don't recall ever reading that you'll need to change your basic technique (breathing, placement of the air flow in the soft palate, vocal cord co-ordination etc), so all the basics appear to stay the same, which is good news. However, there is still mic technique, with regards to how far you hold the mic from your mouth, the angle etc. If that's anything like guitar amp micing, that will vary a little depending on the mic you're using. I believe you also have to watch hard 'S's' to avoid hisses and pops. Even so, I doubt it's that complicated to get it approximately right, given how many pro singers have come up with little professional training and how much many of them move around on stage whilst performing.

These should help, assuming you haven't got time to email your teacher and get some practise in with the mic:

http://www.singwise.com/cgi-bin/main.pl?section=articles&doc=ChoosingVocalMicrophone&page=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PDdoh5cM4

Best luck, and don't panic, even if your mic technique is off. As I'm sure you know: relaxed= better singing. Remeber to warm up and lots of water, bring water in a clean spray bottle to spray your vocal cords before you go on incase of dry mouth (try it a couple of times first to be sure you don't cough),'clear pee= clear voice'-JV.

Honestly, in most local talent shows, people are impressed if you can just sing on pitch most of the time and hold a note for over 5 seconds. Also, James LeBrie once said: '70% of being a singer is believeing you ARE a singer'. Myles Kennedy still says 'what, no of course I don't have perfect pitch have you heard me sing!? I can't sing on key!':


This is a good environment to cut your teeth. You'll be fine

Edit: If you hear any high pitched whistling, move away from any nearby speakers or amps, as it'll probably be feedback. More on feedback:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug10/articles/qa-0810-5.htm

 

[Acier]

It's not very different, a mircophone just amplifies your natural voice rather than requiring a new technique. The only thing you really have to keep in mind in my experience is knowing how far your mouth should be from the mic. Don't eat it or press your lips to it, and if there's a part in your performance that has a big spike in volume, move back a bit. You still won't to be louder, but you don't want to deafen people.

 

[Pfheonix]

So here's the deal,

I've been taking singing lessons for the past few weeks in preparation for a talent show of sorts.

However, I have only recently learned that the room I will be singing in is too large for just natural voice and a mic will be needed. Unfortunately, I have next to zero experience with a microphone and from what I have heard, singing with a mic is a COMPLETELY different thing.

My questions for the musically knowledgeable denizens of the advice forum are these:
How different is it to sing into a microphone than singing naturally?
Can a somewhat decent singer with no previous microphone experience sing well into one?
Any tips for singing into a microphone?
Experiences?

As you increase in volume, pull the microphone away slowly. If you can do a sound check, that will help immensely. If you can't... Karaoke. DO EET.

 

[irmasterlol]

Consonants will wash out on mic, so remember to enunciate. Sing "through the end" of the mic. Don't aim your voice at the front, but project it to the part farthest from you. That will give you a pretty good volume balance. As a word of warning, you will not like the way your voice sounds amplified. Do a sound check at the least, but I recommend a full rehearsal if it's at all possible. Depending on the type of music you're singing, you may want to turn slightly away from the mic to inhale. This shouldn't be your problem, but you can never assume the sound guy is going to be good at his job, so be aware of your music volume if you're using any (you get +9000 testicle points if you go a Capella).

 

[SoundByte]

Like pretty much everyone has said a sound check is really important. Every person who plays any sort of instrument (guitar, drums, tuba) will do it before playing. I've found that when working with a microphone in a large room that ensuring your chords are in perfect working order is essential. All those little things like lemon water, tea, filtered water are all important because, and without trying to scare you, the mic can pick up on the smallest imperfection.

How different is it to sing into a microphone than singing naturally?
There isn't really any difference what-so-ever. The only thing that you should watch out for is your pitch and volume. Louder sections move the mic away and quieter sections move closer (without swallowing the mic of course)

Can a somewhat decent singer with no previous microphone experience sing well into one?
Again it all comes down to how you handle it. Its like saying an acoustic guitarist can handle an electric guitar, yeah the principle is the same but slight tweaks are needed in the handling

Any tips for singing into a microphone?
This will sound so cheesy but honestly, video games can be your best friend here. I found out well through playing Guitar Hero through a mates system. Or failing that buy a cheap USB mic from a music store or electronics store, plug it in and record yourself. Listen back to it and pickup one where it sounds too different than your normal voice. If you can't do that karaoke is your best friend.

 

[Sir Thomas Sean Connery]

Many thanks to everyone who responded.

Doing it tonight, so I'll report back in a few hours!