Beyond pitch

OnKey shows whether you're on the note. Singing well takes more than that, and the rest is best learned from a teacher.

What OnKey can and can't hear

OnKey tracks your pitch against the singer's, line by line. It's a quick way to hear, and see, where you drift. It can't tell how you made the sound: whether you're breathing well, straining, or singing with feeling. A high score means you hit the notes, not that you sang the song well.

What else to learn

• Breath support: steady air behind the sound, so long lines don't run out or wobble.
• Less tension: a free throat, jaw and tongue. Reaching for high notes with strain is the usual way voices get tired or hurt.
• Registers: chest voice, head voice and the mix between them, so you can move through your range without a break.
• Vowels: shaping them so notes ring and high ones get easier.
• Phrasing and rhythm: where to breathe, which words to lean on, and landing with the beat.

Free teachers to start with

• Dan Callaway teaches musical theatre voice at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Clear lessons on technique, from breath to belting.
• Jeff Rolka: warm-ups, singing in tune, high notes, runs and riffs.

Both were suggested by singers in the discussion when OnKey launched. Other good teachers are out there, and a suggestion is welcome on GitHub.

Lessons with a teacher

If you can, have a few lessons. A teacher hears in seconds what you'd take months to notice yourself, and sets you exercises for your voice. OnKey can then be how you practise in between: singing along to the songs you like, and seeing your pitch get steadier.

For looking after your voice while you practise, see Singing comfortably.