The best way to become a better “in-tune” singer is through proper ear training.Ear training, of course begins by listening.Infants learn to speak not by reading, but by listening to the sounds around them.They begin to “mimic” the sounds around them.They also recognize the varied frequency of sound, recognizing and responding to high, medium and low sounds.
 
In just a short amount of time, they begin to speak words, then sentences and longer phrases.They begin to recognize what these words “look like”.Soon this association makes it possible to begin to read.The next step is to copy letters, numbers and small words.Soon they begin writing sentences.It is all a process that takes time.
 
The approach to singing better and more in tune begins by following the process of listening, reading and writing. It requires a mentor, teacher or coach.  It begins by echoing the sound of a siren, whistle, teapot, and many others.  Next comes echoing pitches that are the same or altered slightly going upward or downward.  This is best achieved by assigning solfege syllables or numbers or nonsense syllables to the activity.  Longer phrases require more concentration and discipline.  Soon this information can be decoded.  It is helpful to listen to  the song or tune in its entirety and after many repetitions, to begin to learn the song or phrase by rote.  Since beat is the foundation, it is important to establish a sense of steady beat. 
After the rote learning is mastered, the same process is used in the reading and writing of music. 
Paying close attention to the fundamentals early pays big dividends over time.  Soon the music sung becomes more expressive and beautiful!  In the end, the extra work pays off.
Join our music ministry and participate actively in the liturgy.  It is well worth the effort!