Singing journey: Little Mix feat. Charlie Puth

Little Mix, a British girl group formed on the eighth series of "The X Factor" in 2011, together with the multi-talented American singer-songwriter and producer Charlie Puth, have captured hearts worldwide. Both artists are known not just for their chart-topping hits but also for their distinctive vocal styles. Their journey into music and vocal development offers aspiring singers valuable insights into the intersection of natural talent, formal education, and self-taught skills.

Little Mix's members, despite their diverse backgrounds, shared a common thread of engaging in singing from a young age, participating in school choirs, and musicals. Their time on "The X Factor" provided them with a unique form of vocal coaching, where they received critical feedback directly from industry professionals. This, coupled with their own dedication to improving their singing abilities, showcases a blend of formal and informal learning environments. Encountering various singing styles and techniques while on the show, they emphasize the importance of versatility and adaptability in a singer's journey.

Charlie Puth's path to stardom highlights a more traditional educational background in music. With a degree from the Berklee College of Music, Puth has often credited his rigorous academic training with providing him with a deep understanding of music theory, songwriting, and production. Moreover, his early exposure to classical music and jazz has enriched his approach to pop music, blending various styles into his work. Puth's journey underscores the value of formal music education in developing a well-rounded musical skill set.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Singers:

• Explore Both Formal and Informal Learning: Like Little Mix, engage in as many singing opportunities as you can. Platforms like Singing Carrots offer Pitch Training and Vocal Range Tests that can aid in this exploratory phase.
• Understand Your Voice: Incorporate exercises that help you understand your voice type and range. Utilize tools like the Vocal Pitch Monitor to see your sung notes in real-time, aiding in self-analysis.
• Learn From the Best: Study the vocal techniques and performances of artists you admire. Singing Carrots' database of artist vocal ranges can be a great resource to find artists with a similar range as yours (like Little Mix or Charlie Puth) and learn from their techniques.
• Academic Training: If possible, consider formal music education to deepen your theoretical knowledge and technical skills, as seen in Charlie Puth's journey.

Incorporating these approaches, whether you find yourself aligned with Little Mix's largely self-guided and experiential learning path or Charlie Puth's academically enriched journey, presents a comprehensive strategy for vocal development. Remember, the key to success lies in consistency, passion, and the willingness to experiment and learn from a spectrum of experiences and educational resources.