Karaoke
It's easy to make fun of karaoke, which is singing along to instrumental "backing tracks" instead of a band. Karaoke is often associated with amateur nights at bars and clubs, where people with no singing experience get up and sing, often with amusing results. But there's more to it. It's a great way to sing to some good songs by yourself. You'll learn stage presence and how to handle a microphone. It's not just fun, but good practice.
The words and the melody
Karaoke's best if you are familiar with the tune. And this means
knowing where to sing and not sing. You might laugh at this, but if
you're used to singing along with CDs or MP3s, the singer is there, and
you subconsciously listen to them, including their entrances, exits,
and phrasing of the words. Without hearing them, you're in a whole
other league
What you need
If you know the words, or they're right in front of you, and you know
the tune, then you're halfway there. The rest is a matter of
practicing. For the cost of a microphone and a karaoke player (cassette
or CD), which can cost less than $200, you're on your way. You'll need
some karaoke tapes or CDs, which are recordings of the song minus the
lead vocals, and after that you're ready to rock. There are also
karaoke software packages for computers, some of which include the
lyrics (words) and the music, ready for playing. Finally, if you can't
find a karaoke version of the music you like, there is software for
removing most of the vocals from a CD or MP3.
It's fun, but is it music?
Yes, it's fun, and yes it is music. Plus, it's really portable (most
karaoke machines are about the size of a medium suitcase and weigh
about the same). And if you sing with a band, it's a perfect way to
practice on your own between band rehearsals, or to warm up. The bonus
is that you have something really fun for the family to use, or for
parties.