Practicing in Your Car: Making the Most of It

Car practice is common among busy singers and is often a convenient option due to packed schedules and limited privacy at home, especially when family members or housemates are around. This article is for singers who already practice in the car but may not be fully aware of the potential downsides, as well as for those who struggle to fit singing practice into their week and may not have considered the car as an option at all.

I’ll admit that I’ve “practiced” in the car at various times over the years for exactly these reasons. However, I’ve also noticed some consistent limitations that many singers don’t seem to be aware of. With that in mind, let’s unpack three key pros and three cons of practicing in the car.

The Pros

Pro #1: Privacy. Your car offers a contained, private space where you can sing freely without an audience, at least most of the time. Unless, of course, you pull up at the traffic lights mid lip trill and catch the curious stare of the driver next to you. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Pro #2: Efficient Commute Use. A commute to work, college, or to run errands can double as light practice time, turning idle minutes into productive ones. If you currently do not have a practice routine, this might be a good, low friction entry point.

Pro #3: Built-in Sound System. You can play lesson recordings or backing tracks right through your car speakers, turning your vehicle into a mobile studio.

Now, the cons:

The Cons

Con #1: Posture. Car seats often compromise alignment, which can affect breath control and tension. If you do sing in the car, be mindful not to lean back but to sit upright. 

Con #2: Noise Competition. External sounds of your engine and other vehicles on the road may limit your ability to hear yourself. If this is the case, focus on feeling your resonance, airflow, and muscular engagement rather than pushing your voice louder.

Con #3: Distraction. Safety is paramount. Driving already demands your full attention, so you simply can’t focus deeply on vocal technique at the same time. Being safe on the road is always more important than any practice goal, so if you’re “multitasking,” singing should remain secondary. Think of car singing as a light warm-up or gentle vocalisation rather than focused practice, and always prioritise keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

In summary, car time can be useful for light vocalization, humming, or memorization. Be mindful of posture, avoid pushing, and keep safety first. It’s not a full focus practice session, but with intention, it can still serve your singing journey.