For those juggling school, work, mother/fatherhood, household chores and singing, it can be challenging to find time to practise. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your list. Singing is important to you, however. Just like any other instrument, it takes time to develop skills. You know that practising is what any serious singer must do to grow.
A new song, a new recording, a new video, a band rehearsal, an upcoming audition, another show…
There are many reasons you want to excel at singing. You can't show up without being ready or you might lose face. You have noticed that when you practise, your confidence gets a boost. Your performance comes more naturally because you don't have to worry about what and what not to do with your voice.
How many hours do you practise daily? How many times a week? What do you get out of it? Some singers practice and practise and practise but notice little improvement... That's discouraging! Are you guilty of singing A LOT without REALLY practising?
You see, there is more to practising than just “singing”. You could spend HOURS singing a song and still feel INADEQUATE. It is because singing is not necessarily the same as practising. When you sing a song from beginning to end on repeat, you might in fact be practising mistakes. Instead, take the time to stop and work your song in small sections. Every song has its challenges depending on its words, melody and rhythm.
Here are a few tips to make the best out of your practise:
1) Find a quiet space and time of the day where you are comfortable experimenting with your voice without feeling judged.
2) Ask your loved ones to respect your alone time.
3) Turn off your phone and step away from your computer and social media. Except of course to play the track you're working on.
4) Decide in advance how long you will be practising for. Set your timer and stick to the task until it beeps!
5) Focus on one song at a time. Break it down in short sections. Only move on to the next section once you are satisfied with it.
We live in a fast pace society. Who's got time to waste? I don't! Do you?
By making your practise time more intentional, you will reap the rewards of your efforts faster. Your motivation to practise will spike because you don't like dwelling on things forever!
You will be able to learn more songs in less time. The songs that were once out of your range will now appear super achievable. These skills will transfer to other songs you never would have dared trying in the past and guess what... They too will now appear super easy-peasy! What a pleasant surprise! What about this one? And this one? I wonder if I can... You will keep raising the bar and push your limits. You will even challenge yourself with material outside of your comfort zone and totally nail it! Bring on the tough ones, here I come! You are a star in the making! It can only get better and better from here! Yay!
Your repertoire will increase exponentially. By intentionally practising difficult parts instead of rushing through them, you will avoid fatiguing your voice unnecessarily. Better vocal control will enable you to sing for longer periods of time. The best part is, you'll be able to... Double your weekly practising Put the fun back into practising.
I believe that it is realistic to understand your voice and make it work for you within a relatively short period of time as long as you have access to the right information and are committed to putting in the time.
Please join me in my free masterclass “5 Shifts to Uncover Your Best Voice and Perform at Your Best” to learn more about developing your talent.
Sing your heart out!
Val