How to Set and Achieve Singing Goals: Celebrate Your Musical Journey This Canada Day
- Val Bastien
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
Setting and achieving singing goals is one of the most effective ways to grow as a vocalist. Whether you’re an aspiring singer dreaming of the spotlight, a choir member aiming to enhance your performance, or a seasoned artist pushing your vocal limits, structured goals can help you get there. This Canada Day, as we celebrate progress, diversity, and growth, let’s apply those same themes to our singing journey. After all, Canada is home to many celebrated musicians who turned their dreams into reality with hard work, determination, and well-crafted goals. Let’s explore how you can do the same!
If you’re ready to make progress and achieve your singing dreams, consider booking a lesson with me. Together, we can create a personalized plan tailored to your goals and abilities:
Why Set Singing Goals?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Goals give your practice structure and purpose. They:
Provide Direction: Instead of aimless practice, goals help you focus on specific skills or milestones.
Increase Motivation: Progress is a great motivator. Seeing tangible results keeps you inspired.
Enhance Confidence: Achieving a goal, no matter how small, boosts self-esteem.
Build Consistency: Regularly working towards a target fosters discipline.
Need help identifying or refining your singing goals? My personalized coaching can help you uncover your potential and guide you on the right path.
Connecting Singing Goals to Canada Day
Canada Day isn’t just a celebration of history; it’s an ode to aspirations and accomplishments. Much like how Canada’s cultural tapestry is built by people striving for excellence, your singing goals can represent the steps you take to reach your dreams. Think of it as your personal anthem—a tribute to where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
This holiday can also serve as a reminder to embrace the themes of community and celebration. Consider how performing a song on Canada Day—whether at a local event or with friends and family—could inspire your next goal. Imagine standing proudly, much like the performers at Parliament Hill’s iconic celebrations, and letting your voice soar.
Let this Canada Day inspire you to:
Reflect on your vocal journey.
Set new benchmarks.
Celebrate progress.
Looking for guidance on setting those benchmarks? A lesson with me can help you craft goals that align with your vision.
Setting Effective Singing Goals
Here are actionable steps to create singing goals that set you up for success:
1. Assess Your Starting Point
Take a moment to evaluate your current abilities. Record yourself singing and identify areas for improvement. Are you struggling with pitch? Do you want to expand your range? Are there performance jitters to overcome? Understanding your baseline helps in setting realistic and meaningful goals.
To deepen your self-assessment, try singing “O Canada” in its entirety. Note where you feel strain, breathlessness, or difficulty maintaining pitch. This exercise not only connects you to the day’s theme but also provides a clear starting point.
If you’re unsure about where to start, I offer assessments to help pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Use the SMART Framework
Effective goals are:
Specific: Instead of “I want to sing better,” aim for “I want to improve my breath control to hold notes longer.”
Needs tips to control your breathing when you sing? I've got you covered in this blog!
Measurable: Include metrics, like increasing your range by one note within two months.
Achievable: Challenge yourself, but don’t set goals so lofty that they become discouraging.
Relevant: Align your goals with your overall vision, whether it’s performing on stage or recording an album.
Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to stay on track.
Personalized coaching can help you create SMART goals tailored to your aspirations. Book a session today to get started!
3. Break Goals Into Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. For example:
Long-term goal: Perform at a local open mic.
Steps:
Choose and rehearse three songs.
Take vocal lessons to polish your technique.
Practice performing in front of friends.
4. Incorporate Feedback
Seek constructive feedback from vocal coaches, peers, or even your audience. Canada’s national pride comes from collaboration and community—apply this mindset by embracing input to refine your skills.
5. Stay Flexible
Life happens, and sometimes you may need to adjust your goals. That’s okay! Flexibility ensures that temporary setbacks don’t derail your overall progress.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about adjusting your goals, I’m here to guide you through the process.
Achieving Your Singing Goals
Once your goals are set, the journey truly begins. Here are strategies to ensure you stay committed:
1. Create a Practice Schedule
Consistency is key. Dedicate specific times each week to work on your singing goals. Use Canada’s anthem, “O Canada,” as inspiration—its rhythm and flow can serve as a fun warm-up exercise!
2. Track Your Progress
Maintain a journal to document your achievements. Record practice sessions to compare how your voice evolves over time. This not only keeps you accountable but also highlights improvements you might not notice daily.
For instance, try recording yourself singing “The Maple Leaf Forever” on July 1st. Record it again on August 1st to see how much you’ve improved.
3. Celebrate Milestones
Don’t wait until you’ve reached your ultimate goal to celebrate. Recognize the smaller wins along the way. Perhaps you nailed a tricky note or overcame stage fright—these are all victories worth acknowledging.
Looking for help to reach those milestones faster? My lessons are designed to give you the tools and confidence to succeed.
4. Stay Inspired
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration. Listen to your favorite Canadian artists like Céline Dion or Shawn Mendes. Attend live performances or join a local choir to stay connected to your passion.
5. Focus on Wellness
Your voice is part of your body, so taking care of your overall health is essential. Hydrate, rest, and maintain a balanced diet to keep your vocal cords in top shape.
Real-Life Example: From Aspiration to Accomplishment
Let’s take inspiration from the journey of a singer who started with a dream and achieved it through goal-setting. Think of Canada’s own Alessia Cara. Her path from performing covers in her bedroom to winning Grammy awards is a testament to the power of determination and structured effort. While your goals might differ, the process remains universal.
Similarly, consider Sarah McLachlan, who went from performing in small coffee houses to founding the Lilith Fair music festival. These stories show that goal-setting is not just about the destination but the transformative journey that comes with it.
You, too, can make your vocal dreams a reality. Let’s create a personalized plan to help you get there—book a lesson with me today.
Sample Singing Goals for All Levels
Beginners:
Learn proper breathing techniques within two weeks.
Master one simple song by the end of the month.
Practice singing scales daily for two months.
Intermediate:
Increase your range by two notes in three months.
Check out this blog entry to learn how to sing higher notes effortlessly!
Learn and perform three songs from different genres within six months.
Work on stage presence with a mock performance.
Advanced:
Record a professional demo within six months.
Organize and perform at a community event within the year.
Collaborate with other musicians to create an original piece.
Wherever you fall on this spectrum, I can help you refine and achieve your singing goals. Let’s work together to make it happen.
Singing Goals and Canada’s Values
The spirit of Canada Day emphasizes unity, progress, and celebration of individuality. Align your singing goals with these values:
Unity: Collaborate with other singers or join a group to grow together.
Progress: Focus on incremental improvements, celebrating each step.
Individuality: Embrace your unique voice and let it shine.
As Canada Day unites us in celebration, remember that collaboration can enhance your singing journey. Consider joining a community choir or organizing a group performance—an excellent way to combine celebration with progress.
You might also think about singing iconic Canadian songs like Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” or Gordon Lightfoot’s “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” to connect with the country’s rich musical heritage while advancing your goals.
Embrace the Journey
Setting and achieving singing goals is a continuous process. This Canada Day, take a moment to honor the growth you’ve experienced so far. Set new challenges for yourself, embrace the journey, and let your voice soar—just like the countless Canadian musicians who have inspired us all.
Whether your dream is to sing in front of an audience or simply to refine your technique, the key is to stay committed, stay inspired, and celebrate every milestone along the way. Here’s to your vocal journey and to making this Canada Day a harmonious celebration of growth and potential!
Ready to take the next step? Book your FREE consultation with me, and let’s create a roadmap to help you achieve your singing aspirations!
Happy Canada Day!
Valerie Basiten, OCT
Vocal Coach