Embrace the Lesson to Grow Your Voice

Friday, May 31, 2024 by Alyssa Martin | Mindset, Technique

     My vocal student asked me, “Can we skip singing scales today?” At 9 years old, she is one of my younger and more shy students. However, don't let her age fool you into thinking her parents pushed her into taking lessons. This little being has a plan and a vision. She has a deep desire to express her creativity through singing and performing. In fact, her vision is so specific that it really impressed me.

     In our first lesson, I asked if there was anybody out there doing what she imagined she would like to do... a role model of sorts. Honestly, I expected her to say "Taylor Swift." Instead, she took my iPad and pulled up a video of a girl group performing well-choreographed dancing while singing. The singers were boldly owning their femininity and their talents.  I thought, "Wow, ok... she knows who she is and how she wants to express it!"

The First Step

     Having a specific desire or vision is the first step - ALWAYS.  We need to decide what we want to grow in the garden of our life. Once we do that, we automatically begin to call in what we need to support us - the seeds, the sunlight, the rain. This girl has a clear vision, however, it doesn't mean that reaching her goals is going to be easy.

     For this growth, there are skills she will need to learn, techniques she will need to develop, and obstacles she will need to overcome - mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What Is Needed to Grow

     Shyness and stage-fright are common obstacles. Therefore I address these head on... but I do not harp on these issues. Confidence is a mindset that develops over time with a combination of practice and experience. It's my job to help her recognize and build her courage through our work together.

     Shaky or inconsistent vocals are a factor. So she will need to learn singing techniques and to develop a practice strategy geared to her specific goals. That's where vocal scales come in! Scales are hard work and can be embarrassing. They stretch us beyond our comfort zone just a little at a time, building core strength and expanding our ability.

     As a vocal empowerment coach, if I know a shortcut, I’ll share it! For growth, sometimes the only way up is through. What she can be sure of is that I will provide guidance and support that will make it possible for her to be proud of who she is as she steps forward into who she wants to be. In the end, her part is to soak up the sunshine and the rain, and to embrace the lessons that life sends her way.

     My answer to her request...“Skip the scales? That’s like skipping the lesson!” ♫

#embracethelesson #vocalempowerment #singinglesson