I Hate Practicing

I hate practicing.

I hear this in the studio from time to time, often from very gifted singer/songwriters who've never had singing lessons, or any formal musical training. They come to me because they're getting tired or hoarse during their gigs or on tour, or don't have the vocal chops to really express themselves in their material. I also work with many musical theatre singers with wonderful, natural vocal talent who now find themselves stuck in their careers when they find that natural talent only takes them so far.    

If you played high school or collegiate sports, or studied another instrument, practicing is probably not an issue for you.  But for many singers new to professional voice lessons, practicing may feel daunting and confusing.  The media doesn't help, since it encourages us to believe that becoming a "star" is something that just sort of happens after you get discovered on Youtube.  

The reality is quite, quite different.  If you want to be successful as a professional singer, you'll need elite practicing habits and skills.  As a singer, you are an athlete of both small and large muscles.   And like any professional athlete, you must learn to dedicate a portion of your day to working out and practicing.

The good news is that for the willing and motivated singer, there are practical, doable steps toward developing excellent and enjoyable practicing skills and habits. 

Let's look at the most common concerns regarding practicing:

1.  I don't have time. 

2.  I don't know what to do.

3.  I'm afraid I'll do it wrong. 

4.  I feel annoyed/antsy/irritable/bored when I practice.  

Let's address the first one: 

I don't have time. 

Yes you do.  Your issue isn't enough time, your issue is Time Management.  If you have time every day to look at your smartphone, facebook, twitter, TV, talk to friends on your cell, socialize, then you have time every day to practice.  It's a matter of scheduling your practice times each day, so that it becomes a habit -- like brushing your teeth. 

The Musician's Way, a great website for maximizing your potential as a music artist (www.musiciansway.com), suggests scheduling your first practicing session as soon as you rise in the morning.  Singers usually need at least 30 minutes to get the blood flowing into the muscles of the body and throat, so get some breakfast, brush your teeth, shower, get dressed and then practice for at least 15 minutes.  Schedule this first session as a "must", the way you "must" brush your teeth before leaving the house.  Eventually, it will become part of your morning routine. 

The added benefit of your first practice session is that it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, inspiring and motivating you for the rest of your day.  Start with this one simple step, and you will be on your way to establishing good practice habits.  

More later!  And please feel free to tell us about your practice challenges and successes!