Here’s a simple fact. Singing makes people feel better. Will it solve all your problems? No. But I mean, honestly, what will? Problems and challenges are just a normal part of life and if we wait until ‘everything’s sorted’ before we act on something we have thought of doing (ie singing lessons) it will NEVER happen. Singing lessons are a bit like having a baby or buying a dog. There are plenty of reasons NOT to and really, and it’s never the perfect time. We all have busy lives and endless things that demand our time money and energy. But sometimes we have to do something for ourselves for no reason other than the fact that we want to. Part of being human is participating in activities that bring us great personal fulfilment and if you’ve put off having singing lessons because you’ve convinced yourself ( I say convinced yourself because it really IS all in your own mind) that you’re too ‘shy’ * too busy or can’t afford it then you’re just creating self sabotaging excuses that are only holding YOU back. It’s not that singing teachers don’t want your business. Of course they do. But that has absolutely nothing to do with you, or your wants, needs and dreams. My clients range from the barely able to sing a note to the total pro. Here’s the surprising thing though. The individual talents and abilities and experiences of my various clients have nothing whatsoever to do with their level of enjoyment and accomplishment. I mean, really, what does Beyonce’s talent have to do with you? Not one thing. So why compare yourself to her? Or to Michael Bubble? Adele? Lady Gaga? They sing because they want to. They love it. It just so happens that they’re very good at it and have received recognition through their musical efforts but there’s no reason to think that they enjoy singing anymore than anyone else, individual ability aside. We sing because it brings us joy and comfort. It’s a way for us to express ourselves. Being a member of a large choir is in no way less valid, exciting or satisfying than being the star of a big broadway show. I guarantee you that YOUR experiences are every bit as valid as anyone else’s, singing included. So my advice is to stop making excuses because you’re only holding yourself back. And you only get one life. I’ve found that people who book lessons and cancel them, repeatedly, usually do so because they like the idea of doing them but talk themselves out of it for whatever reason. My question is this. If they’re not interested in having singing lessons, then why book them in the first place? You would not believe the amount of clients that I have that have put off lessons for years and then when they finally do come along they are more often than not very regretful that they didn’t do them sooner. In the words of Molly Meldrum “Do Yourself A Favour” and stop making excuses and start singing! It’s unlikely you’ll regret it.
* see my previous post about shyness