Artist Development Posts, Singing Tips

Why You’re Not Too Old to Start Singing (and why that myth exists)

Let’s start with the truth that will save you years of regret: there is no expiration date on your singing dreams. None. Zip. Nada.

But if you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “I’d love to sing, but I’m too old to start now…” you’re not alone. That little lie has been passed around so often, it feels like a fact. Today we’re going to break it down, expose where it comes from, and then kick it to the curb—because your voice deserves to be heard.

The “Too Old” Myth—Where Did That Come From?

This belief didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s a sneaky mix of cultural messaging, self-image, and the comparison trap. Let’s unpack.

1. Cultural Storytelling

Our culture loves a “prodigy” story—child prodigies, teen sensations, “the youngest ever to…” headlines. It’s great PR, but it leaves the rest of us feeling like if we didn’t start at age five with a spotlight over our crib, the train has left the station.

Reality check: Many professional singers didn’t even find their stride until later in life. The public just likes the drama of the “discovered young” story—it’s not the only story.

2. Self-Image on a Delay

When we imagine “a singer,” most of us see glossy, youthful, maybe even autotuned versions we’ve been shown in magazines and music videos. If we don’t look, sound, or feel like that, we tell ourselves we’re not the type. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be 22 in leather pants to connect with people through a song. Your lived experience gives your voice more power, not less.

3. The Comparison Trap

Scrolling through social media is like comparing your kitchen to a perfectly staged cooking show set. You see the highlight reels of other people’s musical journeys, then look at your own “messy middle” and think, Why bother? The truth is, those people started somewhere, too—probably somewhere awkward and unsure, just like you.

Why This Belief Holds People (Especially Women) Back.

I’ve worked with so many women who have a secret singing dream. And I mean secret—as in they haven’t even admitted it to their best friend. Why? Because they’ve absorbed the “too old” narrative so deeply that it feels embarrassing to say out loud.

The tragedy here is that the dream doesn’t go away. It sits quietly in the corner, tugging at you every time you hear a favorite song. And every year you keep it locked away, it gets harder to imagine letting it out.

(Incidentally - late bloomers are my specialty, so reach out if you'd like to chat about the possibilities. Your secret will be safe with me!)

Real-Life Proof: Late-Blooming Singers.

Still skeptical? Let’s talk examples.

Susan Boyle – She stepped onto a TV stage at 47, shook off the eye-rolls, and delivered a performance that silenced millions.
Sharon Jones – Worked as a corrections officer before launching her professional singing career in her 40s, eventually earning Grammy nominations.
Leonard Cohen – Released his first album at 33 and kept creating music well into his 80s.
Judy Fine - Yeah, that's me! I didn't find my voice until my thirties - didn't become a vocal coach until age 37!

These artists prove that the calendar isn’t the boss of your dreams.

The Upside of Starting Later.

Starting your singing journey now means you bring a few things your younger self didn’t have:

Life Experience – You’ve lived through joy, heartbreak, triumph, and resilience. Those emotions make your singing richer and more relatable.
Clearer Motivation – You’re doing it for you, not to please a parent, teacher, or trend.
Better Discipline – You know how to set goals and stick to them (and how to cut through the noise of a million “quick fix” gimmicks).

How to Bust Through the “Too Old” Block.

Say the Dream Out Loud – Tell someone you trust, “I want to sing.” Just hearing yourself admit it is powerful.

Find a Supportive Environment – Join a beginner-friendly group class or a choir. Or the perfect coach (wink!). Singing is contagious in the best way.

Reframe Progress – Every step counts. Hitting a note today you couldn’t last month? That’s a win.

Your Voice is Waiting.

Here’s the truth: the real reason to start singing now isn’t to become famous, or to prove anyone wrong. It’s because it will light you up inside. It will make life more fun, more expressive, and more you.

You’re not too old. You’re just at a different starting line—and the view from here is pretty great.

So, what are you waiting for? The stage (whether it’s your living room, a coffeehouse, or somewhere bigger) is ready when you are!

Confidence Coaching Posts, Singing Tips

What We Practice, We Perform

When I was a teenager, I had a piano recital in my 80-something piano teacher’s living room. The audience of about 20 was mostly parents and grandparents of the other performers. It was cozy, supportive, and entirely low-stakes—the kind of setting where you’d think nothing could go too wrong.

But then it happened. As I was playing my piece, I got stuck. My fingers faltered, and I couldn’t find my way back on track. Without thinking, I did what I’d always done when I got frustrated during practice: I slammed my hands down on the piano keys and shouted, “Sh*t!”

The room froze. For five excruciatingly long seconds, the only sound was my heart pounding in my ears. The grandparents looked scandalized. The parents avoided eye contact. My piano teacher coughed delicately into her hand. And I wished desperately for a hole to crawl into.

That was my first real lesson in the idea that what we practice, we perform. My outburst wasn’t just a reflex; it was a habit I’d built by reacting that way whenever I got frustrated. And when the pressure was on, that habit kicked in automatically.

This concept doesn’t just apply to artistic performances, though. It applies to life. Stick with me here...

Why Practice Matters:

If we want to respond and portray ourselves a certain way in public, we have to normalize that mindset and behavior in private. When the stakes are high, we don’t have time to consciously decide how to react—we fall back on whatever we’ve been practicing.

Let’s say you want to handle criticism gracefully. If your internal monologue during private moments is a constant loop of “I’m such an idiot” or “Why can’t I ever get it right?” then guess what? That’s what will bubble up when someone critiques you. Instead, you’ve got to practice telling yourself, “Mistakes are how I learn” or “One piece of feedback doesn’t define my abilities.” Normalize that mindset until it becomes second nature.

Or imagine you want to confidently contribute to group discussions at work. If, in private, you routinely downplay your ideas (“It’s probably not that great”) or silence yourself (“No one wants to hear what I think”), then you’re practicing self-doubt. Flip the script. Practice saying, “My ideas are valuable” or “I have unique insights to share.” Do this often enough, and it will feel natural to voice your thoughts in a meeting.

Everyday Examples of "Practicing":

This principle applies to so many areas of life. Here are some situations where practicing positive mindsets can make all the difference:

When being criticized: Instead of practicing defensiveness or self-blame, practice saying, “Thanks for the feedback” and considering it with curiosity.
When making a mistake: Practice replacing “I’m such a failure” with “What can I learn from this?”
When something goes wrong: If you tend to reflexively blame yourself, practice reminding yourself that not everything is your fault—life happens.
When keeping boundaries: Practice phrases like, “I can’t commit to that right now” or “That doesn’t work for me.”
When asking for help: Instead of feeling ashamed, practice saying, “Everyone needs help sometimes” or “It’s okay to lean on others.”

Practice Makes Confident:

What’s the point of all this practice? It’s to ensure that when you’re on autopilot, you’re steering in the right direction. You’re teaching your brain to automatically reach for confidence, self-compassion, and resilience—even in challenging moments. This is what confidence coaching is all about.

For example, if you want to perform with confidence when someone publicly questions your opinion, you’ll need to have practiced believing in your value during quieter times. Or if you want to stay true to yourself when disappointing someone else, you’ll need to have practiced the mindset that you have a right to honor your needs and values.

The same goes for any scenario, from giving a talk to managing conflict. By practicing positive, constructive mindsets in private, you’re building a foundation that will support you when it matters most.

One Last Thought:

If you’re thinking, “But I’ll never get it perfect,” here’s the truth: You don’t have to. Practicing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Every time you catch yourself practicing a mindset or behavior you don’t want, that’s an opportunity to pivot. And over time, those small pivots add up.

So, whether you’re preparing for a piano recital or navigating life’s curveballs, remember: What we practice, we perform. Practice wisely, my friends—and maybe leave the dramatic piano slams for the theater.

Singing Tips, Artist Development Posts

If You’re Not Singing Through the Tough Times, You’re Doing it Wrong

As I write this, the winter holiday season is in full swing. For some, it’s a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for others, the season carries weight—a heaviness that can feel impossible to shake. If you’re in the latter group, you’re not alone. And if you’ve let go of singing during this time, I’m here to remind you why that might not be the best idea.

Our passion for singing is more than a fun hobby or creative outlet. It’s a coping tool. A lifeline, even. It has the power to elevate us, center us, and remind us of who we are at our core—especially during life’s rough patches.

When we’re feeling down, motivation has a sneaky way of disappearing. The very things that once brought us joy, like singing, start to feel like a chore. And the less we do the things that make us feel alive, the harder it becomes to find any spark of energy or inspiration. It’s a vicious cycle: we feel bad, so we stop doing the things that make us feel better, which only deepens the bad feelings.

But here’s the truth: singing through the tough times isn’t just something you can do—it’s something you must do.

Singing Changes Your Energy

There’s science behind why singing feels good. It releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and can even regulate your breathing, calming your nervous system. But beyond the science, there’s something magical about using your voice to create sound. It’s a visceral, human expression that connects you to your emotions and lets you release them in a way words often can’t.

Even if your heart feels heavy, the act of singing can be a reminder that you are alive, that you have power, and that you’re capable of creating beauty, no matter what life throws at you.

Singing Reconnects You to Joy

When life feels hard, joy can seem like a distant memory.

But singing has a way of bringing it back, even if only for a moment. Whether you’re belting out a power ballad, humming a favorite holiday tune, or singing a lullaby to yourself (yes, to yourself), those notes carry more than just melody—they carry hope.

Joy doesn’t have to feel monumental. It can be as small as hitting a note that feels good or letting out a deep breath after a heartfelt chorus.

How to Sing Through the Tough Times

If you’re feeling low and unmotivated, the idea of singing might feel daunting. That’s okay. You don’t have to turn on the stage lights or aim for perfection. Here are a few gentle ways to reintroduce singing into your life when it feels hard:

Start Small: Hum along to a favorite song while doing dishes or taking a shower. No one has to hear it but you.
Pick Uplifting Songs: Choose music that makes you feel a little better, even if just by a degree. Nostalgic tunes or guilty pleasures are great for this.
Sing Your Feelings: Let go of the idea of sounding good and sing what you’re feeling. Sadness, anger, frustration—whatever’s there, give it a voice.
Join Others: If you can, find a group to sing with—a community choir, a church group, or even just a friend over Zoom. Singing with others can amplify the benefits and remind you that you’re not alone.

Let Singing Be Your Anchor

When times are tough, it’s easy to let go of the things that ground us. But that’s when we need them the most. Singing isn’t just about performance or achievement; it’s about connection—to yourself, to others, and to something bigger.

So this holiday season, no matter how you’re feeling, let singing be your anchor. Let it remind you that even in the hardest moments, your voice has power, and you have the strength to carry on.

Because if you’re not singing through the tough times, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful tools life has given you.

Singing Tips

A Singer’s Guide to Fall Nutrition: A Healthy Voice During the Comfort Season

For singers, what we eat can have a direct impact on how well we perform.

Fall’s comfort foods and holiday treats - from Halloween through the new year - can throw a wrench in the works! Between pumpkin spice everything, rich casseroles, and delicious party spreads, it’s all too easy to end up with that dreaded phlegm or less-than-ideal hydration levels. So, let’s dive into some nutrition tips that let you enjoy the season’s flavors without compromising your vocal health.

1. Stay Hydrated with the Right Beverages

Hydration is a singer's best friend, but as the weather cools, we may swap water for warm, comforting drinks. Unfortunately, the caffeine in our pumpkin spice lattes, coffees, and black teas can have a drying effect, which means less moisture for our vocal cords.

Better Choices:

Herbal Teas: Consider teas with ginger, chamomile, or honeybush, which have soothing properties without the caffeine.
Warm Water with Lemon and Honey: This combo is a classic, hydrating drink for singers. Lemon helps cut mucus, while honey soothes the throat.
Soups and Broths: Broth-based soups, especially those with vegetables, are both comforting and hydrating.

Pro Tip: Keep an insulated water bottle with you during the day to remind you to sip water regularly. Add fresh cucumber or mint for flavor without the drying effects of caffeine or sugars.

2. Avoid Phlegm-Triggering Foods Without Missing Fall Flavors

The rich, creamy foods many of us crave in colder months can thicken mucus, which is not ideal for vocal clarity. Cheese-laden dishes, creamy soups, and dairy-based sauces all tend to increase phlegm.

Better Choices:

Almond or Oat Milk Alternatives: Try switching out regular milk for almond, soy, or oat milk, which are lower in dairy content and produce less phlegm.
Spiced Roasted Vegetables: Enjoy the flavors of fall by roasting root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage. They give that comforting, cozy vibe without excess dairy.
Steamed Greens: Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard offer nutrients without the heaviness. Add a touch of olive oil and a dash of lemon to enhance flavor and add a bit of mucus-reducing acidity.

Pro Tip: Use apple cider vinegar as a seasoning in dishes or even sip it diluted with water. It can help cut mucus naturally!

3. Smart Sugar Substitutes for Holiday Baking

Holiday desserts can be a minefield for singers, as sugar often triggers mucus production. Still, it’s hard to resist a good slice of pie or a warm cookie on a cold day!

Better Choices:

Honey and Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners, used sparingly, are less likely to trigger phlegm compared to refined sugar. They also bring in those holiday flavors we love.
Fruit-Based Sweet Treats: Try baked apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of honey. They’re naturally sweet and much less likely to cause mucus build-up.
Dark Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers, opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate—it has less sugar and dairy but can satisfy a sweet craving.

Pro Tip: If you indulge in a sugary treat, follow it up with warm water or a non-caffeinated tea to help wash down any sticky residue that could hang around in your throat.

4. Mindful Snacking During Holiday Parties

I consider Halloween the unofficial kickoff of the fall holiday season. And our holiday gatherings are usually filled with rich and salty snacks that can quickly dehydrate you or produce excess mucus. From cheese boards to rich dips, it’s easy to feel a little weighed down vocally after indulging.

Better Choices:

Nuts and Dried Fruit: A small handful of unsalted nuts paired with dried fruit offers protein and a touch of sweetness without loading you up on phlegm-producing ingredients.
Fresh Veggie Platters: Fresh veggies are a singer’s friend—low in phlegm-producing properties and high in water content. Look for cucumber, celery, and bell peppers.
Fruit Skewers: Opt for fruits like berries, grapes, and apples. Their natural sweetness can satisfy cravings without the extra sugar overload.

Pro Tip: Before diving into holiday treats, grab a glass of water and snack on some veggies. It will keep you hydrated and satisfied before the heavier items tempt you.

5. Boost Immunity Naturally

Fall and winter are prime cold and flu seasons, and a congested or sore throat can derail your singing goals. Boost your immunity with foods that support your vocal health and immune system.

Here are some great examples (but there are others, so do your research):

Ginger and Turmeric: These warming spices have anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep your voice clear and free from irritation. Add them to soups, teas, or curries.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, which supports immunity. Plus, their acidity helps to naturally thin mucus.
Leafy Greens and Red Bell Peppers: High in Vitamin C and antioxidants, these veggies are great additions to salads, stir-fries, or soups.
Omega 3 Fats: This anti inflammatory fat found in foods like salmon, albacore tuna, and sardines will help keep your immune system and overall health strong.

Pro Tip: Start your day with a smoothie packed with spinach, ginger, a slice of lemon, and some berries for a quick, immune-boosting breakfast that supports your singing health.

Wrapping Up

With some mindful choices, you can enjoy all the seasonal flavors and comfort foods without compromising your vocal health and performance. Remember, a hydrated voice is a healthy voice, and by choosing foods that reduce phlegm and support hydration, you’re setting yourself up for a strong, clear, and flexible voice well into the new year.

Happy singing—and happy fall! 🎶

Artist Development Posts, Singing Tips

Is The Way You Practice An Obstacle To Your Singing Dreams?

Is the way you practice an obstacle to your singing dreams?

If you spend a lot of time practicing singing but you don't feel that you're getting to where you want to be, you might be practicing ineffectively.

Check out the 6 common practice snafus that students run into, and make sure you're not falling into the same traps.

You deserve to reach your singing goals. Go get them!

Overexertion without Rest: Singers may sometimes practice excessively without allowing their vocal cords proper rest, leading to vocal strain or even injury. Pushing too hard without giving the voice time to recover can hinder progress and may result in long-term damage, preventing them from reaching their full potential or even pursuing a singing career.
- Solution: Rest and recover whenever necessary, but more importantly, learn to stop pushing yourself before you fatigue your voice. It's okay, even necessary to push your limits, but do this in increments so that excessive recovery time becomes unnecessary.
Poor Technique Reinforcement: If a singer practices without guidance or correct instruction, they might inadvertently reinforce bad habits or techniques. Continuously practicing with flawed vocal technique can limit vocal range, tone quality, and overall performance ability. Without intervention to correct these habits, the singer may find it challenging to progress or achieve their desired level of skill.
- Solution: Technique is king when you're learning to sing. You can't build new and better skills on a shoddy foundation. That's why I created the Singer-Athlete Workout Program. It uses the kinds of exercises, tools, and information I needed to go from average to great singing.
Ignoring Warm-Up and Exercise Routines: Skipping warm-up and exercise routines before practice sessions can be detrimental to a singer's vocal health and long-term progress. Proper warm-up exercises help prepare the vocal cords for the demands of singing by increasing blood flow, loosening muscles, and improving flexibility. Vocal exercises isolate (or should) specific vocal skills to build them in every part of a singer's range - so they can later be enjoyed while singing songs
- Solution: Well... stop not warming up and doing your vocal exercises! If you don't know what warm-ups and exercises to do, checkout the Singer-Athlete Workout Program.
Limited Repertoire Exploration: Singers who only practice within a narrow range of genres or styles may find themselves limited in their versatility and marketability. While specialization is important, neglecting to explore diverse musical genres can hinder opportunities for growth and adaptation to different audiences. It may also limit the singer's ability to collaborate with other musicians or participate in various performance opportunities, thereby constraining their potential career advancement.
- Solution: Try a variety of styles and skills when you do your songwork. Don't be afraid to genre hop and learn from the greats who came before you. BUT don't fall into this next trap...
Copying the Singer Instead of Being the Singer: While emulation is an important element of developing new skills, it is crucial that singers discover their own personal style. Singers who prioritize emulation over exploring their personal artistry may develop bad habits as well as never discover all they can be and what makes them stand out as an artist.
- Solution: Singing along with another singer to learn a new song or attempt to emulate a specific singing skill is absolutely fine. But to develop your own style, you should quickly move to singing with karaoke/instrumental tracks. You an only "be the singer" when you're the only singer.
Singing Through Songs Instead of Working On Song Delivery: If your practice session consists of turning on a song, singing it through to the end, and then turning on the next song, you ARE singing but you ARE NOT practicing. Singing like this is fun, and you should definitely do it from time to time. But this is an ineffective way to improve your skills because you're not actually working on anything.
- Solution: Skills improve through repetition and experimentation. That means, for example, if you sing the chorus of a song and your voice squawks, you need to go back and analyze why. Were you pushing from your throat instead of your core? Did you tense your tongue? Do you simple need to do more head voice exercises? Try the chorus again with extra focus on transforming the possible causes so that you can eliminate future squawks. That's practicing.

Artist Development Posts, Singing Tips

Is Singing Good For You? 5 Reasons Singing Makes You Happier and Healthier

Is Singing Good For You?

There are a gazillion reasons why pursuing any creative passion is a great thing to do. Creative pursuits give your life a sense of purpose and meaning, and shine a light on what's unique and special about you.

Pursuing your love of singing in particular can have numerous positive effects on your overall happiness and health. Here are five ways in which singing can contribute to your overall well-being:

1. Stress Reduction:

Singing, especially when you sing songs that you enjoy, can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Singing also encourages deep breathing, which can activate the body's relaxation response and lower stress hormones like cortisol.

2. Improved Mental Health:

Singing provides an emotional outlet, allowing you to express your feelings and emotions through music. This can be therapeutic and help you process your thoughts and emotions.
Singing songs from your youth can be particularly cathartic and help you remember who you really are.
Participating in group singing activities, such as choirs or singing in a band, can foster a sense of belonging and community, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

3. Enhanced Physical Health:

Singing requires the use of various muscles in your body, including your diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and facial muscles. Regular singing can strengthen these muscles and improve your posture.
Singing can also boost your immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and enhancing overall lung function.

4. Increased Confidence:

Singing in front of an audience, whether it's a small group of friends or a larger public performance, can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As you improve your singing skills, you'll gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in your abilities.

5. Cognitive Benefits:

Learning and memorizing songs can stimulate your memory and cognitive abilities. It requires you to remember lyrics, melodies, and phrasing.
Singing can improve your focus and concentration, as it demands attention to rhythm, pitch, and timing.

You don't need to be a professional singer to experience these benefits.

And don't just take my word for it. Check out this article from Healthline.

Singing can be a joyful and fulfilling hobby that brings happiness and improved well-being to your life in whatever form you pursue it. Whether you sing in the shower, join a local choir, or simply sing along to your favorite songs in the car, the act of singing can positively impact your physical and mental health.

Be sure to check out the rest of voice-your-potential.com if you're ready to pursue your love of singing and reap all the benefits it can bring!

Singing Tips

10 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Be a Better Singer

You may believe you know what to do to be a better singer. But you may be wrong.

At least, many aspiring singers are.

Everyone knows they should practice singing songs. But if that's all (or even, almost all) you do, you are not going to be a better singer. At least, not the way you really want.

Remember, singing is a physical skill. You have to grow it like you would any other physical skill. So, check out the following list of 10 mistakes to avoid, and start moving forward in a way that will REALLY help you be a better singer.

10 Mistakes to Avoid If You Want To Be A Better Singer:

Believing the lie that you have to be born with it: Like I already said, singing is a physical skill. You DO NOT have to be born with it. Sure, some folks are lucky enough to start out with advanced skills. But that says nothing about the skills you can learn to advance over time.
Not setting small, easily attainable goals from week to week: Big successes are the result of many small wins. If you only set one huge end goal, you won't experience the pride and motivation that come from noticeable progress. Set small attainable goals by the week, like increasing your range by a note or two, or holding out longer notes without straining. Small wins = Big successes.
Not warming up: When you love singing, you just want to get right to it. But if you don't warm up today, you won't sing your best today. And if you don't warm up every time you practice, your voice won't stay in a state of limber readiness. The same way your body will stay limber if you stretch it every day, so will your voice.
Not doing vocal exercises: Singing songs is not what improves singing skills. You'll get a little better at that one song, but you won't improve your overall skills. That's what vocal exercises are for. When done right, vocal exercises isolate one or two specific skills that you can work to develop across your entire range. If you stick to doing vocal exercises every time you practice, then when you sing songs, you'll see REAL progress.
Only singing along with other singers: Others recorded singers should only be sung with as a guide to learn a song. The moment you don't need them, even if you might mess up a lyric or melody line, you should begin practicing with karaoke tracks. Singing with the singer fools us into thinking things like pitches, tone, and vibrato are better than they really are. PLUS, as long as you're following the singer, you're not really BEING the singer.
Trying to copy other singers: There is a lot to learn for watching and listening to other singers. You may hear or see things you want to borrow. That's great. But your goal should never be to BE like them. They already exist. We don't need another them. We need you - unique and original you.
Focusing on advanced skills before you're capable of basic skills: You can't run before you can walk. You can't walk before you can crawl. And you can't belt out songs without straining until you've mastered good technique.
Hyperfocusing on technical skills to the detriment of artistry: Technique is super important. But if, when you perform, your primary concern is having perfect vibrato or not messing up a lyric, you're focusing on the wrong things. Your audience would much rather here artistically botched lyrics than zombie-delivered perfection any day. Wouldn't you?
Putting off performance until you're "good enough." Performing makes you a better singer. Period. End of story. If you wait to be "good enough" to practice performing - even just at karaoke night with friends - you will greatly reduce the speed at which you advance. And you'll have a lot less fun, too!
Not getting feedback from the right source(s): I'm sure your mom or your friends think your singing is great. They're probably right. But if you don't get constructive feedback from someone who really knows how to help you move forward, you're wasting time. PLUS, if you have doubts about your abilities, your mom telling you that you're great probably won't convince you on a deep level. It can be scary, but feedback from someone who knows their stuff is the fastest way forward. That's why folks take lessons!

There you have it. 10 mistakes to avoid if you want to be a better singer.

These are the most common mistakes I see from both online students and DIY course-takers.

If you're looking for great vocal exercises and singing tools but you're not sure what's best for your goals and learning style,

consider scheduling a free chat for feedback and guidance

Enjoy and happy singing!

Singing Tips

3 Reasons the Athlete Mentality is How to Get Better at Singing

Do you want to know how to get better at singing?

I see you. Singing in your car. Your living room. You’re pretty sure you have raw talent but... what if you’re wrong? What if you can’t ever figure out how to get better at singing - good enough to become the singer you tell no one that you dream of being?

I’ve been there.

My path to living out my love of singing was long and scenic. But I’m going to use my experience to shorten the road for you. Ready?

In the following paragraphs, I’m going to teach you all about the single most important mindset shift you can make to successfully pursue your singing goals: The athlete mentality.

And I’ll give you 3 reasons that, if implemented, this shift will become the vehicle to your imminent success. Phew! That’s a big commitment I just made to you. But I’m not scared…

What is the Athlete Mentality?

If you want to know how to get better at singing, from this moment on, start thinking of yourself as an athlete.

Approach singing the way an athlete approaches a sport by taking into consideration things like:

Taking care of your body (your instrument).
Keeping a positive, growth mindset.
Having a regular workout routine.

Adopting the athlete mentality was life-changing for me and has since been life-changing for countless students I’ve worked with over the years.

If you haven’t previously considered this approach, it will be life-changing for you, too! Let me explain why…

3 Reasons why the athlete mentality is how to get better at singing.

The bottom line is, singing is a sport.

Here is a definition of the word sport from Oxford Languages:

“An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”

Is that not singing in a nutshell?

Physical exertion
Skill
Competing for entertainment

(Note: You may not be on stage dueling against other singers for a medal, but every time you perform, you’re competing for the accolades of your audience – and if you lose, the venue won’t give you another gig. Singing is absolutely competitive entertainment!)

Each one of these characteristics of a sport is a reason for singers to embrace the athlete mentality.

The athlete mentality builds physical stamina. With the athlete mentality, you’ll build singing stamina without strain or fatigue (four sets tonight? No prob!) and keep that strong healthy voice indefinitely (because, if all goes well, you’ll be singing for decades!). It’s a commitment to a continual growth journey because it’s a lifestyle choice.

The athlete mentality is key to building your technique. Athletes know that any physical skill (including singing) can be improved over time with practice and persistence. It’s the key to reaching greatness. That’s why singer-athletes have a regular workout routine and enjoy seeing the small signs of progress they consistently experience along their path. Instead of “can I get there?” singer-athletes ask, “how will I get there?”

The athlete mentality puts your performance skills on a big-picture trajectory. No single performance (competition) can make or break any part of your journey. Every performance is just another data collection point where you learn from what went well and decide what you’d like to improve upon. The athlete mentality says there are no losses, just learning opportunities. It is about the long game, and the long game is the key to overall success!

How to embrace the athlete mentality.

Some singers find the word “athlete” intimidating. If you are one of those singers, let me ease your mind with some simple suggestions:

Develop or find a regular vocal workout routine and implement it a minimum of three times per week.
Get your mindset on track with these 2 mantras: (1) Progress, not perfection. (2) Learning opportunities, not losses.
Assess your sleep routine and water intake, and start noting how certain foods impact your body and voice (make changes and re-evaluate if/as needed).
Expand your view of your overall goal. It’s not about a single skill. It’s about the complete package of who you are as an artist, how to best express that person, what success will mean for you, what’s getting in your way, etc…

So... Now you know the truth…

The athlete mentality is how to get better at singing – especially if (like me) you were born a mere mortal with an average voice.

I discovered this later in life – and it helped me realize I needed to do more than sing songs in my living room to get where I wanted to be (and I'm not alone with this idea. You can check out Andrew Byrne's article about ways to practice singing as a sport. Good stuff!)

Here's a simple and super effective way to embrace the athlete mentality and become the singer you dream of.

My 10 lesson (with vocal workouts) course is all about becoming a singer-athlete, which is why it's call the Singer-Athlete Workout Program. It's the foundation of Singer-Athlete Membership, and uses all the tools and knowledge I once needed to become the singer of my dreams.

Check it out if you're ready to take charge of your singing dream!

Singing Tips

Your Natural EQ and the Transition Between Head and Chest Voices

If any of you have ever worked with mixing boards or PA systems, you know that by tweaking the EQ, which effects the amount of low, mid, and high frequencies, you can greatly change the quality of sound coming from the speakers. Well, your body has a kind of EQ system of its own, and you can use it to enrich your sound and help conceal your transitions into and out of the head and chest voices.

First off, what do we mean when we say low, mid, and high frequencies?

I’m not going to go too deeply into the study of acoustics – mainly because I’m not qualified to. But on a basic level, understand that the voice, as well as other instruments, creates complex wave forms. What that means is, you create a fundamental frequency while also creating other less detectable frequencies called harmonics and overtones.

The fundamental frequency creates pitch. Harmonics and overtones create the quality of sound, which in music, we call the timbre. Timbre is the reason you can tell the difference between a trumpet that’s playing a G and a violin that’s playing the same G.

It’s also why our voices sound unique. Because we each have physical variations in our vocal tracts: the shape of our mouth, the size of our pharynx, the thickness of the vocal folds. These differences cause some harmonics and overtones to be enhanced or decreased or eliminated, thus creating a different timbre even while singing the same pitch.

When you work with a sound engineer, he or she uses electronic EQ settings in the same way, to reduce or enhance harmonics and overtones and thereby effect the characteristics of your sound.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because I want to encourage you to play around with your body’s EQ settings.

Now, your body’s EQ isn’t as extreme or exact as a piece of electronic equipment. In fact, some might debate whether I should even call it an EQ system. But I want you to think of it that way.

Sing an Ah very low in your range right now. Go ahead. I’ll wait…

Most likely (assuming you REALLY just sang a low Ah), you opened up your throat nice and big to sing that note, which dropped your larynx. Dropping your larynx enhances your low frequencies.

Do it again, this time with your hand on your chest. Do it for real, this time…

You should feel your chest vibrating as you sing that low Ah.

Now, keep your hand on your chest and sing another Ah way up high in your range. This should create much less vibration, or no sense of vibration at all. That’s because lower frequencies vibrate in your chest. I’m not saying that the sound itself resonates down there in your lungs, just that your body experiences those low vibrations in your chest.

In the same way, we tend to experience the vibrations of higher notes in the nose and the nasal cavity behind it. The nasal cavity is not a significant resonating chamber for the voice, but we experience a greater vibration in that area when we sing up high.

Sing another Ah up high in your range, but this time, smile big – with your top row of teeth exposed.

Most likely, singing the high Ah this way effected the quality of the sound compared to the first high Ah you sang, and helped you experience more vibration behind/through your nose (if not, try it again and see if you can create more vibration up there).

I’m not saying that you “placed” the sound of this high Ah inside your naval cavity (as some teachers put it), but because of the way you changed the shape of the mouth, your highs were enhanced, and you experienced a greater vibration in that area. That’s the “feeling experience” you want when singing a strong vowel higher in your range.

Mid frequencies usually create a smaller vibration in both areas, as well as in the back of the throat.

When I start low and vocally slide up to the very highest notes of my range, the feeling experience begins with a strong vibration in my chest. As I approach the mid part of my range the vibration seems centered at the back of my throat, which I’m sure to keep nice and open so the mids can be enhanced. As I continue upward in pitch, I begin to stretch the roof of my mouth and the vibration begins to feel focused there and in my nasal cavity.

If you repeat this slide through your range while intentionally focusing on the feeling experiences I described, you should reach a point where you can slide with no detectable “flip” into and out of your head voice.

When trying to help my students open up their sound, I often tell them to imagine the sound vibrating inside their chests for low notes, in the back of their throats for mid-range notes, or behind/through the nose for high notes. That imagery almost always catalyzes the necessary physical changes to get a full tone throughout their ranges.

But there is an even more useful way to use this imagery.

Despite artistic reasons to sometimes do the opposite, in a general sense, we want our head voice to have a timbre that matches our chest voice. So, here is something for you to experiment with to that end:

Do you remember how the inside of your mouth felt when you sang that high Ah while smiling? Do it again, if need be, to notice how it feels. Then, try to incorporate that inner mouth position (some call it an “inner smile”) into your low notes. While you do this, imagine the sound vibrating inside your nasal cavity. Vary the position to see what changes in timbre you can create while singing low.

What we’re doing here is trying to add “highs” to your low notes by activating the area in your body where highs are experienced.

Now sing a low Ah and pay attention to how it feels in your throat. Then, position your throat as though you’re going to sing another low Ah (larynx dropped) but sing up high in your range. As you do this, imagine the sound vibrating inside your chest.

Now we’re thickening your head voice timbre by activating the area where low frequencies are experienced.

Meanwhile, if you’re moving up through your mid-range on the way to your head voice, be sure that the back of your throat is open to fully experience the vibration passing through that area as it travels from the chest to the nasal area.

It takes time and testing to calibrate what positions work best for you, and in what situations.

Just know that the overall goal is to add highs to your chest voice and lows to your head voice. The more you do this, the less distinct each part of your range will be, and the better you’ll be able to conceal your transitions between head and chest voice.

Time to hit the lab for experimentation. Good luck!

Singing Tips

Why Does My Voice Crack?

We vocal coaches get this question a lot. A lot.

There’s a simple answer: Tension.

But simple answers and easy solutions aren’t the same thing. Once you recognize that tension is the culprit, you have to figure out the source of the tension and then retrain yourself to sing without it. Since I can’t hear or watch you sing to give you first-hand feedback, I’ll discuss the common causes of singing with tension. Then, in the video below, I show you a couple of ways to work out the tension that’s interrupting your song delivery.

Some common causes of vocal tension:

Mistaking Volume for Passion: When singers reach the most passionate portion of a song, they often attempt to express the intensity of emotion with volume. Passion can increase volume, but they are not the same thing. Instead of getting louder, intensify your story-telling by feeling the emotion of the words, and let the volume happen naturally – if it’s going to happen.
Frustration/Impatience: It seems that newer singers often feel good singers always sing great. Even on a first try of a new song. It’s just not true. Because of this mistaken belief, singers who don’t immediately nail a song can get frustrated, sometimes berating themselves and thinking things like, I’ll never be a singer! This negative self-talk alone will tense a body, but add the sometimes maniacal insistence to “make the song work” in one practice session and you get more and more tension, leading to a worse and worse performance. If you do this, STOP. Take a break. Not only is singing a journey, but each song you work on is a journey, too. Don’t be a jerk to yourself and let the progress unfold.
Tilting your head back: Just about every singer at some point tilted his/her head back while singing higher notes. It’s some kind of human impulse. When you do that, the muscles at the front of your neck have to engage to keep your head from falling backward. I’ve been able to help some students immediately release tension in their singing just by having them lower their chins. Try it!
Consonants: I don’t mean to sound judgey but consonants are troublemakers. It’s easy to sing open vowel sounds all day long but then words like “ground,” and “quick,” and “watching” come along and ruin it all with those throat-closing, airflow-stopping consonants. If consonants are getting in your way and contributing to voice-cracking tension, you’re going to have to find ways to alter your pronunciation of them unnoticeably to keep a more open position in your mouth. Or you may just need to jump off of them faster and stay on the vowel sounds longer before getting to the consonants at the ends of words. Experiment with it.
A Weak Practice Routine: Yup. I said it. If your voice frequently cracks or shows other signs of tension (gets fatigued easily, for example), there’s a good chance that you have either no vocal workout routine, not a strong enough workout routine, or not a consistent enough workout routine. You may be sick of hearing me say it, but singing is a sport. You have to work out your voice if you want your best athletic performance. End of story. Enough said.

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