Singing Tips

Is It Too Late to Sing (at 40, 50, or Beyond)?

Short answer? No.

Longer answer? Still no — but you may have to stop comparing yourself to a fourteen-year-old on TikTok first.

One of the saddest myths I hear from adults is: “I should have started younger.” Usually this is followed by a quiet little confession:

“I’ve wanted to sing my whole life.”

That sentence carries a lot. Grief. Regret. Embarrassment. Sometimes even anger at themselves for waiting so long.

But here’s what I wish more adults understood:

Learning to sing later in life is not some watered-down version of the “real” experience. In many ways, adults actually bring advantages kids simply don’t have yet.

Adults Don’t Learn Worse — They Learn Differently

Kids tend to learn through imitation, repetition, and fearlessness. They experiment without overthinking every little thing.

Adults want to understand things. You want context. Explanation. Logic. You want to know why something works. That’s not a weakness. It just means your brain processes learning differently now.

Adult students are often more intentional, more observant, and more emotionally connected to what they’re trying to do. They may have less time to practice but do it with purpose (instead of making noise for three hours and accidentally improving).

The challenge for adults usually isn’t ability. It’s self-consciousness.

Adults tend to carry decades of:

Criticism
Comparison
Perfectionism
Fear of looking foolish
Stories about who they're "allowed" to be

A child sings badly and keeps going.

An adult sings badly once and decides it’s evidence they should never try again.

That’s the real hurdle.

Emotional Maturity Is a Superpower in Singing

Your life experience matters. A technically perfect singer with nothing real to say will almost never move people the way an emotionally connected singer can.

Adults often bring:

Emotional depth
Storytelling ability
Empathy
Vulnerability
Nuance
Lived experience

You’ve loved people. Lost people. Reinvented yourself. Survived hard things. Buried dreams. Found new ones. That changes how you communicate music.

Singing is about communication far more than it is about technical perfection.

Some of the most compelling singers in the world are not the most technically flawless. They’re the ones who make you feel something.

That ability grows stronger with age, not weaker.

The Quiet Disappointment So Many Adults Carry

I’ve worked with adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond who secretly believed they “missed their chance.”

Sometimes they wanted singing lessons as kids but were told things like:

“You’re not talented.”
“Be realistic.”
“Focus on something practical.”
“Not everyone gets to do that.”

Sometimes life simply happened: careers, children, caregiving, survival mode, exhaustion. And somewhere along the line, they quietly filed singing away under: “Maybe in another lifetime.”

That disappointment is real.

Not because everyone secretly wanted a record deal. But because humans need expression. We need places where we feel alive, playful, emotional, creative, and free.

When people bury that part of themselves for years, something inside them often starts to feel muted.

Why Starting Now Still Matters

One of my favorite things about adult students is this:

When they finally give themselves permission, they don’t take it for granted.

There’s a kind of courage in starting later. You’re not doing it because your parents signed you up. You’re doing it because some part of you refuses to fully die.

The goal doesn’t have to be fame.

Maybe singing becomes:

Your stress relief
Your creative outlet
Your confidence practice
Your social connection
Your rediscovery of self
The thing that reminds you you’re still growing

Maybe it becomes the hour every week where you stop being everyone else’s employee, parent, partner, caretaker, or problem-solver.

Maybe it becomes proof that your life is not over just because you’ve reached midlife.

I think a lot of adults are less afraid of learning to sing than they are afraid of wanting something again. Because wanting something means admitting you’re still hopeful. But hope is never embarrassing.

Being alive enough to still want things is actually beautiful.

So if you’ve been waiting for permission to start? This is it.

You are not too old. It's not too silly. Your voice has no expiration date.

Wanna see what's possible? Check out Allie's Story.

Artist Development Posts, Singing Tips

Your Voice, Your Year: Setting a Singing Goal for 2026 That Feels Exciting, Not Overwhelming

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes our dreams feel a little more reachable. We sharpen our pencils, open fresh planners, and think about what we really want to accomplish.

But here’s the thing about singing goals: they have to light you up — not weigh you down.

Too often, people set a giant, intimidating goal (“I’m going to release an album by July!”) and then get crushed under the pressure. When it comes to singing, the magic happens when your goal feels doable, joyful, and just challenging enough to make you proud.

Whether you’re a total beginner, a lapsed singer, or someone secretly dreaming of a stage moment, 2026 could be the year you give your voice a starring role.

Step 1: Decide What “Success” Looks Like for You.

One of my favorite parts of coaching singers is watching the moment when they realize their version of success counts. It’s not about comparing yourself to anyone else. Your singing goal might be:

Learning one song and singing it for your best friend without feeling your knees shake.
Recording yourself singing in your living room and sharing it with your sister.
Joining a community choir.
Singing at an open mic for the first time.

If it excites you and feels like it could be fun, it’s worth putting on your calendar.

Step 2: Make It Gentle — Break It into Small Wins.

In my six-month Artist Development Coaching program (my “everything” package for singers who want a transformation from the inside out), we break big dreams into bite-sized action steps. Why? Because overwhelming goals are like shoes that are too small — you can force yourself into them, but you’ll quit halfway through the day.

You can build a bite-sized plan for yourself, too. Here’s what a gentle plan might look like for you in the beginning:

Month 1: Explore your voice without judgment, hum to your favorite songs in the car, find vocal warmups/exercises online to create your own basic workout routine.
Month 2: Take your first vocal lessons to learn the basics of breath support and tone, and up your vocal workout routine.
Month 3-4: Start learning 1 or more full songs you love - not to just to sing along, but to carry them yourself with a karaoke track. The goal is to experiment BEING the singer instead of FOLLOWING the singer. If you get off, go back to practicing along with the singer until you feel ready for karaoke tracks again.
Month 5-6: Share your voice with someone. A friend. A partner. And build yourself up to taking that friend or partner (or both) to a karaoke night (so they can cheer your accomplishment on).

The key is momentum, not perfection. Every small win builds confidence — and confidence is the best vocal fuel there is.

Step 3: Support Matters More Than You Think.

If you’ve ever tried to go it alone and found yourself stalling, you’re not broken — you’re human. Having a coach or a community keeps you accountable, inspired, and learning faster.

Vocal Coaching: The fastest and most direct way for singers at any level to improve skills and find a supportive mentor.
Community Choirs: Perfect if fear of judgment is your biggest hurdle because being in a group takes the soloing pressure away. Over time, you can stretch yourself and audition for a solo part in an upcoming performance.
Open Mics or the Karaoke Circuit: These are less formal avenues to build your skills and confidence, and even better, to find a supportive community of singers. This doesn't replace vocal technique, but performance prep on a regular basis is motivating and satisfying.

The right support system means you don’t just set the goal — you actually get there.

Step 4: Keep It Fun (Yes, That’s Allowed).

One of my personal rules as a coach is that singing should never feel like punishment.

This is your creative space — your playground.

Yes, you’ll have moments where you’re working on technique or pushing through a tricky note, but the overall vibe should be curiosity and joy.

Celebrate little milestones along the way. Did you hit that high note once in the kitchen? That’s a win. Did you finally stop clenching up before a tricky phrase? Another win.

Step 5: Put It in Motion Now.

Make 2026 your year. The best time to start is when the idea still feels exciting.

Here’s your 2026 singing goal starter kit:

Write down what success will look like for you by this time next year.
Choose one tiny step you can take this month.
Tell someone you trust.
Celebrate every micro-win (they add up faster than you think).

Whether your dream is to sing one song in front of your family, post your first singing video online, or start seriously developing your artistry, the right goal and the right plan can make it happen without overwhelm.

Singing Tips

Holiday Stages: How to Share Your Voice with Family and Friends Without Freaking Out

The holidays are close — twinkly lights, cookies in the oven, and… the inevitable moment when someone says, “You should sing something for us!”

If the thought of sharing your voice in front of family, friends, or strangers makes your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned performers feel that little jolt of stage fright before they open their mouths. But here’s the thing — holiday singing doesn’t have to be about pressure, perfection, or proving anything.

It can be low-pressure, high-reward fun.

Whether you’re thinking about singing at a holiday gathering, testing the waters at a local open mic, or posting a festive video online for loved ones, there’s a way to do it that feels empowering instead of terrifying.

Let’s break it down...

1. Start Small and Familiar.

The holidays are not the time to debut that power ballad you’ve never been able to nail past the first chorus. Choose something you love, something you can sing comfortably even if you’re distracted by your aunt asking if you’ve tried the spinach dip.

The best choices:

Songs you’ve sung for years in the car or shower
Tunes that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside
Pieces you can hum in your sleep without breaking a sweat

Your comfort with the song will do 90% of the work in calming your nerves. Plus, it lets your personality shine instead of you being locked in a mental battle with high notes.

2. Rehearse… But Keep It Fun.

This is not your audition for Broadway. Practice enough so the song feels like second nature, but keep the vibe light.

Ideas to make rehearsal fun:

Sing while baking cookies (bonus points for dramatic stirring during the chorus)
Record a silly practice video just for yourself
Try singing it in different “holiday voices” — think “Elf,” “Santa,” or “dramatic snow queen”

The point isn’t perfection. The point is to build muscle memory so your voice knows what to do even if your brain is screaming, “What are you doing?!”

3. Set the Scene for Success.

Your “stage” doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, the more you set things up for comfort, the better you’ll feel.

At a family gathering: Position yourself where you can see friendly faces. Avoid standing directly under bright overhead lights that make you feel like you’re on trial.
At an open mic: Bring a friend who cheers loudly for you (this makes strangers cheer, too).
For a video: Pick a cozy spot you love — your holiday tree in the background, a mug of cocoa in hand.

These little details tell your nervous system, “This is safe. We’re good here.”

4. Rethink the Goal.

Here’s the secret: your performance is not about impressing anyone. It’s about connecting.

When you sing, you’re giving people a memory.

Maybe you’re reminding your grandma of a song she loved as a child. Maybe your niece will always remember that one Christmas when Aunt Judy sang her favorite tune.

Even posting a holiday song video online is less about “likes” and more about sharing a piece of joy that lives on long after the moment passes.

5. Breathe, Smile, and Go for It.

The last few seconds before you start singing are the scariest. That’s when the “what if I mess up?” gremlins show up.

Here’s your counterattack:

Breathe in slowly for four counts, out for six counts (this signals your body to chill out)
Smile — it relaxes your jaw and instantly helps your tone
Remember: Your only job is to enjoy this. Not to be flawless. Not to sound like the record.

Most people are not listening for mistakes; they’re soaking in the moment. And if you do mess up? Laugh, keep going — that’s part of what makes live music so human and lovable.

6. Celebrate After.

When you finish, don’t just brush it off and say, “Oh, it was nothing.” It was something.

Soak in the smiles and applause (or the flood of “love this!” comments if it’s online).
Treat yourself — yes, even if you think you could have done better.
Acknowledge the courage it took to step up.

Confidence grows when you recognize your own bravery.

Final Thought:
The holidays are about connection, tradition, and joy — all things that music delivers beautifully. Sharing your voice is one of the most generous and memorable gifts you can give the people in your life.

So this season, whether you’re crooning by the fireplace, belting out “Jingle Bell Rock” at an open mic, or sending a heartfelt video across the miles, remember: you’re not just singing a song...

You’re giving a piece of yourself. And that’s worth celebrating.

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.

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 (& Why the Goal is Progress Not Perfection)

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 critiqued: 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 performance 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 won't. 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 to a new normal. But never perfection.

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.

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.

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 Single Introductory Lesson to find out what's really possible for you.

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.

The Singer-Athlete Workout Program. My method for teaching mere mortals to become incredible singers. All the tools and knowledge I once needed to become the singer of my dreams gets passed on to you. My students have access to online practice rooms to work at become great singer-athletes between our weekly lessons.

If you're ready to become a singer-athlete, try a single introductory lesson to learn what's really possible.

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!

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