Why Sing - Students' Reasons

These are actual reasons given by people who contact me about taking voice lessons:

• I love to sing and sing all the time
• I want to learn to sing better
• I love to be on stage
• I want to expand my range
• I want to learn better breath support
• My voice cracks when I go for high notes
• I want to audition for shows (school, community theater, Broadway, opera)
• I’ve got an audition coming up and want help getting ready
• I lose my voice after our shows. What am I doing wrong?
• I write songs and I want to be comfortable enough with my voice to be able to perform them for an audience
• I want to be able to sing with more feeling and meaning
• I want to learn to read music
• I've been told I have a good voice and should take lessons
• I've been told I'm singing wrong and should take lessons
• I was told I was tone deaf as a child but I really want to sing. Do you think I can learn? (99.99% of the time the answer is "Yes!")
• I have something important to say though my music, but don't know how to start
• I've been told nobody can't understand the words I'm singing. Can you help? (Yes!)
• I’ve never sung but I’ve always wondered if I could
• I'm getting married and I want to be able to sing a special song at the reception
• My husband knows I like to sing, so he bought me this gift certificate for a month of lessons
• I've been going through some tough times lately and wanted to do something for myself
• I want to be able to sing lullabys to my grandsons
• They really like me at the karaoke bar
• I want to be famous
• I was flipping through the new phonebook and saw your ad
• I was watching American Idol and thought, I can do that. I just wanted to find out if I really can.
• I've been taking guitar lessons and want to be able to sing while I play
• I’ve always wanted to join the church choir/community choir but I’m shy about my voice
• I got a part in a show and I want extra coaching
• I’m in a band and we’re getting ready to record our next CD
• I want to be an really excellent singer and performer
• Learning to sing is on my list of “100 Things to Do Before I Die”

©2007 Kay Pere ~ Effusive Muse Publishing

Why Sing - Reasons to Continue

This list of the reasons reasons people continue to take voice lessons is based on observations made during many years of teaching as well as things verbalized, occasionally, by students:

• Singing is important to me so I find ways to make it happen
• The joy of singing sustains me
• Someone close to me is or has been supportive of my efforts
• I have a mentor who I respect
• I’ve learned that practice, preparation, patience and persistence bring positive results
• I actively seek out ways to enjoy using my voice
• I don’t take either praise or criticism too personally
• I work to be my best, but know that I don't have to be perfect to bring enjoyment to myself or others through my voice
• I’ve seen that disappointments happen to everyone
• When I encounter setbacks, I know that other opportunities will come along
• I believe there is a place for me and my abilities in the world

©2007 Kay Pere ~ Effusive Muse Publishing

Why Sing - Stopping Lessons

Life happens. Priorities change. Here are some of the reasons given by students who decided to stop taking voice lessons. There seem to be more reasons one can find to stop than to continue on. Even success requires new choices. I commend those who continue toward their goals despite obstacles.

• I tried out for a show and made it. I’ll be busy with rehearsals
• Baseball, basketball, ballet, soccer, whatever is starting next week
• My band is going on tour
• The girls at the karaoke bar tell me I’m great. What do you mean I’m not matching pitches?
• My mom/dad/I got a new, demanding job and our schedule has changed
• I’m not feeling strong enough to deal with constructive feedback right now
• We’re moving to Hawaii in two weeks
• My mom just had a baby
• My dog just had puppies
• I’m moving to New York City to be closer to the action
• My successful audition helped me to get into the college of my choice
• We’re buying a new house and won’t be able to afford lessons anymore
• The price of groceries, rent, electricity and gas to fill the car keeps going up
• My grandpa/grandma, dog/cat/pony died and I’m too sad right now to sing
• Someone in my family is really sick
• One of my parents lost their job
• I want to spend more time with my friends
• I need more time to play
• I took 3 lessons and my voice isn’t starting to sound like my favorite singer’s yet
• I'm only interested one style of music
• I’m stressed out trying to get good grades
• I'm stressed out just trying to keep up in school
• I'm stressed out at work
• There's too much fighting and noise at home
• I didn’t plan time for practicing
• I don’t want to do vocal exercises
• I tried out for a show and didn’t make it. I’m giving up.
• It irritates my dad if I practice after he gets home from work, but that’s the only time I have
• I want to be famous and lessons aren't making it happen as quickly as I thought
• I just need a break for a while
• My car needs major repairs
• I'm going back to school in the evenings so I can get a better job

Even if taking lessons is not possible, for one reason or another, I encourage everyone to continue singing whenever they get the chance. One does not need a teacher's guidance or permission to enjoy the expressive power of song. Turn up that radio! Dust off those old LPs, CDs, or your iPod, and sing along! Don't worry what the neighbors might think. Perhaps they will be inspired by your boldness to do some fearless singing of their own.

©2007 Kay Pere ~ Effusive Muse Publishing

Purpose

In this space you will find articles on vocal development, goal setting, performance and recording studio techniques for singers, and reflections on my experiences working with a wide variety of singers in workshops and private lessons.