Why Getting Older Is Good For Your Artmaking

When I look at my younger students (in their late teens and early twenties) as they’re beginning their journeys into music, it’s beautiful to witness all that’s open to them but I don’t entirely miss being twenty something. I think part of it is related to being more self-conscious of oneself as people often are at that age. I see my younger students and other young singers and how emotion can sometimes become performative and less authentic. There’s a cool thing about getting older and being an artist. At 46 one of the things that I love about singing is that it’s so easy for me to deeply feel the music. 

Don’t get me wrong when I was in high school playing live shows at The Bitter End, Bond Street Cafe, and Wetlands with my band mates, I had no trouble feeling the music. I was oblivious in the best way that one is in their youth. But I also didn’t have as full a spectrum of feeling as I do now. I also didn’t have the technical know-how that I have at this age. Now I’m much more precise with how I use my voice and express emotion.

So while our society (and industry!) is constantly beating everyone over the heads with the idea of staying young, I want to make a stand for the aging artist. The maturing artist. I’m aspiring towards singers like Betty Carter and Aretha Franklin who kept it going a long time. There is sooo much power in knowing yourself better and being able to express yourself with greater depth. But no matter your age, you can emphasize this within your practice by including a somatic approach to singing. If you would like your voice to continue aging like fine wine, then make sure to sign up for my upcoming Vocal Gym next month, September 11th. Let’s see where technique and expression meet!