Using The Power of Your Imagination For Better Singing

There’s a misconception about music, performance and art making in general. (There are many misconceptions actually). For example that you have to be born with a good voice in order to sing or that music is all work and no play (or worse) that it’s all play and no work. As if musicians, dancers, filmmakers, comedians haven’t been honing their skills just as long and in depth as lawyers, teachers, scientists and others. But there’s also a misconception about dreaming. That dreaming  isn’t a worthwhile activity, that it isn’t advisable, practical or useful when it comes to getting things done. But I’m here to say just the opposite. Your visions, dreams and desires matter a whole lot!, especially when it comes to realizing your creative goals. 

Despite the fact it’s often in our “dreams” that we get inspiration for where we want to live, work, how to solve a problem or devise innovative technology, our society often holds strong biases against the power of our imaginations. We tell kids to “follow their dreams” yet criticize adults for being childlike if they continue dreaming. And it isn’t surprising if you take a look at the cultures which do value imagination and dreaming, such as African and Indigenous cultures, that messaging in the West continues to suggest the “primitive” thinking of these cultures. I’m not saying that being an adult doesn't demand a deeper level of responsibility and follow through (because it does) but for just that reason alone adults need spaces to free their imagination and dream their voices into being. 

When I work with singers and sounders I ask them to visualize just as high performing athletes and meditators do. In order to create the experience that they want with their voices I believe it’s crucial to spend time contemplating and reflecting on what it is that they want, how they want it to feel, who does it in a way that touches them and why. This intention can then be spun into the act of singing. Plus there’s a difference between wanting to sing for your pets and wanting to sing for stadiums or wanting to sing for weddings and wanting to record your own album. So as much as you need functional based vocal warm ups, a consistent warm up schedule, music that challenges you and moves you,  you also need to tune into what it is that you desire. That desire will be both a guide for your singing and a confidence builder because you are listening to and validating your inner voice. 

So what dreams and music wishes are you having? Next month on Friday, April 8th from 10a-4p EST I will be offering a virtual voice and movement for you to indulge in all the music making and daydreaming you desire so that you can truly improve your singing. There are still some slots available! For more information or to sign up, email here