Too obvious? Seriously though, did you click? I can't think of a better way to open a dialog on how procrastinating applies, so let's use that fabulous callback audition for The Voice you have tomorrow morning as our example. {real story!} Tomorrow!!! What did you say? You've never had voice lessons and you thought this was a good time to start? Hmm, the idea that you'll assimilate years of knowledge in sixty minutes or less makes me have to do my whaaa? face. Don't make me do it. Yeaaah----No!
Too late, made you laugh. That would be Naya Rivera as Santana, of course. Back to my point, let's talk real. Taking one voice lesson before an audition or callback may provide too much information without time for you to process it in your bones. That's right, that's the technical term for the amount of preparation and practice it takes to feel confident, perform like a star and learn how to produce a more sustainable, healthy sound. So, there you sit at your Big Chance audition, leg pumping nervously while you involuntarily gaze at every calm individual in the room, hoping some of it rubs off on you. Instead of killing it at the audition, one more Chance gets killed. Dreams get destroyed, cats and dogs sleeping together, the end of the world as we know it, but wait! It can all be prevented.
Too harsh? Not really, and I'm saying this because I'm far too familiar with the effects of procrastination, first hand. I'm not saying it because I'm perfect. That would be a ridiculously silly claim. As a young singer, I made my share of mistakes regarding my voice. As a voice teacher, I'd like to spare other vocalists the agonizing outcomes a lack of preparation delivers on so many levels. Ask me later how I destroyed my voice putting off vocal lessons, even though my throat was hurting after shows. Better yet, ask me how learning vocal technique helped me rebuild my voice to be stronger, faster and able to leap through octaves in a single bound.
Too fast. When it comes to knowledge, if it came too fast, it's not gonna last. You can change your voice and your can change how it feels to sing. That cognitive change helps develop the confidence needed to shine on the stage or audition room, not just sing. My best advice is to get started now if you want more information and control over how your vocal instrument works, so that you have more time to let new data soak into your brain {yup, another technical term there}. Allow time for your neural network to build new pathways, and time for the muscles to develop so that you can produce a more easily sustained tone built on a foundation of healthy vocal habits.
Too cool! Look, procrastination can be a good thing if you're putting off eating that doughnut so your heart can enjoy that work out, but for most other activities in our lives it's practically considered a dirty word and mom is so gonna wash your mouth out with soap! So here are a few simple tips on how to start moving any project in your life:
Limit your time – Setting aside an hour may seem too daunting so start working on your project for a minute or two first thing in the morning. Move on & return later.
Be nice – Give yourself reminders, not criticisms.
Be patient – When you're trying to change habits, allow yourself time for muscles and mind to adjust to the new habits. Notably everyone’s toughest challenge, by the way!
Be persistent - Continuously bring yourself back to your project to regain focus, throughout the day.
Regardless of what new goals you set for yourself, singing lessons or otherwise, please remember to give yourself permission to start slow, build momentum and develop the skill set to continue your journey. Remember to enjoy the journey and have FUN!
I frequently help singers prepare for their auditions and performances. If you have an upcoming audition and need a vocal professional to help you prepare, I’m here for you. Please connect with me and ask any questions about voice lessons!
Let’s get productive!