4. Do I Need to Be Fixed?
Absolutely not! There is nothing wrong with you or your voice. Yet, this doesn’t change the fact that most students come to me, hoping I will wave a magic wand and “fix” them.
Oftentimes, they want me to give them a quick vocal trick to mask an issue they have with their voice, (which used to be my approach to coaching long ago before I knew better) instead of addressing the root of their problem. The root stems from where the quality of their sound really comes from (thoughts + feelings).
So, the first step is not addressing what needs to be “fixed.” It’s really about the student shifting their perspective about their voice. When this positive shift occurs, the “problem” naturally fades away, and the student discovers core vocal power. From there they are able to build a solid foundation to being empowered as a singer in all singing environments.
Having said this, I do acknowledge that there is an actual science behind creating a more refined voice; however, in order for that science to work properly, the entire instrument has to be in balance.
Hopefully by now, you understand what I mean by the entire instrument, which is the mind, the soul, and the voice.
Sadly, few vocal coaches have grasped this truth. Most of the vocal training programs available today don’t always work for the singers who study them because those programs only address the voice (outside), while neglecting the thoughts and feelings (inside). In my opinion these vocal training programs are incomplete because they only address 1/3 of the instrument, leaving many singers frustrated because they are not getting their desired results. The first thing to realize is, you want to be singing —or speaking—with core vocal power. In order to do that, refrain from seeing your voice as something you need to fix from the outside, on a physical level. Instead, begin to think of it as something that will transform from within you, beginning with your thoughts and feelings.
When you are in alignment with what you like about your voice, and notice what you do well, it becomes much more free and more apt to cooperate with you. (It’s also good to do this because our brain is naturally wired to do the exact opposite.) If you don’t yet know what your strengths are, spend time finding out. Think about your favorite singers and why you like them. Realize the truth that the qualities you appreciate in others live within you, only they might be less developed. For example, if you feel your favorite singer is “soulful”, then it is more than likely that you have the seed of this quality in yourself or you would not align with it in someone else. Work at developing your valued qualities from the truth of who you are. Align with that truth from within yourself and work at being okay with letting it show.
The beauty of vocal expression is realizing that just like our fingerprint, we each have a unique voice, or “vocal imprint,” which has the potential to leave a powerful impression on the minds and hearts of those who hear it. In short, there is nothing about your expression that needs to be fixed. The secret is in beginning to appreciate your uniqueness, which is on the path to realizing your fullest vocal potential.
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dottodman
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