With the lack of in-person singing, group singing, and performance opportunities to work toward, the spark has dwindled for many people. With various levels of motivation to practice, it’s important to listen to your body, quiet your mind, and give yourself time for true rest. But sometimes much-needed rest can turn into hiding, lethargy, and inaction due to the deep sadness we’ve all experienced. There is no shame in that.
As things slowly start to open back up, however, it’s important to look toward the future. If you want to be ready and in vocal shape, then now is the time not only to recondition your muscles and build up your stamina, but also to create sustainable practice habits that will help you to maintain the joy of singing for the long-haul - no matter what life throws at you.
Here are some tips to help you spark joy in your next practice session:
Sing What You Love
The number one way to rekindle the joy of practice is by singing meaningful, aligned repertoire that you LOVE. What makes you come alive? Go and sing that! Choose songs and roles with storylines and messages that inspire you and enable you to share a vision of a world you believe in. Choose writers and musical styles that play to your strengths and your essence or that offer a fun challenge. If you’re in a rut, take a break from music you “have” to work on and, instead, sing favorite songs from childhood or music from your list of dream roles.
If you’re singing repertoire that is assigned to you, find something to love about it. Maybe the style isn’t your jam, but you love the lyric. Maybe the piece offers you an opportunity to branch outside of your comfort zone. Or maybe you love the opportunity to be a part of something greater, even if the individual song is meh.
Honor your Energy
Your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day in accordance with your circadian rhythm. Certain times of day are better for different levels of cognitive load, such as planning, creation, administrative tasks, and quiet reflection. Use these natural energy patterns to your advantage by scheduling active practice during energetic peaks and lower energy tasks, such as silent practice, to your dips and valleys. Read When by Daniel Pink and The Energy Clock by Molly Fletcher to learn more.
Embrace a Spirit of Play
Dare to be silly! Have a toolbox of playful exercises ready to go that focus on exploration rather than results. Making toddler sounds can help to free up your voice as a singer. As an actor, following your impulses requires a sense of surprise, so play games that encourage trying something new on every pass. You can also pair vocal exercises with listening and singing along to music for fun. Why not practice deep breathing and hissing along to Lady Gaga or stretching your tongue on a Disney song? Cardio is great for building stamina, so another idea is to practice singing on a treadmill or pumping up some dance music, breathing low, and singing along.
Focus On the Feeling
Concentrate on how it feels, rather than on how it sounds. When you attempt to listen to yourself while singing, you will inevitably judge the sound. Not only that, but you are judging an incomplete representation of the sound. Remember that you cannot accurately hear your own voice due to the physics of bone conduction. Instead, focus on ease, expansion and vocal freedom in your body. Physically align yourself so that your body language is open and your support muscles are buoyantly engaged. It’s easy to fall into perfectionism and comparison and get down on yourself when thinking about the sound. Instead, give yourself actionable tasks to complete, and measure your success based on your physical response. Setting an intention for the feeling you want to experience is a great way to add positivity to your practice. Make feeling joyful or honestly delivering a lyric your goal, rather than going for a specific sound.
Give It Purpose
It’s easier to practice for something when there’s a looming deadline - an upcoming performance, a special occasion, or even a lesson scheduled to work on your material. But what about when your calendar is empty? How do you find a reason to practice?
Creating your own opportunities and deadlines is an option. You could sign-up for a virtual performance or offer your neighbors a porch concert. You could set a goal to record all of your audition material and put it on your website and YouTube channel over the summer. You could participate in a challenge like #onetakewednesday or record all of the Disney Princess songs or learn an entire role or song cycle. You could dedicate the next three months to finally learning how to belt.
You could volunteer to give the gift of song to a senior, essential worker, or family member who could use a lift. You could use art as advocacy, delving deep into the meaning of the song or role you are working on and figuring out how to bring its message to the public. You could flip that and choose repertoire aligns with a cause or mission you believe in and record it to raise money for charity. You could simply sing for pleasure and free yourself from all external results and milestones. There is no right answer, but the important thing is that you give yourself a clear reason to sing.
Are you looking to find motivation, inspiration and joy in your practice? Join me for a FREE Practice Time session on Wednesday, May 19th, where we will get intentional and practice together with the accountability of a supportive group. Everyone who attends will receive a FREE GIFT. The Practice Society, a new group for cultivating purposeful practice in life and art, launches that day. Register here and be the first to know when it goes live!
How do you find the joy in singing? Do you struggle to find the joy? Tell me how you’re feeling, or share a joyful practice tip in the comments below:
