Why Sing?
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
- George Eliot
Who is your favorite singer? You probably have more than one. We usually define our favorite singers as those who "speak" to us through their music and who inspire us through their expressive abilities and beautiful tone.
Like our favorite singers, most of us have a strong desire to sing. Where does it come from? Actually, music is as innate to humans as language. In fact, there are those who believe that our musical skills actually predate our language skills in evolutionary history. So it's no small wonder why we are attracted to music, and it is even less of a mystery why we are attracted to singing, because it is a very personal "instrument" that is readily available to us.
There are as many reasons for studying voice as there are students who do it.
Those who love singing
Some people simply enjoy singing. They enjoy the challenge and the process of training their voices and improving their expressive abilities. Others sing in a choir, as soloists at church, or in their communities. No matter where you make music, learning to sing can open doors for you and encourage you to take opportunities and fulfill dreams.
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.
- Chinese Proverb
Those who sing professionally
Some work as professional singers, but even the best singers find it difficult to hear their own voices, so they too need guidance to improve their skills.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Those who want to use their voices more effectively and confidently
The development of good voice technique is very helpful to any business professional, regardless of the line of work. Doctors, lawyers, business owners, managers, executives, and financial consultants can all benefit from improved breath control, vocal tone when speaking, posture, and the vocal and physical confidence that comes from working with a good voice teacher. After all, if you can sing in front of strangers in a vocal recital, you can do almost anything.
I've always said the same thing: the only message of art is to enjoy life, to notice that you're alive, to see that there's a world here. That's very clear to the dying, that there really is a life here.
- Warren Zevon
Those who have always wanted to sing or to improve their skills
A significant portion of our students come to us with similar stories: As children, they were told they couldn't sing, sang out of tune, or had a terrible voice and should give up trying to sing. Because these comments came from trusted adults, they often believed what they were told. Not only is this type of behavior discouraging, it is simply inappropriate to say such things to anyone, let alone a child. Anyone who wants to sing should take the opportunity to do so. We are more than happy to work with anyone: beginners, advanced singers, and everyone in between.
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
- Marlene vos Savant
People who desire a personal challenge
Are you looking for a way to spice up your life, do something you've never dared try, or face fear successfully? Despite what you may think, singing can accomplish all of those goals for you. Few things in life can generate as much anxiety as singing in front of a group of friends, family, and strangers, but overcoming that anxiety is a tremendous accomplishment. For the student looking for a challenge, the opportunity to participate in recitals, musicales, and performing groups can help him or her overcome those anxieties and approach singing with new excitement. Once he or she has slain that dragon, all the angst fades away and the exhilarating feeling of a job well done or even a job accomplished, despite the fear, is an amazing feat.
If a thing is worth doing at all, it is worth doing badly.
- Gustav Holst,
on amateur music making
People who want to improve their mental and physical health
Many studies have been done on the healthful effects of music-making and specifically singing. Besides the physical benefits of singing, deep-breath control, improved posture, freeing up the neck muscles, and more vocal power, these studies have shown that the act of simply rehearsing or practicing boosts the immune system. Beyond the physical advantages, the process of improving singing abilities requires a focus on how the body feels and works. Our students often comment that the exercises are very meditative and undertaking voice training allows them more freedom for emotional expression through singing.