4 TIPS for advocating for your singer self.

 In my last blog, I touched on the responsibility we have as singers to advocate for ourselves in the practice room. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.

This week, I want to take that idea a step further and explore how we can advocate for ourselves in all of our vocal interactions—whether that’s during voice lessons, in rehearsals, or with anyone who has authority over our singing journey—teachers, directors, coaches, and beyond.

As singers, we have a great responsibility to show up for ourselves in those moments. To speak up. To ask questions. To not forget OURSELVES.

You are working on advocating for yourself in the practice room….

Let's talk about how we can bring that same self-advocacy into those spaces where we may feel a little more vulnerable—where it’s easy to ignore our own inner wisdom in favor of pleasing others or avoiding discomfort.

Here are 4 TIPS for advocating for your singer self: 

1. Ask Questions & Speak Up
   It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the “expert” knows best, and while they may have valuable insights, you are the expert of your body, your voice, your experience. Whether you’re in a lesson, a rehearsal, or a coaching session, don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t feel right. Ask for adjustments or clarification when something doesn’t feel aligned.

• “What do you mean by that?”
• “I don’t fully understand.”
• “Can you clarify that further?”
• “I need time to process that.”

Those questions, those thoughts are all valid—and necessary—because you’re working to find what truly supports you, not just what gets you through the moment. It’s easy to fall into the habit of deferring to someone else’s expertise, but this is about your experience.

2. Focus on Your Experience

If you are an empathetic type, maybe someone with pleasing tendencies, then it’s easy to leave your body and be focused on the “others” in the room. I’ve worked with so many singers who, when in a lesson or rehearsal, completely forget to center themselves. They forget the real goal, their real intention for why they are there.

Instead, they’re hyper-focused on pleasing the teacher, the director, or the coach. 

And listen, I get it. BEEN THERE! 🙋🏻‍♀️

To avoid this, keep recentering yourself throughout the session. Perhaps imagine a bubble that surrounds you and protects you from your energy leaking.

 Keep asking yourself:
“Does this make sense to me?”
“Do I need further explanation?”

When you focus on how it feels for you, you are taking the time to touch base with your own inner authority.

3. Cultivate Confidence in Your Voice, in your life.
The more you practice self-advocacy in your lessons and performances, the more confident you’ll become in your voice, as well as in other interactions. This is about giving yourself permission to trust yourself, to stand up for your needs, and to use your voice freely, without fear of judgment or perfection. The more you honor your own needs, the more your voice will flourish. Ding ding ding!

4. Know That It’s OK to Take Up Space
Remember that fear of being too loud we talked about in the last newsletter? It can show up in these situations too. Whether it’s a fear of “offending” someone with your sound or worrying that you're not doing it “right,” it’s time to let go of that fear. Your voice is meant to be heard. Let yourself be bold. Let yourself be full. Let yourself be YOU.

The more you show up for your own voice—advocating for it in all these spaces—the more freedom you’ll experience. The more your sound will evolve. The more your confidence will soar.

So, here’s my challenge for you this week:

Next time you’re in a lesson, performance, or coaching session, ask yourself:

• “Am I speaking up for myself when I need to?”
• “Is this serving me and my voice?”
• “Am I staying connected to my inner authority?”

The more you practice this, the easier it will become to feel empowered, to feel safe in your voice, and to create that sense of freedom.

Freedom. You deserve that.

And if you need help infusing your creative practice with more freedom, I have a FREE masterclass for you! Register HERE.