5 things I’d never do as a singer ❌

 

Or should I say these are 5 things I’ve done and wish I hadn’t. 😂

 

We live and learn 🙋🏻‍♀️ and these are 5 mistakes I’ve made and have grown from.

 

 

As a singer, the journey is full of triumphs and oopses, but each misstep offers valuable lessons that shape our growth.

 

 

As I reflect on these experiences, I can’t help but appreciate the lessons I’ve learned and how they were gifts. 

 

 

I learned a lot from each of these 5 specific lessons and I’m excited to share with you the importance of avoiding these 5 common mistakes:

 

 

 

#1 Listening back right after a performance

 

 

It’s so tempting!! 

 

 

You’ve got the recording, and you want to hear how it went. I mean, you kind of have an idea in your head, but you want confirmation.

 

 

The only thing is…it’s too raw, you’re too close to it. 

 

 

Your inner critic will be on HIGH ALERT and you won’t be able to listen with the full picture in mind, you’ll only be able to hear the perceived flaws. 

 

 

Do yourself a favor and wait couple of days. 

 

 

And when you do, make sure you are listening with loving, compassionate ears, like you are listening to a best friend sing. 

 

 

I have A LOT of thoughts on this topic! Here is another post for more info.

 

 

 

#2 Saying yes to a project that feels completely out of alignment with your values as a singer.

 

 

There is a voice within all of us that is subtle, it’s harder to hear- call it your intuition or gut feeling. 

 

 

It’s different from fear, different from the negative voices. 

 

 

It’s your inner truth. It will never lead you astray. 

 

 

There are times when you might be afraid to say yes to something for fear of how you’ll do. That is different than that tug inside that says, “This is not in alignment with my artistic values and what my heart is longing to express!”

 

 

In order to tell the difference you have to get clear on the different voices chiming in. (If you want help with that, I’m currently offering a FREE masterclass!)

 

 

#3 Starting a warmup without doing an SOVT exercise first.

 

 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a singer is the value of starting my warm-up routine with Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercises. 

 

 

These exercises—such as lip trills, tongue trills, or oooooing through a straw—are essential and a powerful way for prepping the voice in a healthy and effective way.

 

 

I only recently discovered them, about 10 years ago. When I first incorporated them, my mind was blown.

 

 

My voice had never felt as smooth, connected, or balanced.

 

 

Why are they so amazing?

 

 

• They promote a more efficient use of your air. 

 

• They gently warm up your vocal cords and surrounding muscles without putting too much strain on them. 

 

• They help focus your sound and reduce excessive airiness, leading to a clearer and more focused tone. 

 

• They help to bring the experience of the sound to a higher place; to a higher resonance. 

 

• They also help reduce vocal fatigue. 

 

• AND they encourage your vocal folds to work together in the most optimal way. 😸 

 

 

I never skip this step—it’s non-negotiable for me.

 

 

My voice never feels as good as it does when I’ve started with SOVT exercises. FULL STOP. (Don’t forget, your Joyful Singing Starter Kit has a “How To SOVT” warmup in there! If you don’t have that already, download it for free HERE.)

 

 

 

#4 Learning a song from a recording.

 

 

I remember in college obsessing over several singers I loved. I would listen to them over and over. I ended up singing a lot of the songs they sang.

 

 

The trouble was that when I went to sing those songs, it felt off.

 

 

It didn’t feel right.

 

 

The problem is that when you get someone else’s voice in your ear, you’ll always hear the other singer and no matter what you do it will feel wrong because you don’t have THEIR voice. 

 

 

You will constantly be comparing yourself to their way of doing it, and it will never feel like your version.

 

 

 

The truth is, every voice is unique. 

 

 

When you try to replicate another singer’s style, you’re not giving yourself the space to find your own artistic expression. 

 

 

I’m not saying we can’t ever listen to other singers. I love hearing all the ways songs are realized, but I try to take inspiration from different versions, try to not get attached to any one, and then interpret the song through my voice, my feelings, my artistic leanings. 

 

 

This not only makes the song feel better, but it also allows for my authentic stamp.

 

 

 

 

#5 Pushing my voice when it’s really tired.

 

 

This is especially hard if you’re on a job. But only you know your limits, and it’s better to mark, not sing full out, when you know you’ve reached your edge. 

 

 

Save it for the performance, or call out if you need to.

 

 

I’ve learned that it’s better to take a step back rather than pushing through and risking injury. 

 

 

Your voice is your tool, and it’s your responsibility to care for it. 

 

 

If you’re not feeling 100%, it’s okay to adjust. 

 

 

It’s important to advocate for yourself and say no when it is warranted.

 

 

 

 

The journey of being a singer is full of lessons, and much of it comes from trial and error. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I’ve learned so much from each one. 

 

 

I’m grateful for the insights they’ve given me. 

 

 

If you’re a singer, or if you’re pursuing any creative endeavor, I hope these lessons resonate with you. 

 

 

It’s not about getting everything perfect, but about learning, growing, and taking better care of yourself and your craft.

 

 

It’s about finding the gifts in these mishaps and discovering the opportunity for what that means for YOU moving forward.

 

 

Let’s continue this journey together, I’m here for you, supporting you every step of the way!

 

 

Let me know how I can help!

 

 

Have a great week,

Erin

 

 

 

P.S. I’m so excited about the community we are building in A Course in Joyful Singing! This is a lifetime membership kind of situation with all support you could want in moving forward as a singer:

 

Access to me, a private app, community hub, and go at your own pace course, live calls TWICE A MONTH, EVERY MONTH… it’s everything you need to free your voice and say yes to joy.

 

If you are ready to take the next step, learn more HERE.