Tips for Joyful Singing

We have all had moments as singers where it suddenly doesn’t feel the best. You feel like you’ve lost your joy. Or maybe you lost it awhile ago. 

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t feel good and leaves you wondering, “How can I get it back?” Or maybe even, “Will I ever get it back?”

I’ve been in this situation.

I walked this path.

It can feel defeating, frustrating, and NOT FUN.

Don’t worry! I’ve got you!

I’ve compiled tips that I discovered on my journey to bringing joy back into my singing.

The overall theme/ connecting thread? This is a “go within and scale the depths of your being” (Rilke) kind of journey. 

Sounds like a lot, I know.

But this is the FUN work.

This is the kind of work that will liberate you.

The kind of work that will bring you back to yourself.

Looking outward for the answers or for that spark won’t get you to where your soul longs to be.

Let’s not waste any more time.

Let’s get started.

Here are some tips to help you bring back more joy to your singing:

#1 Help your voice to feel good: Do SOVT exercises.

This is basic, foundational work.

These gentle, relaxing warmups are like centering, mindfulness practices as well as strength building for your voice.

They are easy to do, help your voice to feel limber, releases tension, improves your breathing, builds strength and stamina.

Need I say more? 

#2 Help your body to feel good.

Obvious, but can be a struggle.

Try to move your body every day, drink more water, meditate, and eat healthy foods. (Oh and don’t smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol.)

And when you have off days, don’t beat yourself up! It’s a new day!

#3 Explore sounds in a safe space.

This sounds kind of obvious, but it’s the one step most overlooked.

Where are you doing the work of connecting to your voice? In the same room as others? In a place where others can hear you and deep down that doesn’t feel good? In your car?

Making sure you are in a place where you are not thinking or worrying about how what you’re doing is affecting anyone else is vital.

This could make or break your success with freeing your voice and tapping into that joy.

That goes for that inner critic as well! Try to keep that voice in check as you practice.

Create a safe space.

#4 Be consistent with using your voice (if you aren’t already).

If you haven’t been singing consistently, shoot for a goal of 3-4 times a week. Maybe every other day. And it doesn’t need to be a crazy amount of time to start off. Try for 15 minutes. These are muscles that need to be used. (SEE STEP #1)

(If you need help with this, check out my Vocal Reconnect Mini Course.)

#5 Try not to compare.

We all know the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt. There is only one of YOU. That’s the version the world wants to see. 

It’s a waste of time and energy to compare because it takes us away from the work of digging deep to bring out our real essence; the stuff that makes us unique, special and truly ourselves. 

So if you catch yourself scrolling and comparing, stop. Interrupt that nasty habit. Take a deep breath. Know that your focus will be on how to be more YOU. (By doing these other steps.)

#6 Find songs that inspire you.

If you are singing songs just ‘cause….. then shake things up and seek out material that LIGHTS YOU UP. Again, this is more of that digging deep work.

Notice when you feel that certain way when you hear a particular song. It’s really important that you pick songs you LOVE LOVE LOVE and have a personal connection with. Your personal connection is what will make you feel invested. The deeper the connection, the more interesting and exciting it will be for you!!

Also, don't learn said song by listening to a cherished recording. See Step #5.

#7 Be your own best teacher

Having a teacher that you trust can be an important part of becoming more confidant as a singer. It’s helpful to have another set of eyes and ears to help guide you as you develop your relationship with your voice.

AND

The most important thing you can do as an artist is to take ownership over your experience.

The only way to make the relationship with your voice less mysterious is to become ACTIVELY involved with its development. Be your own teacher.

Work with these steps and let me know how it goes for you! And if you have any questions, I’m here for you! Shoot me a message or DM on Instagram, I’d love to hear from you!