In all my years of coaching singers, both professional and amateur level, one experience that I find particularly special is that of singers that have postponed their desire to sing.
These singers, for one reason or other, have held back on their desire to sing for as many as 10 and 20 years before suddenly experiencing a resurgence in which the need to sing is stronger than ever, as a fire that they can no longer quench. This is a feeling they describe as something that is pending and can not wait, and so here they are in my studio with the same need to connect with their singing many years later.
I decide to take this ride with them, and help them develop their voices and singing. This ‘return to our first love’ is the most pure and genuine feeling a singer can have.
Whether or not we will pursue our singing as a professional career, this “JOY of Singing”, as I have referred to it in my workshops and training, is the feeling we should discover and explore within ourselves, it involves:
The connection with our inner voice, with our nature as artists.
That authentic voice that connects us to the meaning of our artist life.
Not a mere desire to be famous, but a true desire to explore one’s full potential, to learn how to vocalize better.
Many times people try to hide the sky with their hands, but the truth always emerges. This desire that allows us to express ourselves through singing and helps us to drain our emotions, is an artistic attribute that cannot be hidden. In the rare case that we are able to ignore this feeling, the internal cost could be very high and would coexist with us for the rest of our lives.
I really admire such bravery in singers of whom, despite all obstacles they have found in the road, have the strength to decide to try again and listen to the inner voice that urges them to follow their “calling”. Despite all the models and the system seemingly bombarding them with discouragement and convincing them not to do it; after many years they still dare to feel a freedom through their singing. What is behind this goal of returning to singing again?
I can see these singers who come to my studio after already putting in 8-9 hours work, or moms who have had a long day with their kids. Somehow, despite their hectic schedule when they are in their singing lesson they have a smile and I can feel how much they enjoy being there. They know that this is their artistic space and that they can, if at no other time, connect to their passion of singing.
This is also “the artist,” the one that regardless of professional success, cannot stop being an artist. This new chapter adds a new meaning to the life of the artist, an awakening to the existence and a hope for their future.
For these singers, success means singing again and the realization that it is never too late when you are a true artist.