The Only Thing That Counts Are The Results
Often, I see singers who come to my studio looking to fix different problems. They all have something in common though. They do not feel comfortable with their voices. It would be normal to see artists who want to improve their vocal technique, but what is interesting is that many of these students have already been studying with other vocal coaches.
That is where I start to emphasize the importance of obtaining results in the short-run. It is true that the vocal development takes some time, however working with a vocal coach should generate improvements within a month of vocalization exercises.
There have to be some improvement which creates a feeling of comfort with one’s voice. This will advance the progress. It would not be sensible to wait a whole year to see results. If within a month or two, results are not seen, then it might be time to seek another vocal coach.
The vocal coach has a great responsibility of taking a student and helping him/her to improve his/her voice each day. The harm is done when the coach does not let the student go because the coach cannot accept his or her own teaching limitations. On the other hand, the student continues taking classes because there is a good relationship with the coach, continuing with the classes without realizing the consequences this can have on his/her voice.
My advice is not to go just by nice words and compliments. Seek results that can lead you to achieve excellence as an artist.
-Debora Lebendiker-
You Are The Magic
Honing Your Instrument
When a person decides to begin the journey of learning an instrument, whether piano,
guitar, or any other, he usually understands that there will be a required amount of time
to invest into the matter. The student knows from the very beginning that it will take a
sacrifice of “real” time and dedication to understand, process, practice and ultimately
play the instrument.
The same would apply in the case of a dancer with the desire to learn choreography. She
knows that every day she will need to exercise her body and employ technique to one day
perform the dance.
However, this understanding is one that is lacking in some of the singers that come to my
studio and I see an entirely different approach from them. For some reason, rather than
viewing their voice as an instrument to be honed and crafted, they look for a magic
formula to start singing in the fastest way possible. Whether beginners or advanced, they
seek a prescribed method and date to know “how long it will take to be in good shape as
a singer to make an audition, a recording, or a live performance.
Reality Check vs. Pop Culture TV
Honestly, there is no a magic wand that the Vocal Coach will use on a singer to,
miraculously after a quick vocalization, make him ready for Madison Square Garden.
As a Vocal Coach I cannot predict the amount of time it will take a singer to control his
voice. The voice is an instrument that needs to be developed as any other, and each
singer is a world of his own that needs to be addressed personally with each of his vocal
attributes and all of his skills.
The current pop culture we live in feeds us an overnight success mentality. We watch all
of these TV Shows, where in 2-3 months singers are famous and successful, which lends
itself to the misguided thought that this is the “real world” and the true process. On the
contrary, in our real world singers have to practice long and hard to build up a strong
foundation of their Vocal Technique, and this is usually not a fast cook but one that takes
time. We enjoy the excitement of the overnight success stories, but most of the popular
artists did not have the quick rise to fame as it seems. When we see great performers on
stage, we must realize that the magic we see is a culmination of what they did in
rehearsal for many hours over time. They worked many years before they were ready.
Where The Magic Really Is
The truth is there are no tricks, or magical tips to becoming a good artist. The only
MAGIC that will happen is the one that comes from within you. YOU are the Magic:
Your Voice, Your Singing. This MAGIC will only come as a result of going through the
learning process of Singing and Vocal Technique and all the necessary skills a singer
needs. After much practice and dedication, things will come together seemingly as
magic to those around you. This transformation will occur in the singer’s life, not as a
fast receipt, but as a continual exploration of his artistic world with commitment,
discipline and practice.
To know you are on the right path of your artistic journey, implement these steps:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice! Every great musician practices no matter how skilled.
2. Avoid comparing yourself to others; another artist’s story will often look smoother,
easier from the outside. We are rarely accurate.
3. Trust your talent. Believe that you are great at what you do, at what you have to offer
the world with your voice.
4. Establish your own style and message in your performance, and believe that it is
powerful.
5. Above all: Don’t look for magic outside, The Magic is You!
-Debora Lebendiker-
Small Steps, Big Steps
Never underestimate a tiny small step to move to your goal.
It could be a subtle move, but this can take you to a new place, to a new feeling or to an insight of awareness.
One word can start changing your perspective, your determination.
One action can help you to understand a new idea..
Just make it. I believe that starting with a small video brings to you a big movie.
You just need one word to start a new song
One step at a time, and another one and another one takes you to the right choice.
Dont wait for one BIG step,, move slowly but do it!
-Debora Lebendiker-
Being an Unsigned Artist
I absolutely love being an unsigned artist. The freedom is exciting yet sometimes crippling, but I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and how much I’ve grown.
I write all my songs and record, edit, mix and produce on my own (mainly by choice of perfectionism). I edit my own videos and photoshop images as well. I have amazing people part of #TeamMZ (who are the greatest in the world). But I’m absolutely capable & nothing can replace that knowledge I’ve gained over the years.
All this to say, at the end of the day no one can stop you..but you. There’s no secret but hardwork and then even more hardwork after that. Shoutout to everyone doing the same and inspiring the determination train. All in the name of an unbreakable musical love. Be encouraged and take charge of your dreams!
Post by CoachSingers Student: Maria Zouroudis
www.youtube.com/MariaZouroudis
Self-Confidence
You are much bigger than your circumstances.
Whatever situation you are going through, always remember that this moment will not last forever.
Have positive thoughts and stay focused on your goals and on your singing.
Stay confident!
What Commitment for Singers Means
Commitment is the key to success. As a singer/artist, it’s important to prioritize your voice and take your activities seriously. Here are some things you can do:
- Show up to your vocal lessons
- Be on time to your lessons, meetings, rehearsals and auditions.
- Practice, practice and practice!
- Practice hard to develop your skills as a singer.
- Vocalize with purpose. Try to listen yourself and understand what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong.
- Vocalize at least 3 times per week.
- Warm up before singing.
- Have a positive attitude in your singing and your learning process.
- Don’t give up. Talent is nothing without hard work!
Being In Front of a Blank Page
Being in front of a blank page with the mysterious unknown is one of the strongest challenges a singer/songwriter has to face.
Don’t panic. This can happen every time you start creating something new, just have a state of mind that allows you to be there and to flow into your musical soul.
Think about this moment as an adventure that you are beginning. You have no idea how it will end. And that’s the fun part.
You are exploring this journey. You have to connect with your inner soul and drain your emotions. You have to be yourself.
Feel confident to fill this new page with the best part of you.
When you finish your writing. Look back and see the new exciting place your mind has taken you.