Everyone Can Sing …
But … I can’t sing …
One of the biggest barriers to people singing is actually fear. More on that later … let’s talk about the people who say “I can’t sing”.
“I always try to cheer myself up by singing when I get sad. Most of the time, it turns out that my voice is worse than my problems.”
So, is a decent singing voice a toss of the genetic dice or can anyone learn to sing?
“Everyone who can speak can learn to use a singing voice. The quality of the voice is dependent on many factors; however, barring a physical vocal disability, everyone can learn to sing well enough to sing basic songs.”
Joanne Rutkowski, professor of music education … Penn State University
The absolute best way to build and develop a singing voice is ensemble singing.
Ensemble singing provides opportunity for you to develop your “musical ear” (being able to match pitch or harmonise), learn balance and phrasing and, of course, form fundamental techniques of singing including breathing, posture and diction (which have many, many physical benefits).
There is no pressure to sing a solo, everyone is working together to create music, and you are part of a community. Even for confident or experienced singers, ensemble singing will improve vocal technique and ability.
Talent or Skill?
Honestly, I believe it’s a mixture. Not everyone will be able to sing like Christina Aguilera BUT everyone CAN SING! It’s about exposure, immersion and practice … the more you do it, the better you become.
Think about it … rarely does someone sit at a piano or pick up a guitar and make beautiful music straight away, right?! But they can take lessons and improve and, sometimes, become amazing!
Perhaps because singing is considered an “internal” thing rather than an “external” instrument, it is thought about differently but, in reality, it’s not.
Everyone can sing & everyone can learn to sing better!
“Singing is more of a learned skill than a natural talent … rather than it being a characteristic that either you have or you don’t, it has a lot more to do with how much you do it.”
Steven Demorest, professor of music education … Northwestern University
Seriously … just do it!
Probably the biggest barrier to people singing or joining singing groups is fear. Fear of being heard, fear of being bad, fear of being judged, fear of being made to sing on their own … being told at any point in your life to “stop that racket” or “stand up the back and mime” or anything similar is massively hurtful. And that hurt stays … believe me, I know loads of potential singers who are just not ready to risk it … people can become scared to sing in front of others or, even worse, scared to sing at all!
S.I.N.G. ensembles are non-auditioned singing groups … this is a purposeful choice we make because the groups are about the people in the groups and what each member can do for one another. They are about working together to create music and joy for everyone … including the crazy choir director standing in front of you, haha!!
Singing can do so much for your emotional wellbeing and your sense of connecting with others … no pressure, fun ensemble singing is a bit like crazy running through the park.