It can be tough to find time for the things we love. Singing, in particular, often falls by the wayside when work and other commitments take over.
But if singing makes you happy it’s important to make time for it – because there is really nothing like singing for feeding the soul, right?!
So, here’s a huge paradigm switch that will change everything…
Rather than thinking of PRACTICING as a VERB, try thinking of it as a NOUN.
You have A SINGING PRACTICE. Even if it’s a small practice, it’s yours, to treasure and nurture to whatever extent you’re able at this time, and this will allow it to blossom over time.
In creating a practice you’re making a declaration to yourself (and possibly others) that you are dedicated to making time in your life for singing, because singing brings you joy.
It’s a gift to yourself.
How and when you fill that practice is completely up to you.
Life is always changing. You’re a grownup. You’re busy. But this PRACTICE that you have is a container — it’s holding space for you to step into any time. Isn’t this a powerful mindset shift?!
If you haven’t sung for two months but now you have the urge, or you have a few minutes, it’s easy to step back in when you know that your practice (noun) is waiting for you. The mindset obstacle that says, “I haven’t been practicing so there’s no point” goes away. The idea that you already have a welcoming practice makes it easy to just step in and do something. Anything. For any amount of time.
If you’re short on time (which most of us are), the key is to create a practice that works with your style, your disposition, your gestalt, and your life with all its variation. You want your practice to be an extension of your true self.
Here are some possible approaches…
Do any of these ideas (either alone or in combination) resonate with you? Even if you take just one idea and run with it, you’ll do great!
• Put short 3-10 minute practice sessions into your calendar. (Yes, even just short, 3-minute practice sessions can make a surprisingly big difference in your vocal ability and confidence.)
• Attach your practice to something else you do every day. For example, spend a little time singing before or after (or during) your morning walk.
• Play music in the car or while you’re cleaning the kitchen and sing along with it.
• Sing in the shower (yes, that counts!)
• Scatter printouts of song lyrics around your house so you’re prompted to sing randomly (on your bed, desk, dining room table, bathroom shelf)
• Clear off an hour or two every few weeks to immerse yourself — start with a “formal” practice session and then see where the muse takes you.
• Let your practice be expressive and intuitive with no rules…
• Or, Structure your practice time around learning specific techniques, such as breath control or pitch accuracy
(Reminder: It’s fine to just try out 1 or 2 of these ideas!)
• Structure your practice time around a specific song — work on knowing the words, the rhythms and the notes so you really feel that the song is “yours”
• Create a spot in your home that’s your special practice spot.
• Make the whole world your special practice spot so you can practice anywhere. When I was a kid I loved singing in the subway station and in echoey lobbies when no one was around. (New York City kid.)
• Find (non-judgmental) friends who like to sing – sing with them!
• Join the Playground and sing with me!
• Take singing lessons. Even if they’re just once a month they’ll give you structure and accountability.
• Use listening as a form of practice. Turn on a piece of music you like and notice what’s happening… Is more than one voice singing at a time? Where does the melody go up highest or down lowest? Where is the song loudest or quietest? Or go outside and listen to the sounds around you with curiosity. Listening is an important musical skill!
This list could be endless. Make up your own!
One of my teachers shared this great idea…
She put her guitar stand in the doorway between two rooms in her house, so every time she needed to move from one room to the other she had to pick up her guitar, and once it was in her hand, well… she would want to play it (of course!) and a spontaneous practice session would ensue.
RECAP (and just a few more thoughts)…
Sometimes a long stretch of time goes by when you hardly do anything. Rather than thinking of this as failure, remember your PRACTICE (Noun). It’s something you can step into anytime. It doesn’t go away just because you haven’t been practicing lately.
Your practice is waiting with infinite patience (it’s feelings never get hurt!), and you can give it your attention whenever the time is right for you. It’s so much easier to step back in when this is your framework.
It’s important to remember that everything counts, and that your practice this month may just be singing along to the Beatles in your car once or twice. That counts!
Pay attention to, and acknowledge your progress. Most of us are way too hard on ourselves around singing. We focus on what we didn’t achieve, how we’re stuck, our problem areas. We tend towards blindness when it comes to improvements. I want you to NOTICE YOUR PROGRESS — even the little things.
This is important! Even tiny things count, and they accumulate, so you’ll start to see significant changes over time. I promise!
Please don’t let a lack of time hold you back from pursuing something that brings you so much joy.
Creating a PRACTICE (noun!) for yourself is a way of stating that singing is a priority in your life. Do that and watch as your skills and confidence grow over time. You’ll love it!
Happy Singing,
Love,
Nancy
Join the Fearless Singers Playground online membership program — a supportive and joyous singing community specially designed for beginners! When you join you’ll get access to great online skills & song lessons, as well as live sing-alongs, workshops, and open mics.
Such a great way to grow as a singer!
Leave A Comment