Advice for Singers: Slow and Steady

Slow and steady wins the race.


You know what that’s from, don’t you? Here’s a clue.

Now you remember.


Here’s some advice for singers: what works for the tortoise also works for you.


Singing is a lifelong process. Be patient with yourself and your progress. Experimentation is slow and discovery even slower. Don’t be in a hurry.


We all want to be the best singers we can be, as quickly as possible. Forget about it! Some aspects of your vocal technique will take years to develop. Accept this and learn to enjoy the journey. Savor the sounds you produce when they are sweet, and also learn to love the sour ones as they are. They are just more of the sounds your voice can make. They will sweeten as you nurture them over time.


Hurrying will lead to tension, frustration, sloppiness, and even damage to your voice. So relax. Stay focused, but relax. Slow and steady wins the race. Your progress will be incremental as you explore your own vocal instrument under the guidance of your teacher. You have your whole life to sing. This is especially true for those who have the most difficulty accepting it—the young! So approach your singing as though you have a lifetime, and you’ll have a healthy, beautiful voice your whole life long!