OVS Blog

We've all heard it - "wow, that person is so talented!" But, what if it wasn't talent that you were hearing? What if it is their innate ability nurtured by training and practice to build their skill? Because, in reality, that's very likely the case. What we often refer to as talent is something that comes more easily to a person than something else. We are all talented in some way. I am definitely not talented in drawing or sports, but does that mean that I can't learn how to do those things and become good at them if I want to? Of course not! Over my years in school, I met many people who were considered mega "talented" at singing or piano, and guess what? Many of them either had parents who were teachers, or they started lessons at a very young age. Yes, it is entirely possible that those people were predisposed to music, but they also already had years of training even if some of those years weren't official. I didn't start piano until I was 9 (which was considered late!) and I didn't start singing lessons until 14. My students often ask how I can do things that I can do, and truly most of the things they ask about are just a matter of time and study. I say all of this because I truly believe that anyone who wishes to improve their voice and learn to sing better can do so. I say this all the time, but this month's topic is all about this. You can learn to sing better, you can learn to sing the music you want to sing, and you can do all of this even if you don't feel like you're "talented" at singing. 

So, what do we mean by innate ability then? Some things are dependent on our actual physical structure. Sometimes we consider this to be voice type, and it might include things like agility (riffs!) and range, the ability to sing long and lyrical phrases. how high you can carry a mixed-belt sound, carrying power and many others. While a certain voice might more easily be able to do a fast moving line, any voice can learn to move faster and have more agility. Any voice can learn to mix higher and to camouflage moving to a thinner fold. Any voice can learn to sing more lyrical and legato phrases. All of these things are skills, and skills can be learned. Other examples of skills include: breath control, pitch accuracy, tone quality, range, performance skills, harmonizing, vocal styling, and independence among many more.

If you feel you've missed the boat because you didn't think you were talented enough to learn to sing? It's not too late, and you can definitely start building your skills now!