People always wonder and ask why I spend a big chunk of my salary on voice lessons. I know I’m not going to have a recording contract or perform on a cruise ship in my lifetime so why do I spend so much just to sing and vocalize for an hour in a tiny little room with a piano and a voice teacher?
Many don’t understand the joys of taking voice lessons not to mention the life lessons attached to it, so I’m gonna help you out.
Here are my top reasons why I take voice lessons.
Reason# 1: Hindi kasi nakakahiya’ng magkamali.
Not that singing off-key is a gruesome crime but the four walls of the training room is the place to make this mistake. Where you can find your note (no matter how long it takes), spit big drops of saliva when vocalising (gross? Nah!) and make unlimited piyoks (like a binatilyo entering puberty). I know, sometimes the room fails to fully proof the noise music you’re making but that’s okay, you’re paying to learn how to sing, so might as well SING!
Your voice teacher’s job is not to make nasty and masakit sa dibdib comments a la Simon Cowell in his American Idol (RIP) days. Your sessions are a no #NoJudging zone! His job is to listen and guide you in singing properly. Be honest if nahihirapan ka. This way, your voice teacher will know your strengths and weaknesses as a singer so he can help you reach your maximum potential. He is like your personal The Voice coach except he’ll turn his chair for you always.
In real life…
Part of learning is making A LOT of mistakes. Sabi nga ni Jessy Mendiola, “a setback can be a set-up for a comeback”. Much like singing, there will be times when you stumble and make “unforgivable” mistakes. Learn and makeup for it! Be the diva that you are! If people won’t forgive you, at least learn to forgive yourself. Hindi masamang magkamali as long as you learn something from it.
Reason# 2: Practice makes progress.
I took my voice lessons at Academy of Rock (sadly, it closed down) for almost two years. Singing needs to be constantly practiced. Like other sports, this is the only way to improve. Practicing develops muscle memory such that when you want to sing a note, your voice will remember how you sang the notes during practice/vocal warm-ups.
Hmm…I think I have been making progress. I’m still not that confident to sing publicly though but for ME, slowly, I’m getting better. That’s the thing with taking lessons when you’re at my age, there’s no pressure to impress anyone, just me, myself and I.
IN REAL LIFE…
Taking voice lessons made me realize that anyone can learn anything. All it takes is practice. Sure, we can’t all sing like Regine (Whoo!) but practicing really makes progress. No matter how slow your progress is, it’s still progress. You’re moving. You’re learning. For people who’re afraid of public-speaking, MS Excel workbooks or simple small talks with strangers, take the plunge, practice lang and pag tagal you’ll surprise yourself.
Side-note: I also took sketching the same time I started taking voice lessons. At first, I really had a hard time getting the right shape and the right amount of shading. Through practice and because I didn’t stop, I think I’m so much better than 2 years ago.
Reason# 3: Pangarap ko ‘to.
TBH, it’s really my childhood dream to sing on stage but I know my limits, and taking voice lessons is as close as it gets. HAHA. Growing up, I really wanted to ask my parents to enrol me but I guess we didn’t have the money and time then. Now, I have the money and time so why not take voice lessons (among other things) now?
IN REAL LIFE…
There’s no better time to do what you love than now. Don’t wait until you graduate college. Don’t wait until your friends have the time to join you. Stop making excuses and do what you want now!
Reason# 4: I learn new songs.
I’m the type of person who can listen to just one song (or one artist) on repeat for three months, or even more. I don’t listen to new songs from the Billboard Top 100 or from the local hip radio stations. One Direction is probably the most recent artist I follow. I carpool with my dad and his go-to station in the car is 90.7 Love Radio. And if you know and listen to Love, it takes a really long time for them to change their playlist. They play a sprinkling of new pop songs but the bulk of it is OPM cover songs and 80’s power ballads. (Pinoys looooove 80’s hits!)
Long story short, I don’t know a lot of songs especially the current ones. Taking voice lessons opens me to a wider repertoire. Sometimes I suggest songs that I want to sing and other times my teacher selects for me. It’s not only useful for maximizing my microphone time during karaoke sessions, but it also enables me to learn and challenge myself tackling a variety of songs, genres and styles.
IN REAL LIFE…
Treading uncharted waters is a struggle for most people. Even if we admit it or not, we fear change. We like to live in our comfort zone and rarely venture out of it. Don’t fix what isn’t broken, right? But as another cliche saying contradicts: change is the only constant in life. It’s inevitable. Being open to new, exciting things gives us a chance to learn about and see the world in a different way.
[UPDATE] Okay, I drafted this when I was still taking voice lessons and I didn’t expect to stop. IT’S SO SAD! Anyway, I’m still looking for a new class to enrol in. 😉
What about you? Are you also taking voice lessons? Where? Are you also a frustrated singer? Share your story!
