I was at rehearsal last night for a concert I am doing.  I am a soloist contracted to come in and sing with a choir and orchestra.  This I would say is a medium scale event, not LA phil level, but there are both paid and volunteer musicians in both the choir and orchestra.

I guess I found myself in awe of the choir members last night that were volunteers.  I think there are a few different kinds of singers.  There are those that sing purely for fun- as a hobby, and there are those who feel that it is there “calling’ for a career.

Both are great.  The hobbyist I think has it a bit easier, since they do not have to tie in there enjoyment with their own pursuit of the craft.  The career driven ones, they have it tougher, often times, they can’t feel the joy of singing unless they are performing, (and to get to the spot on that stage can be a long unpredictable road).

I am a career singer. I knew always that it was what I was “Meant to do”.  Somewhere along the way I became interested in teaching and helping other people sing their best so I think I morphed into a career singing voice teacher professional at some point.

Being that person, the career singer, I really felt like watching these volunter singers last night in that choir was a breath of fresh air into a side of my craft that is really special.  I love how music can pull people together.  I love the different levels of talent out there and the drive that people are born with to share it and be active in it.

I just wanted to take a moment and think about all the volunteer hobby singers out there.  How they do Karaoke with friends, join their church choirs, and volunteer in the chorus at their local civic light operas. Thank you to them.  You back me up as a soloist and make me feel good about my craft.

written by: Ariella Vaccarino creator of Voice Lessons TO GO (singing lessons on CD), and author of Vocalize!

www.voicelessonstogo.com

I realize that financially there is a lot of craziness going on out there right now.  In times like these we often cut some of our favorite things because they are “luxuries”.  Whether they contribute to our overall joy and sanity or not, going to every other week with your voice teacher, cutting out your once a month house cleaner, or scaling back on your yoga classes can be expendable when things like rent and insurance are not.

I get it and am feeling these tough times as well.  I just wanted to remind you that it takes no money to sing.  And singing brings so much joy (as I spoke about it the last post).  Whether you can sit and play and sing through song books at the piano, or give full concerts to your bathroom in the shower.  Singing is an incredible release that is free and freeing.  No one can take it away from us no matter what the stock market is doing.

I created Voice Lessons To GO because I know how expensive private voice lessons are (since I do teach them and do charge a high amount for my time one on one)  I wanted to provide an option for anyone to have access to great vocal instruction without concern of cost.  I also do the Vocal Assessments on line through my site www.voicelessonstogo. com for people who want access to a teacher’s opinion at a low cost and minimal commitment.

Keep in mind that the joy you get from singing can also be shared be singing for people.  It is so incredible to hear a young singer stand up and perform at a dinner party, or watch someone sing in a church/temple service.  This is a gift you can give to people who may be experiencing a lot of stress right now.  Sing well!

Ariella Vaccarino creator of Voice Lessons To Go

www.voicelessonstogo.com

Getting down to it, let’s not forget about the joy that singing brings to us.   We can talk about technique and auditioning forever, and I am sure we will…  But why do you sing, why do you love to sing?  We need to hold on to it and stay strong with it when the auditioning, technique, or frankly cost to keep going is pulling us down.

For something we do because we love it… there sure are a lot of negative elements that can get in the way.

Remember: I love to sing because…

I am good at it.

It makes my body feel good.

Creating beautiful sound through my body is such an amazing experience.

I love music.

It calms me.

It makes me feel free.

So many things can hold us back from remembering or even being able to enjoy why we sing in the first place.  It is important not to let ANYTHING tarnish the beauty of music for us.  Whether it is judges, friends, bad auditions, being unable to get a record deal…  None of that should take away why you sing or hold you back from doing it.  Whether you are singing in the car out of joy to the radio or in a band trying to get a touring gig, you need to protect your love for the art.  Put a protective box around your joy of singing and don’t let any one in no matter the situation.  Don’t loose site of why you sing.

I write this because I have just seen so many beautiful disheartened singers.

I created Voice Lessons To GO, so that I could spread good singing instruction to anyone who wanted access to it.  I just don’t want anything to hold you back from such a powerful thing.

I would love to hear why you love to sing…

Ariella Vaccarino

www.voicelessonstogo.com