Learning How to Sing Getting Rid of the Culture of Fear

Learning How to Sing Getting Rid of the Culture of Fear Sign up successful In fact, we all know how to play music. We all know how to sing. Just as we all know how to express how we feel to those we love, or what to eat when we are hungry. In India, I heard that the first thing any music student learns, whether he or she is an instrumentalist or not, is how to sing. It is believed that the voice is the most basic and primary of all the instruments. Another concept they have there is that of “sadhana,” or “a practice that brings one joy and happiness.” In certain Indian musical traditions, the success of a performance or concert is judged not by technical execution, but by the state of mind that is reached while playing and singing. The happier everyone gets while singing and playing, the more successful the concert. I’d like to see this approach become more common here in North America. Singing and the Culture of Fear I often think about where exactly we learned to be fearful of making sound. I wonder if it was from other kids in school making fun of us when we talked or used our voice, or maybe it was a music teacher we had that made us feel like we were “not doing it correctly,” or maybe the fear just got passed down from our parents, who learned it from their parents, and so on down the line all the way back to some guy in Germany who decided that music should only be played by the professionals on stage, while everyone else listens.  Whatever it is, I think it is safe to reverse the progression now. I am not against performance and the development of technical skill. This is a beautiful and wonderful thing, and something that I hope continues forever into the future. But what I would like to see is this fear of expression being transmuted into joy and excitement, the natural by-products of practicing music. So here are some questions that I would like to ask you: Would you like to sing? Would you like to play your instrument before an audience? Would you like to share your music with your friends, your community, and the folks you know? Do you feel afraid at the thought of doing this? And more importantly, do you think that this fear you feel is a signal that you shouldn’t go ahead and do it anyway or that you should? I encourage all you music students out there (that’s everyone on the planet and beyond) to go ahead and share the music inside you with everyone. Even if your voice shakes. Even if your palms sweat. Even if it feels like you are walking to your funeral. In the end, it’s not about whether you were out of tune or not. It’s not about the feedback you receive from others. It’s not really about what you sound like at all. But it’s about the fact that you had the courage to do what you felt inspired to do, no matter the result, and the connections, growth, and fun you had while doing it. Daniel has performed, studied, and taught music for many years across the country. He plays mostly strings, the bass, cello, and guitar, but loves all sorts of instruments, including the voice. He loves helping his students see past the fears that often hold us back, to the light beyond. He currently lives and teaches music lessons in Grass Valley, Northern California.  Learn more about Daniel  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Thomas Beck