Singer's Frustration

There is a reason why a singer is called a front man or woman.

It doesn’t matter who was the founder of the band, who is the director of the play or how cool is the guitar player. Even if it’s your turn to sing, all eyes are on you. Whether it’s the stage in a small venue, an audition, a church choir or even a rehearsal. When the singer opens his mouth, the attention is all his or hers.

Now this is not a bad thing. This is partly why we do, why we love it. But it’s also very difficult. If the guitar player misses a chord, some people may laugh it off. If a singer misses a note, they won’t let you hear the end of it.   

To be the best is a quote that has been even used in cartoons, but when it comes to singing, we take it seriously. It’s a hard and long process to master your voice. Is not about making silly sounds hoping that things will get magically better. No. It’s all about focus and having a goal. You keep up and do your best staying in that journey of self-discovery and improvement. This is also where things get extremely hard for many vocalists.

Remember those new year resolution where many people pack the gyms, register to new courses and start posting their goals? That’s great! Unfortunately, only a fraction of those people will get to stick to their goals a few months from January.

The struggle is real, and this example relates to how singers cope with frustration.

This is a generation that has become used to getting good results fast. Thanks to technology, you rarely have to wait to do things that before needed days of waiting. From sending a letter, going to the bank, buying a gift, etc., everything can be done from your fingertips. You just have to confirm your request with a tap and there you go!

But vocal training, is much more complex than that. As a matter of fact, I’m willing to say it’s more complex than any type of physical training.  It involves constant participation, strong focus, changes in physical and mental behaviors, patience, determination and a thick skin.

While having an experienced and certified instructor helps, the bulk of the load will be on your shoulders. Like I sometimes say to some of my students. I will show you the way and prepare you for it, but you and only you, must go through it. It can be quite daunting, almost terrifying for some. 

This is where things can go either way. Some singers are patient enough that they will consistently stay with a vocal training routine, but they may lack the determination to push themselves to the next level. Remember, the greatest athletes in the world didn’t get there doing the same thing that everyone else does. Some other singers may have this determination, but not the patience, and will try to rush their process by adding extra hours to their training and dangerously risking their vocal health, with little or no change in their results.

Have you identified yourself with the examples I’ve given? Are you in the verge of quitting, thinking that you weren’t born for this, and that it all has been a waste of time?

This is singers’ frustration and vocalists from any level can suffer from it, not only beginners. I know I’ve been there, and I know exactly how you feel.

And because I’ve been there, I know how to help you.

• You do have to understand and accept that this is a process and that it takes time.
• As I mentioned before, while most of the work will have to be done by you, a good teacher can make the difference. We CTI (Certified Throga Instructors) have trained singers for years. We can certainly help you develop your skills in a personalized and even friendly way.
• You must be willing to make some small but vital changes in your life and in your mind.
• You must be willing to create a schedule for your training and stick strictly to it.
• And more importantly, never be afraid or ashamed to ask questions or for help. Sometimes, a phone call, text or email can make the difference.

Hopefully at this point I have your attention, and I have changed your mindset, so you can give yourself another chance. I personally believe that we all have the right to sing, and we should! Don’t let frustration get in the way.

I know you can do this.

AUTHOR: JORGE SANCHEZ