I can't tell you the number of times I have heard the phrase 'I can't sing' or 'I don't have a natural voice'. We live in a world where we believe that the ability to sing is something we are born with - that there is a biological imprint for vocal talent. What's interesting is that we only think this way about the voice. No one in the world ever expected to hit a perfect serve the first time they picked up a tennis racket, or play Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No 3 flawlessly having never seen it before, but we expect to be able to sing without practice - "you either have it or you don't" mentality.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are people who are born with incredible voices, but that doesn't mean that they necessarily know how to use it. If you sit me down in front of a Steinway I will play you a mean chopsticks, but thats about it. It doesn't matter how amazing the piano is, without the years of training it takes to perfect such a complicated instrument, will never rise to its full potential. Similarly, if we put a virtuoso pianist in front of a pub piano, they will play that busted old Joanna beautifully. Why can't it be the same with the voice? Well, it can be! The world is full of incredible artists who don't have what we perceive as beautiful voices, but boy can they sing!
So often, innate ability is confused with time. If you grew up in a household where you heard singing every day, were praised for being loud, and were surrounded by instruments, there is a higher chance you are going to be able to carry a tune or two.
It's about passion, drive, love, and... time.
So whether you think you have a Steinway or a pub piano.
Practise - Sing! Sing in the shower, on your way to work, at home, at work.
Learn - Take lessons, read books, go to masterclasses.
Discover - Go to concerts, the theatre, listen to new bands and people you admire.
Most importantly, embrace your voice for all its glorious eccentricities!
You are beautiful, and so is your voice!
