Making Space for Singing Practice

Prioritising can be a difficult skill to master - knowing what you need to do, what you want to do, and what you can let go of (even if only temporarily).

I recently came across a social media post that suggested treating singing practice like self care; lighting a candle, making the space cosy and inviting, and creating an enticing experience that is so enjoyable it becomes easy to prioritise day after day.

And while it sounds beautiful and may work in theory, the reality is often not as simple..

Within the busyness of working, studying, socialising, parenting, keeping on top of the house hold chores, working out etc. etc. etc., how can space be made for singing practice that seems achievable and realistic, and doesn’t add ‘candles and cushions’ to the shopping list?

Goal setting

Part of the answer has to rely on effective and efficient practice - ensuring quality over quantity. Having specific goals for your practice sessions that are SMART (that’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) as well as FUN is vital to ensure the little time you have is put to good use.

Internal Motivation

No matter how busy we are, it’s always easier to prioritise things we enjoy. Aligning practice with elements of singing that you find interesting or fun (storytelling, emotional connection, improvising, whatever it may be..) will go a long way in creating internal motivation for consistent practice.

External Motivation

External motivators - like booking to perform at an open mic night, or making arrangements to record the song you’ve been working on - can often free up space in the calendar and help make decisions on what to prioritise.

Different options will work for different singers at different times, and so exploration and curiosity are vital tools in the quest for making space for singing practice, along with some self-compassion (whether accompanied with a lit candle or not).

For more goal-setting and singing practice tips you can follow me on social media @TessaSmithMusic, or explore thesingersguide.com where there are resources all about optimising your singing practice