The most important practice tools for singers

There are a lot of tools that can be beneficial to a singer’s progress.

There are trackers and journals that can keep you focussed on a particular goal; exercise tracks that can help you to work on certain patterns or techniques; straws, steamers and nebulisers that can help with vocal efficiency and health, and many many other things that might be offered to you as a magical fix.

Knowing whether to invest in something is a complicated decision that I examine here. But beyond those external tools discussed, I think the most important tools for singing practice are: curiosity and compassion.

Curiosity

Being curious about your voice, the different options available to you, and why things may or may not be difficult to master is one of the greatest tools in your toolkit. It will keep you driven, and constantly pushing the boundaries of your craft. It can also make practice much more FUN which is only a good thing! No one wants to consistently do something that they don’t find enjoyable!

Compassion

Alongside curiosity, self-compassion is another tool very much worth developing. As creative people, it can be easy to wish we were better, feel jealous of other people’s talents, or berate ourselves when we make a mistake. This kind of approach is ultimately detrimental to our artistic self and will start to stagnate our practice.

By making sure we practice with compassion and curiosity, our singing practice can see huge benefits whilst maintaining love for both singing and ourselves. The alternative, I promise, is not desirable!

For 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.