What did the Olympics teach us about Singing?
After a fantastic couple of weeks of incredible athleticism in Paris, here are some lessons we singers can take from the Olympians of 2024.
1. There’s room for everyone
One of the most beautiful things about this year’s games was that it showed that Olympians can come in all shapes and sizes. There is space for your talents, regardless of how you look. There are some beautiful memes and articles discussing the diversity on show, and how the Paris games is the first to have equal numbers of male and female competitors.
What can we take from this as singers? Our strength really is in our individuality. Focus on what you are already brilliant at and don’t compare yourself to others. There is space for you. And we will benefit from your unique voice.
2. Warming up and cooling down are normal
Something I find fascinating is the difference in attitude between athletes warming up, cooling down (and meticulously practicing their skills) and singers doing the same. I don’t believe anyone would assume that someone could run the 400m, or perform incredible gymnastic tumbles without warming up. And yet, singers often expect their voices to be ready to perform without a full warm up - possibly relying on the fact that we use our voices in speech constantly (I was certainly guilty of this way of thinking in my youth). But long distance runners use their legs all the time to walk - and we don’t apply the same logic there!
I love that these things - stretching, running, jumping, using the massage gun between events, psyching themselves up before the starting blocks - were all on show for the world to see. We don’t get to see that before the curtains open on a musical, or the gig begins, but I am here for it.
What can singers take from this? There’s no shame! It’s a necessary step and it shouldn’t need to be hidden, or avoided. Be proud that you are preparing yourself and looking after your instrument.
3. There is no shame in “failure”
There’s a lot to love in the Olympics, but my favourite by far is the gymnastics. Whilst watching the Beam and High Bar finals this year, something remarkable happened - a lot of the competitors fell off. But then? They got back on and they continued. They knew they were good enough to be there, and that one mistake didn’t negate their skills/talents/worth.
Similarly, in the athletics - the competitors were often interviewed on TV immediately after their events (win or lose). I was struck by how calm and reflective people were, even in the face of disappointment. Most often they said phrases like “it wasn’t my time this time” or “I know I’ll get there”. It’s such a healthy approach.
What can singers take from this? Don’t let one ‘wrong note’ or less-than-perfect performance determine your self worth. Carry on working on your craft and believing in yourself. You’ll get there, and you’ll get there with self-compassion and assuredness.
4. Creativity is, and always will be, hard to quantify
One of the viral moments of the games was the break-dancing (new to the games this year) and the Australian Ray-Gun whose performance gained zero points. I unfortunately missed the live event but I have seen the backlash, and it certainly divided opinions (like art often does). It’s a complicated circumstance and has raised questions about originality, authenticity and culture. I particularly enjoyed this opinion piece about the Black, “street-battle” roots of the dance and some of the appropriation seen during the games.
These are important discussions that need to be heard. But they also demonstrate that it’s hard to truly know someone’s intentions. For all the talk of ‘authenticity’ how can we really pinpoint what that means? No doubt Ray-Gun felt authentic to herself, but was she authentic to the history/culture of the breakdance scene? Which holds more weight?
What can singers take from this? Firstly, I believe it’s vital to understand and appreciate the roots of the music you perform. A lot of popular musics originate from African-American culture and it’s important to be aware of the wider context. It’s also important to personally connect with the music you make - be yourself, and draw from your own experiences (read more thoughts about this in the latest JPME).
But it’s also a reminder that you can’t please everyone all the time. Art is subjective. Stay open minded to helpful criticisms designed to push you further (teacher/assessment/friend feedback, for example) but don’t let it deter you from making music you feel passionately about.
5. Team mates are VITAL
There was so much support on show within the games, and you could really see how the encouragement and friendships between athletes - whether competing for the same country or not - helped to create a magical atmosphere and inspired folk to really do their best.
What can singers take from this? Find your team! Being a solo singer can be a lonely road sometimes, but there are communities available to join if you look for - and prioritise - building connections. It could be a choir, or your band members or a group of aspiring artists/songwriters; online or in person. The support you can receive is priceless.
For more encouragement in your singing journey, follow me on social media @TessaSmithMusic, or explore thesingersguide.com where there are resources all about optimising your singing practice.