Singing in front of someone used to feel like the most vulnerable thing I could do. So, in the beginning, I didn’t do it for anyone else. I sang for myself.
As I let emotion flow through my voice, I started to sing with more expression, more nuance, and more depth. My singing finally started to sound like me.
Perfection Isn't Everything
I used to hyper-fixate over perfect pitch. Every note had to be just right, perfectly placed, technically flawless. While there's absolutely value in developing a strong sense of pitch and vocal control, I realized that my fixation on technical accuracy was doing more harm than good.
Once I began to let go of the need to be perfect, something shifted. The less I focused on pitch, and the more I leaned into emotion and being present, the more in tune I actually became.
Singing as Speaking with Emotion
One of the best ways to tap into that emotional authenticity is to think of singing as an extension of how you speak. When we speak, we naturally use vocal dynamics. We pause. We raise our voice in excitement or lower it in vulnerability. We speed up when we're passionate and slow down when something matters.
So why not apply the same approach to your singing?
Quick Exercise: Speak Your Song
- Pick a line from a song you’re currently enjoying.
Choose something that resonates emotionally. - Speak the line slowly, like you're in a heartfelt conversation.
Imagine you're saying it to a close friend or loved one. - Now, sing the line with the same emotion and rhythm.
Don’t worry about the notes being perfect. Focus on how you say them. What do the lyrics actually mean to you? - Notice your natural phrasing.
Are you holding certain words longer? Is your voice softening or growing in certain places? - Record yourself and listen back.
Can you hear the emotion? You’ll notice a natural push and pull in your delivery. That’s your true expressive voice coming through.
Feel What You Sing
Your voice isn't meant to be perfect. It's meant to be human. It's meant to be felt.
The next time you sing, ask yourself: What am I trying to say? How would I say this if I wasn’t singing it, but simply speaking from the heart?
I often tell my students that I’d rather feel what you sing than hear every note perfectly. Because when you lean into vulnerability, when you stop performing and start expressing, your voice becomes more powerful than you ever thought possible.
Ready to Get Started with Vocal Lessons?
It takes real courage to sing out loud and let yourself be heard. That’s why my goal is to empower you to discover, and love, your unique voice.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and create a custom vocal plan. I offer both in-person singing lessons in downtown Toronto and online vocal coaching for singers worldwide.