Overcoming the Challenge of Holding Back in Singing: Strategies for Voice Students

Understanding the Struggle: Why Students Hold Back

One major problem I encounter as a voice teacher is students holding back when they sing. They rarely do this intentionally. Many are even unaware they are doing it. Nevertheless, they hold back both physically and creatively.

Holding back has several consequences. Physically, it often results in significant tension. This tension causes a diminished vocal range. More often than not, it leads to a swallowed or muffled tone. Additionally, while it usually stems from a lack of confidence, this action creates even more lost confidence. A student might hear themselves sounding worse, thus forming a cycle: holding back, sounding worse, losing confidence, and holding back even more.

Creatively, holding back results in a bland tone rather than a lively one. Students often sound hesitant and fail to make a song their own. Everything they sing may come off as an imitation, which diminishes the impact of even the best performances. Like the physical aspect, this creative restraint can become a hard-to-break cycle.

The Path to Freedom: Breaking the Cycle

To stop holding back—both physically and creatively—is no easy task. It's not merely a matter of saying "stop." The process is mental and requires conscious effort.

Practical Exercises to Release Tension

One effective method I use is encouraging students to yell as loudly as they can. Just scream. This exercise helps them experience what it's like to not hold anything back. Even with this exercise, I often prompt students to try again up to ten times before they truly let go.

Once they've grasped this concept, we transition to singing. It's crucial to note that being loud isn't the same as not holding back. Just singing louder can create additional vocal problems. Instead, the goal is simple: just stop holding back.

Cultivating Creativity in Singing

The easiest strategy I have for overcoming creative restraint is adopting a mindset of change when it comes to a song. I often use the metaphor of cooking. Think about following a recipe—it's not inherently bad, but great cooks will always add their unique twist.

In singing, this means giving the song a bit of your personality. It could be as subtle as singing more softly or as dramatic as changing notes entirely. The goal is to be flexible and sing the way you want it to sound.

The Importance of Mindset in Singing

Achieving this level of personal expression might sound complicated. Indeed, it is. This transformation doesn't happen overnight. For some, it takes significant time and practice to overcome these barriers. However, once you do, your singing will improve dramatically.

Support and Resources

If you're struggling with holding back in your singing, you're not alone. Many students face this challenge, but there are various ways to address it effectively. If you would like help or just want singing lessons in general, click here to sign up with me or one of the other teachers with Milwaukee Singing Lessons LLC.

In conclusion, breaking free from the constraints of self-doubt and hesitation is essential for any aspiring vocalist. Remember, it's about personal expression and the joy of music. Embrace your unique voice and let your creativity shine. Through practice, patience, and the right guidance, you will discover the singer within you.

By actively working to overcome these barriers, you transform not just your singing but also your enjoyment of music. Take the step today towards becoming the confident, expressive artist you aspire to be.