Can I Have Singing Lessons if I “Can’t Sing”?

Have you ever thought to yourself, “can I have singing lessons if I can’t sing?”

You absolutely can, and I’m going to tell you why. 

Mindset matters

I believe that the most important thing about singing and singing lessons in general, is the mindset you come into it with. If you firmly believe you cannot do something, what is the likelihood you’ll be able to do it? Pretty slim chance, huh? Emotions and thoughts have a big say in what can be achieved, so let’s start out by removing, “I can’t sing,” from the thought rotation completely.

The need to be perfect at everything straight away can stop you from starting at all. 

At the very beginning of a journey through singing lessons, it’s normal to feel nervous. Singing is quite a vulnerable thing to do because the instrument is part of the body, and therefore feels more personal than a piano or a flute might. It’s common to feel the need to make excuses for how your voice sounds, because of the fear of being shamed or judged for it. Pre-empting this possibly uncomfortable moment gives a sense of control, right? “If I tell them I’m bad at singing, I won’t have to live up to any expectations.” Doing this might release some pressure in the moment, but saying things like, “I can’t sing,” out loud starts to eat away at self-esteem. 

Be a beginner

Singing can be learned, pitch can be improved over time, and confidence can be built. I have yet to meet someone who didn’t improve their singing by having lessons.

The need to be perfect at everything straight away can stop you from starting at all. If you can allow yourself the space to be a beginner, you will find that some of the pressure will lift. If you can allow yourself to try, and do it “wrong”, and try again, you will find that you are demonstrating the courage needed to make change and grow.

There’s also a little bit of self-kindness in there, to celebrate progress and appreciate that real change comes from releasing the need to criticise yourself. 

Support

Along the way, you’ll hopefully have a teacher who supports you and guides you; someone who can help you see where you shine, but also to remind you that when you’re being too hard on yourself, and that it’s okay to be human. The human voice is magical and moving, in all its emotive imperfections!

Ask yourself what you love about hearing a human voice sing. Is it that they sung the whole song on pitch from start to end? Not usually. We are looking for the connection, the emotion the singer feels and the song evokes, so that we may feel it too. Remember that next time you miss a note or forget a word.

I was a beginner once. Every singer was. My voice has changed so much over the years, but more importantly, my relationship to my voice has changed. 

Give yourself the chance to start.

If you would like to start your singing journey right now, check out the information on singing lessons for beginners or developing singers, or send me an email to victoria@victoriahollings.com.