It’s important to know as an artist what your greatest strengths are: what you are really good at, what you are reasonably good at, and what needs work. I have always known that I am a reasonably good singer, but not a great one. That’s OK with me. We all get a different set of tools in our toolboxes.
I took my singing training seriously when I had the chance to do it. I treasure some memories of choral singing in big choruses. And I also enjoy the memory of my senior recital in classical singing, during which I sang some pieces that I would never have otherwise learned.
But I am very humble in the presence of great singers and genius choral conductors. I know the difference between their level of gifting and mine!
You don’t have to be a great singer to benefit from training in singing. Understanding how the breath works in your body and in your voice is an amazing asset to your life. It will also help you speak correctly and know when you might be having vocal issues.
Finally, there is the unique reward of singing in harmony. Singing close harmony with others is my favorite form of singing. There’s something intensely spiritual about it, whatever your religious beliefs. The production of beautiful, different, but compatible sounds by careful listening and tuning with other singers standing next to you is unlike any other human activity I have ever done. I believe that like dance, singing is something we’re made to do in groups. We all feel better when we do it. That’s why we see harmonic singing across so many cultures.
My musical training does help me as a stage director. If I hear an actor having a vocal problem, I may be able to give them some technical tips. I know how to teach breathing, speaking and projection. I know how to pick music that’s feasible and appropriate for a show. And in a pinch, I can teach songs and serve as a musical director, but I’d rather have a real one!
Creativity That Connects Us 