People often ask me if I can give them an individual singing lesson because they have a big event coming up.
They’re worried that their singing voice won’t be up to the job. I usually dissuade them and here is why.
An elderly man recently wrote to me:
“I plan to sing a couple of old Music Hall songs in memory of my parents at my ninetieth birthday party (if I still have the breath and the nerve to do it). A problem, as you may imagine, is trying to ensure I attempt to sing in a key suitable to my untrained voice.
I am searching for someone for one or two sessions to help me sing the right notes in the right order so I do not make a complete idiot of myself.”
Like many others, this man is worried about making a fool of himself by not singing “well” or “properly”.
My response was not to worry. The circumstances don’t demand a “trained voice”. The occasion just requires his heartfelt effort.
The context is his own birthday party. His intention is to honour his parents’ memory. Everyone in attendance will surely be moved by his singing however he sounds.
Some of the most moving and engaging singing I have heard has come from “untrained” voices being entirely involved in what they are singing.
What do you think?
You might also like The pleasures of the untrained voice and Singing out of tune isn't always a bad thing.
Chris Rowbury
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