So—you’ve signed up for music lessons and choir. That’s amazing! You have an exciting year ahead.
September is just around the corner, and lessons and rehearsals will be starting soon. (Honestly, where did the summer go?!)
I can’t wait for what’s ahead:
- Technical growth and new skills.
- Discoveries—new music, new genres, new techniques, new artists.
- Deeper connections—to the music, to the story, to the expressive elements of singing.
- Breakthroughs—the thrill of your first performance, that “aha” moment in a lesson, or “who knew my voice could do that?!”.
- And most of all, the emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness that comes from a steady artistic practice.
There is SO much to look forward to.
But here’s the thing—it doesn’t just happen. Transformation takes intention. You need a plan.
Think of it like this: it’s one thing to read the driver’s manual, but unless you actually get behind the wheel, you’ll never learn to drive. Singing is the same. Lessons and rehearsals are important, but your voice grows when you practice regularly—with focus, efficiency, and purpose.
The beauty of being a singer is that your instrument goes wherever you go. You can practice almost anywhere. But without a plan, practice slips through the cracks, and before you know it—you’re at your next lesson realizing you haven’t done the work. That’s where progress stalls.
This year, I want to challenge you to reframe how you think about music. What if singing wasn’t just another task on your to-do list, but a practice—like yoga, journaling, or meditation—woven into your wellness routine? We know that music enriches the brain, body, and spirit. How might your relationship with your artistry shift if you approached singing as a practice that grounds, challenges, and transforms you?
Here’s how to begin:
- Set your goals for the season.
Choose 5 clear, attainable goals for your artistic growth. Write them down, and post them in your practice space where you’ll see them daily. Research shows that writing goals makes them far more likely to be realized. - Create a practice space you love.
Your environment matters. Carve out a space—no matter how small—that feels welcoming and inspiring. This step is key, so don’t skip it! If you create the space, you will want to spend time there. - Decide on your practice schedule now.
Don’t wait for the school year to get busy. Keep it simple at first: 10–15 minutes, five times per week. Consistency matters more than length. Remember, action precedes motivation! - Embrace a growth mindset.
Singers who believe their abilities can grow through effort, creativity, and guidance are the ones who flourish—not just in music, but in life. Singing gives us a beautiful opportunity to practice resilience, curiosity, and joy. - Celebrate your wins.
Big and small. Every milestone deserves recognition. That positive reinforcement helps your brain build the pathways for lasting confidence and transformation.
Your artistic practice should be a source of joy, strength, and self-trust. Make the plan now, before the year begins, and watch your confidence bloom with every intentional step.
Cheers to a year of beautiful moments, powerful voices, and a practice that feels like home.
Keep singing,
xo Andrea “the planner” Donais