What’s My Motivation?

Opportunities for Singers

So, you’re a singer. What are you going to do?

There are many types of singers, and many reasons for becoming a singer. Maybe you just like to sing well enough to be in a school or church choir. Maybe you want to go a little further than than and establish a professional singing career. Or, maybe your dreams reach toward the stars and you want to reach international audiences, win The X Factor, The Voice, or be the next American Idol.

There are many opportunities for serious singers. Here’s a short list of what you can aim for:

Don’t Stop Believin’

Hollywood? Uh, yeah. And soon.

My life has been in upheaval this past year. I’ll be honest; I’m looking forward to 2012 with more anticipation than a child counting down the days to Christmas. In one year I lost both a steady job as well as my freelance jobs, jumped into developing ILoveToSing.com (a dream I’ve had since 1999), depleted my savings, struggled with family relationships, and slept in my car more than one should. Then in August just as I was really getting fervent and doing what is necessary to make ILoveToSing.com successful, I experienced the hardest thing I’ve come to know: my beautiful younger sister Karen died.

I’ll admit I just about gave up on everything. I thought I could not possible face any more and I was knocked down for a few months. I avoided family, friends, the general public—I didn’t even want to get out of bed most days. I have been fortunate to have Keith in my life for as much of a burden as I seem to be. But normally overlooked miracles have been happening every day rekindling my voice. I’ll tell you when so much has been dreary in my life, singing is healing my soul.

Martina McBride’s Breast Cancer Awareness Song

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Martina McBride has a new song that is very powerful and uplifting about the amazing people who love someone through the fight of their life.  Watch the video featuring some very familiar women who have battled cancer themselves.  My sister and a very good friend have been battling breast cancer this year.  My partner lost his sister in her battle against it and my heart sinks in sadness when he reveals the hole it left in his heart for her.  Brad Paisley is right, you’re not supposed to say the word cancer, in a song.  But this is country music and we do.  Martina has for a very long time, been one of my favorite singers and this song is one more reason I love her.  Thanks Martina for the great song and being a voice for Breast Cancer Awareness.

You can support the many efforts to eradicate breast cancer by donating the proceeds of a show, a percentage of album or merch sales, or by doing something to bring awareness with the voice you can provide.

Nobody Tells This to Beginners

Another week has gone by and if you feel anything like I do about my creative work, there is so much still to be done! I came across this quote shared by CD Baby on Facebook. It was so poignant I HAD to repost it here as a reminder for everyone (especially me, I guess) that this pursuit and love of singing takes time and volumes of work if we want our work to be great and lasting.

So, no matter what stage you are in as a singer, remember to do a few things:

1. Sing A LOT.
2. Focus your taste and skills (perhaps with help, when needed).
3. Give it time. Then give it more time.
4. Put fuel on the fire of passion by believing in yourself.
5. There will be a lot of discouragement (internally and externally). Don’t give up!