What It Takes to Become a Great Singer

As many of you know, All-State auditions wrapped up last week.  I am incredibly proud of Zach, who was the BEST SINGER in the area for baritone.  My tenor, Sebastian, came in as 1st Alternate.  While I know he is disappointed, this is still an incredible achievement in which very little separates the best from the worse at the Area auditions.  He did very well, and I know he will make an All-State Choir next year.

I've posted before on what it takes to be a great singer, and how talent is surprisingly not that important.  Luck, a strong work ethic, self-awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses etc...and so many other qualities matter more than talent.  However, I am being a bit disingenuous if I were to say there isn't a quality common in all great singers and performers: a willingness to ignore critics.

You see, every famous singer and actor (even the legends like Sinatra, Beyonce etc...) will tell you how many times they heard "No" before they heard "Yes."  Part of it is simple math; there are far more singers than jobs!  But the reality is that everyone, even if they are well-meaning, is a critic and is convinced they know where you belong, how you should sing, dress, act etc...

I cannot tell you how many times I have been rejected as too small, too tall, too good-looking, too plain-looking, too loud, too soft....the list goes on and on.  Auditioning is a brutal, unfair, and cruel way to earn a living. 

For most people, a year of two of the constant criticism and rejection is enough to scream!  And yet, for some singers, it hones and shapes your focus and determination.  Instead of hearing "no", you hear "not yet."  Instead of hearing "You can't do X," you think "just wait til you see this!"

For any singer to stay in the business, you have to have a certain bull-headedness, arrogance, and belief in yourself that defies the odds and naysayers.  To some people, it comes across as a bit crazy!  And yet, that inner voice that says "Don't Give Up!" is essential if you want to have a career in music. It isn't a guarantee of a career, but it is a necessity.

Which brings me to my student, Sebastian.  Aside from his talents as a musician, what impresses me the most is his drive and focus.  He works incredibly hard, and has improved tremendously over the year and a half I have worked with him.  If anyone can overcome this disappointment, it is him. In fact, I bet this temporary failure will in fact shape his character and make him a better, singer, student and adult in the years to come.

DWS