Advanced vs Beginner Singer: The Difference is Not What You Might Think
Posted on 22. Dec, 2009 by Per Bristow in Performance, Singing
This article is in regards to two very interesting emails I received in about the Sing With Freedom program (www.TheSingingZone.com). One was from a “beginner” and one from an “advanced” singer, and I think there is a great learning experience here for everyone.
The first email was from a concerned potential customer wondering if the Sing With Freedom program also works for someone who is a complete beginner and who has never sung before. He was concerned because he had seen a bunch of testimonials from professional singers.
The short answer is yes. But how is that possible if also professionals find the program rewarding?
When it comes to learning an instrument there is a distinct difference between a lesson that is designed for a beginner, versus one that is designed for an advanced player. But that is not necessarily the case when it comes to singing. How come?
See, you may think you are a beginner, you may not have sung much, but your voice may still be strong, free, resonant, and flexible. You have after all used it your whole life, (which makes the process of learning to sing different from say learning to play a piano). It is very possible you may develop at rapid-fire speed. Since you are a “beginner” you don’t know, do you? In fact, being a beginner may be beneficial. You may not have developed a lot of bad habits (or limiting beliefs).
Even if you have some physical restrictions or weaknesses in certain muscles that haven’t been developed before, you may have a very flexible and adaptive mindset which will make you learn fast
Now let’s look at email number two: You should first know that it is incredibly seldom that we get a refund request for the Sing With Freedom DVDs. However, a few weeks ago my support staff got an email from someone who liked to point out that he was an “advanced singer”, and he requested a refund because he had “reviewed all the lessons in one sitting and didn’t feel he learned anything new”. Therefore, in his opinion, “the program must be geared only to beginners”.
Now I could have told him that there is one way I can guarantee with a 100% certainty that he will not gain any results. And that is if he reviews all lessons in one sitting.
In fact, I did tell him that before he started lesson one.
The first thing I do in lesson one of the Sing With Freedom program is that I lay out the strategy of getting the most out of the program. Naturally, it is in my interest too that you experience wonderful results. Two of the main points I made is that you really need to do the exercise with me and then work on them for several days before you move on. For people who do the program it becomes abundantly clear why that is. And for those who embrace these strategies, the results are often wonderful – for singers of all levels.
Most likely, this person didn’t do a single exercise and was indeed just “reviewing”. And even so, doing all lesson in one sitting is completely worthless.
The reason why I bring this up is that it is important to realize that, although this person may believe he is an advanced singer, he is not an advanced learner. And by being unwilling to learn and grow he is likely not very successful in his endeavors.
The “know it all” attitude is what makes growth impossible. I’m sure we all get trapped in that from time to time. This has nothing to do with the level of knowledge we possess, but the mental attitude we live with.
The reason many beginners and professionals alike get such nice rewards from the program is because the program is about encouraging new discoveries. It is about making you feel muscles and movement on a deeper level than before. This way you can release tension and develop strength, flexibility and freedom and as a result you become freer and more confident in your expression. This is of course crucial for both “beginners’ and professionals
So what I would like to encourage you to realize is that you don’t need to categorize yourself as a “beginner” or “advanced”. The only thing that counts is if you want to grow and develop from where you are. Growth, new discoveries and a new freedom to your instrument is naturally exceptionally rewarding, whether you just sing for fun or you sing professionally.
Are you an “advanced learner”? Under what circumstances and in what area of your life have you made major leaps in your development? Feel free to share any thoughts below.
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21 Responses to “Advanced vs Beginner Singer: The Difference is Not What You Might Think”
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Julia Miller
22. Dec, 2009
I guess I would be described as an advanced learner, because at the age of 49, I returned to music school to get a degree in Music Education. After singing and playing piano for almost 40 years, I decided to get the piece of paper qualifying me to teach what I learned! I was very (pleasantly) surprised to see how much I advanced under the tutelage of Doctor's of Music! Forty years in a semi-professional capacity didn't automatically make me perform at my peak ability. We can all learn more at every age. Thank you, Per!
KATHIE BIGGINS
22. Dec, 2009
Hi, I love your mail and will one day soon ,I hope, be able to afford a lesson.
I believe I can sing IF I just get some confidence. THANK YOU
Victor Vogt
22. Dec, 2009
Could you please answer the question I asked the other day (same as #38 and #39
in your "Comments "section the other day. I'm very interested in the 4 CDs, but not at all sure about more.
Victor Vogt
Susan Strick
22. Dec, 2009
I'm a professional singer and teacher and though i haven't yet bought the program, I get a lot out of your blogs — all of them. In this one you cogently identify something SO true in my experience! As teachers we deal not only with voices but also nurture (or stifle!) personal artistry. It usually turns out that folks who are open and have the ability to learn become the most interesting and compelling as artists also. Bravo, Per, for helping me in my continuing learning as both singer and teacher.
Jessica White
23. Dec, 2009
I'm a 39-year old beginner and have been working on the first lesson this week (my Christmas gift to myself!). I appreciate your faith in the beginner's ability to learn. I love to sing, but I'm a bit shy, and I love your program so far.
I'm always learning–and I believe that even if I never get good enough to perform, I will at least make myself happier knowing that I tried. There are three things that I want to do before I die–learn to sing, learn to play guitar, and learn to speak Spanish, and now I'm well on my way to at least two of the three. Thanks for the blog entry!
The Eel
23. Dec, 2009
Dear Per, Thank you for the holiday wishes and article. I bought your program in August and have benefitted tremendously. I started playing guitar for the first time and singing just 2 1/2 years ago, but have progressed quickly.
I have a new song called "Let Go" and video (coming soon). You can listen here:
http://myspace.com/realjammonbroadway
Thanks again! Best wishes to you,
E.
The Eel
23. Dec, 2009
Here is the correct website:
http://myspace.com/realjamminonbroadway
Best,
E
Voice4Word
23. Dec, 2009
Hi Per et all!
I wonder why the "advanced" individual was interested in the program in the first place? Is he/she seeking vocal freedom? As a full-time working vocalist (singer/voice over artist) I have run the gamut of voice lessons with instructors/performers from around the world. I have learned wonderful things from every teacher I've had, but was totally intrigued by your idea of vocal "freedom". That was new and much appreciated. If the individual in question was seeking out a method to advance their voice even more, they just missed the boat.
Thanks, Per for helping me get through a very vocally busy holiday season (lots of live gigs and commercials!). With the demands on my voice over the past 6 weeks, I don't think I would have made it through without your program at my finger tips!
All the best and blessings to all for 2010!
Yours in joy and singing,
Haeley
Lynda Hartley
23. Dec, 2009
I am so glad you wrote me, my computer crashed and I lost your web site info. I am enjoying the lessons on the CDs but have been real busy lately to get much done. Will begin again after the holiday. Have a great Christmas and New Year. Lynda
Carola
24. Dec, 2009
Thank you for your mail, Per!
I wish you that all your dreams come true! A Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year 2010!
I like your DVDs very much! Thank you!
Karen Lewsader
24. Dec, 2009
I can't think of a single skill where advancement is accomplished without work, commitment, and time.
Roger Winell
25. Dec, 2009
I am a voice teacher and singer and I belong to a group of teachers and singers who try to understand how the voice functions physically and then put these principals into practice. I'm amazed at how much physical misinformation is out there even though it is mostly close to a grain of truth. These exercises and concepts do a great deal to train the voice so it can be used effeciently.
Roger
israel
25. Dec, 2009
hi Per! i'm looking forward to become an international gospel artist ,i've been training my voice with other material but everything i have learned just couldn't open up but after the dvd it was a new experience just like u said and i'm amazed the way i can connect high note with my full voice.
Kora
26. Dec, 2009
Hi Per & all,
I´m doing massage therapy and health coaching. There I often work to make people feel how their body works, how it reacts upon triggers and thoughts, how habits have been installed and so on. Then, out of an atmosphere of security and acceptance, I support to let go, feel differences, to experience something new and to practise that.
Quite the same approach that you give in your voice training. I never looked or focused upon voice earlier, but this method can be applied to all that involves our senses, like eyesight, physical performance, various health issues.
I´m enjoying the "Sing with freedom" course (and the other singing zone material) very much, and feel that my singing is profiting, plus that I´m learning to read melodies and rhythms easier.
Thank you so much!
Kora
Ella
26. Dec, 2009
Great points Per. It’s good sometimes to point out these things that we often overlook. I am eager to learn but I know I have created ruts for myself that I need to get out of. Thanks for taking a different approach to learning and singing!
Catherine Mein
05. Jan, 2010
Hi Per.
I cannot but feel sorry for he person who so rudely said he got nothing he did not know already from your discs. How dull life must be for him if he goes around "knowing" everything!
In my experience of life, every new encounter is an opportunity for learning, and your discs and lessons are definitely distinctly interactive. Each time one plays them one learns something new, something to improve on.
Does this man not vary from day to day in his singing like the rest of us? To learn nothing from your lessons he must be totally self obsessed, and if he is so perfect, why is he not world famous? Perhaps he is, only I suspect not!
Poor saddo! He must live a very dull, blinkered life.
For the rest of us imperfect human beings, even if we do sing a lot, returning to your lessons especially after a break, each time gives us more fun, more confidence and a lift in our singing ability and especially self confidence and spirits!
I for one appreciate the "feel good " factor they impart! Thank you!
Richard Calvert
15. Feb, 2010
Hi! Per, I have read your "Blogs" and it amazes me how many are thrilled by their progress, 0ne day maybe I will be able to join them, in the meantime I will carry on as best I can with the choir. I have to smile about the "Professional" singer, we have a man in our choir who was once a pro. singer, and thinks he is god's gift, asked if he could do a solo at a concert, and because he was told no, he has gone into a sulk, and only comes to practice once in a blue moon. Isn't it a shame for them.
Keep up the good work
Richard Calvert
denise
16. Feb, 2010
Hi there, I went to a fantastic show at my folk club last night, saw some brilliant singing and obvious trained voices, I think that your course is a little too expensive
for me to buy at present, I don't like the sound of the tone of my voice, trouble is I sound like I have an american twang in the sound and I don't like it myself although I do sing I don't know how to improve the tone of my voice, and if I risk buying your products I don't know if it will make a difference, still thinking about the investment. I have been to singing teachers but all they do is excersises and listen to me sing and play my guitar without real comment, this doesn't really help.
I have not heard anything on your site like the before and afters voice improvement, no one has really said how their voices have improved only that they like your cd's, could you put some singing on to prove the difference that you training teaches.
thanks Denise – UK
Catherine
18. Feb, 2010
I am absolutely astounded at the progress i have made since i have started with Per. In fact i felt a difference immediately. I always felt i was a natural soprano but sure did not sound like it – but when i just relax into into – i just hit the high E note effortlessly and i can ride the waves with a rich full round sound easy – without even practising ! Per has shown am excellent way to use your mind with your voice as you sing! No more straining just pure enjoyment and the audience can feel it ! Thanks Per
Brenda
20. Feb, 2010
I would like to learn to sing the Per Bristow way but at the moment am not in a position to do so. I will at some point get these cd's but I dont want to sign up for any more at the same time and wondered whether I could perhaps just sign up for the cds to start with. Could you also tell me how much it would cost in £s as opposed to $s. Thank you and keep up the good work. Brenda UK
Patch
05. Mar, 2010
I have been very impressed with what I have seen and learned from "The New Era of Singing" ! My school play is coming up in six days, and I am very worried about it! Hopefully I will be able take what I learned and use it quickly! I wanted to buy the program, but My parents won't let me. They say it is another scam. Hopefully I will get them to let me buy soon, but untill then, I will stick to reading "The New Era of Music." Thank you so much, this is really wonderfull!