Success at your vocal art means dedicating yourself to more than just one thing –says Mister Tim
When speaking of singers, actors, athletes, and artists, the world at large says “They have TALENT.”
That word is very misleading, because instead of a single TALENT, there are a group of TALENTS.
No one has a TALENT for basketball. What good basketball players have is a collection of TALENTS that allow them to play the game well: tall, strong, fast, coordinated, good special reasoning, good memory for and recall of specific plays, understanding of their teammate’s skills, ability and willingness to work hard in practice— a myriad TALENTS that combine to make a great player.
200 years ago there were people who were tall, strong, fast, coordinated, had good special reasoning, etc.
200 years ago the game of basketball did not even exist.
It would be silly to say that they had a TALENT for basketball. They had skills that could be beneficial for the game of basketball that could also be beneficial for other activities, but in that specific combination would allow them to play basketball well.
They had TALENTS, not TALENT.
Look at football players (American football or ‘futball’ –I love ‘em both).
At the professional level, EVERYONE HAS “TALENT.” You don’t get to that level without natural ability, athleticism, etc.
Success in Singing and in Life
What makes some players rise to elite status above others?
It might be that they have a few special skills the others don’t, but more often than not it is their competitive fire, their compulsion to improve, their relentless work ethic, their intellect, or sometimes just their willingness to start a little earlier and stay a little longer than other players that eventually pushes them to the top.
Apply this to singing: if you have aspirations to ‘make it big,’ realize that everyone you are competing with has just as much if not more “TALENT” than you.
In the modern world everyone has access to virtually the same resources as everyone else. Your chance to succeed will come as you take advantage of those resources and decide to spend the time needed to develop all your TALENTS to make your dreams come true.
When you are complimented as having TALENT, keep in mind the multitude of TALENTS that are being identified: stage presence, vocal control, a sultry low range or a clear high range, emotional presentation… all of these are different facets of what is identified as a single TALENT.
My Reactions To This Week’s Peer Review Vid
Sarah Dooley – Katy Perry Cover
I’m so lucky to have so many great young singers sending in their videos this past few weeks! I recommend you read my comments to the other young singers and think about how it applies to you. Specific recommendations for you, Sarah: film yourself singing this song at a live performance, when you are away from the safe studio and headphones. Does your performance come across as warm and dynamic to match your vocals? Can you maintain your level of vocal presence through a whole set, or are you straining or working your voice too hard? In a live performance you may have to pace yourself and learn to sound good while not singing at 100% for the whole performance.
-Mister Tim
Mister Tim is a modern voice artist who respects the history of the vocal arts while not being afraid to push into new, uncharted territory. He artistic directs an eclectic array of vocal ensembles that range from traditional choral to cutting-edge, technology-based, ultra-modern vocal rock bands. A published composer, award-winning recording artist, and in-demand performer and teacher, Mister Tim is also a viral video star, sponsored kazoo player, and dedicated husband and father. He created and sings with 2010 Harmony Sweepstakes champions Plumbers of Rome, internet sensations moosebutter, beatbox online teachers and performers Mouth Beats, and all-original vocal band THROAT. He also tours with his solo vocal live-looping/beatbox shows.
www.mistertimdotcom.com and www.vocalitysingers.com
