Things Professional Singers are Tired of Hearing
Every singer has heard at least one of these things. Let’s have a laugh!
A: “I’m a musician!”
B: “What instrument do you play?”
Yep. I’m sure we’ve all heard this one. We introduce ourselves, or maybe answer a question about our occupation, and everyone defaults to instrumentalists. Even at auditions, while I was wearing a tag reading “Voice/Soprano” I would get asked this question. Singers are musicians too! Lots of us play other instruments, can read music, compose, arrange, and more! Our primary “instrument” just happens to be our voice!
B: “Oh, you can sing?” *Imitates an opera singer by singing an obnoxiously off-tune high note*. “Do you sing high or low?”
Not all singers sing Opera! There are many genres within the music world, including “old” music. There’s early music, classical, romantic, baroque, and more! Also, there are many different voice parts. We have all had the internal debate about whether or not to tell them our actual voice part, or just simplify it to avoid many moments of explanations that the inquirer isn’t even going to care about. Voice parts aren’t just determined by range, but also by the color and texture of a voice. That’s why a lyric soprano and a dramatic soprano are two different things, despite the fact that they’re both sopranos! Also, younger singers might not have a solidified voice type, considering that their voices are still changing and developing.
B: “Oh, you sing? Sing something for me now!”
Um, no. You wouldn’t ask a professional athlete to go play without a proper warmup. The vocal chords are actually muscles, composed of two membranes that touch and vibrate. High notes require more tautness, so the folds stretch tight. Lower notes are more relaxed. In order to perform with the best sound quality and the most safe and healthy manner, a singer has to warm up. Don’t expect a singer, or any musician, to perform for you on the spot.
B: “My family/Friend is coming over. Can you perform ____ song by ____ (artist who is not your area)?”
Most people swing one of two ways: either they assume that all singers sing “old” or classical music, or they assume that all singers sing popular conventional music. That’s not true. Your singer friend might not feel comfortable singing popular music, and vice versa. Please don’t request that we do that, especially if you don’t know what we’re comfortable with. Instead, ask what we’re comfortable with!
B: “Can you sing for my Wedding/Church Service/Party/Event for free?
A: “No. But, if you give me more details, I’ll be happy to provide you a rate.”
B: “Come on, it will give you exposure! It doesn’t cost you anything to sing anyway.”
I’m sure everyone has heard this one before. Often, early in a musician’s career, they are willing to take on free gigs, but paying us in exposure isn’t exactly the most polite thing to do. When you hire a musician, you are often paying them for not just their performance, but also the time spent rehearsing, travel expenses, sheet music costs, and often, for the accompanist. If you are planning on hiring a singer, maybe do them a solid and also pay for the accompanist, as many times, that money comes from our pockets. Maybe even provide the sheet music too. I assure you that the singer will be much happier to perform for you. Music making is our job after all!
B: I feel so self conscious singing in front of you/other musicians. I can’t sing at all!”
First of all, there is no need! Personally speaking, when I’m just chilling with friends or family, I’m not in my critiquing mindset. Unless you ask me to provide critiques or advice, I’m just going to let you do you! No judgement here. Also, if you can breathe or speak, you can sing! No such thing as a person who can speak but can’t sing (excluding certain medical conditions). The reason why you think you can’t sing is simply because your vocal chords have not been trained. It’s the difference between a trained singer and someone who has never had training! So, don’t compare yourself to others. You just need training and practice.
Speaking of training and practice, did you know that I have musicianship lessons! That’s right. Musicianship classes expand you musical abilities through exercising your auditory, music literacy, and technique skills. Visit my lessons page to learn more!