What does it take for a person to stand on stage and sing for an audience knowing that they will not sound like the original singer.

No matter who you are or what instrument you want to master, you must practice and develop one day at a time!

No one will argue that in order to make a cake you need ALL of the ingredients to make sure it holds together properly and I see Black History as a vital ingredient that must never be overlooked to ensure a Wonderful World.

Practicing is something that some people have no difficulty with while others do. I was one of those people who had major difficulty practicing because it was not something that I did on a regular basis as a child. I was not a disciplined young person. I read a lot in my room and yes, I would practice the piano (I was too afraid to sing as a child) but this was something that I found difficult to do regularly.

Yo-Yo Ma said “We’re not born creative or destructive. Each one of us has the ability to create or destroy, to leave the world better than we found it, or worse. I learn something not because I have to, but because I really want to. That’s the same view I have for performing.”

The benefits of practicing will always outweigh the reasons (excuses) why we cannot find the time to practice. It is amazing how there is always something more pressing than the 15-minute vocal exercise that, when done every day for one week, will change the way we sing. Even when we manage to practice and see the progress, there always seems to be something else that, at the time, is more important to replace it.

My Father recently passed away because he courageously decided to put an end to his battle with cancer. Before he left us, he gave me some great advice: “Roxanne, don’t be afraid, it’s a waste of time.”

I have had many students who have come into my office asking me to assist them in developing their singing and or speaking voice. I am honoured to be part of seeing them shine as they progress and hit the mark in the goals they set for themselves.

You always have the power to decide which way to go. What does this have to do with singing? EVERYTHING!

The bottom line in any kind of performance is can you trust yourself enough to allow yourself to let go and deliver the message of the song from the depth of your being (soul) and not allow yourself to focus on your technique? From my point of view, this is the goal when it comes to a performance.