What do we actually understand about athleticism in singing?

This is a question I am pondering through the summer as I work through my own physical injury and chronic pain.

The chicken/egg issue perhaps:

The evolution of the physical instrument before we even sing a note or take a breath. The evolution of the capitalism of larger houses to fill with people, and tone. The evolution of capitalism in more shows per week and the demand therein.

We talk about athleticism, but do we truly understand it and all its nuances?

Ultimately, athleticism is about the versatility of the physical and the mental components of any sport. Including singing. Including performing. There needs to be effectiveness and efficient movement.

The mental agility is as important as the physical agility. The mental stamina is as important as the physical stamina.

The strength is important physically and mentally.

The preparedness is important physically and mentally.

The resilience both physically and mentally is crucial.

Are we prepared to acknowledge both? If not, why?

These will be some of my questions and queries through the summer and ongoing.

Science is always being revealed and discovered, and so should it be in singing. It is not all or nothing.

We are our instruments. Just like ANY and ALL athletes. Our bodies are our temples or cathedrals. How do we treat it? How do we respond to it?

Are we aware of what it needs, and do we honor that?

Are we aware of what the mental preparation needs, and do we honor that?

Sports athletes have coaches for all aspects of their sport: physical training, physical cross-training, mental training, structured training, structured adjustment, structured acknowledgement of individuality and authenticity.

What are we missing?!?

Mental training is not mind games.

Physical training is not one size fits all and adjustments are tricks.

No, no no no no!!!!

Even a piano or violin has a personality and an individuality. They may have the same name, the same size, the same stamp and be completely unique from another of the same.

Why would it not be for singers?

What are you able to do? With your body? With your breath? With your mind? With your vibration? With your artistry? With your musicality?

“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.” - Miles Davis

Change “play” to “sing” and that just scratches the surface of what we profess to do.

Singing isn’t for the faint of heart or someone looking for a quick trick or quick fix. If you use the word trick in the the studio, know I CRINGE inside. There are no tricks. If there were, you would be a pony.

Let’s explore what we understand about athleticism through this summer season. Let’s begin to acknowledge what that truly means for all of us, and for you individiually!

Let’s begin here, and come and join me on Instagram LIVE at 3 p.m. EST on Friday July 18th

with dramatic soprano, Kelly Slawson to talk about teaching dramatic voices. You might be surprised.

with fondness & fierceness,