YOU

GOTTA BE
BORN WITH IT,
BABY!

93 SINGING IS A SPORT
205
 HMMM... THEN
WELL, MY RECOMMENDATION IS
I’D LIKE TO TO LET YOURSELF BECAUSE
SO... YOU
DESCRIBE
YOUR FITNESS
GET IN SHAPE, DON’T CURRENTLY
... UH...
GO! BUT ATHLETIC TALENT IS
SOMETHING YOU HAVE
GOALS.
LOOK GREAT, FEEL
HEALTHY, AND PLAY
HOLD ANY OLYMPIC
MEDALS OR WORLD
NO... LIE ON THE
COUCH ALL DAY.
WHY?! TO BE BORN WITH. YOU
EITHER HAVE IT OR
THE SPORTS I RECORDS? BECOME A VEGETABLE. YOU DON’T.
ENJOY. BUT, DON’T EAT ANY
VEGETABLES! STICK
WITH FRIED
FOODS.

“SINGING IS A SPORT” is a popular adage which suggests Only a small percentage of athletes ever achieve a professional sporting
that vocal training is similar to athletic training. Maybe the most debil- career. Yet, the health benefits of physical activity are universally rec-
itating lie singers are told is this: “You have to be born with it.” This lie has ognized. It’s common knowledge that athletics improve energy, mental
robbed untold vocalists of the confidence and courage to develop their clarity, and emotional well-being. Our bodies were made to be active
voices. Thankfully, one of the best remedies is to remember that singing and strong.
is a sport.
Likewise, only a small percentage of singers ever achieve a professional
In truth, singing requires as much muscular training as any sport. We’ve singing career. Sadly though, many non-professional singers miss out on
explored numerous examples of how vocal technique involves respirato- the gift of singing because they become deceived and discouraged by
ry, laryngeal, glottal, facial, and postural muscles. From beginner to elite negative words. In response to this, the idea that singing is a sport offers
professional, all singers must train like athletes for their vocal muscles to a simple, yet powerful truth: The voice can and must be trained. This truth
become coordinated, efficient, and reliable. trumps the all too common misunderstanding that singing is something
that you need to be born with. It also empowers singers to receive the
Nevertheless, it’s common for aspiring singers to hear reactions like: extraordinary physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits that only
the sport of singing can offer.
“You’re training your voice? Can you even do that?”
“You either have talent, or you don’t.” To sing like never before, you don’t have to be born with anything except
“Some people are just tone deaf.” an unyielding passion to sing. Your body is a temple. Sports may keep its
walls strong—but only singing can fill its halls with your soul’s sweetest
“So what do you plan to DO with your singing?”
song. Play on.
“Well, just don’t quit your day job!”

Reject the lie that singing is Think of training your voice just Enjoy the countless benefits of
something that you must be born like training your body. In reality, singing, even if you don’t intend
with. there are very few differences. to pursue it professionally.

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