Why I Write a Blog About Singing… and Why Now?

Why am I writing a blog about singing, and why now? This is the twentieth post of my brand-new blog, and it seems as good a time as any to share with you a bit more about myself, and the deeper purposes behind this blogging project.

Blogging is different then writing a book— there is something more immediate, more personal, I think, that comes through as you read what I have written. Soon I will be adding my own videos, and that will give you an even more direct connection to my character, personality, and way of expressing myself.

So whom am I to be dispensing my knowledge, wisdom, opinions and advice to you? If you read my About Page on this blog, https://singingvoicesuccess.com/about-nadia/  you already know that I have been singing professionally and teaching voice in southern California for over thirty years. My career in both areas quite literally exemplifies the time-worn phrase “From Bach to Rock”. I’ve sung practically every style of music, and I’ve taught students who sing just about every style of music as well.

Also, I’m old enough now to have been through all sorts of things that can make you or break you, both in singing and in life— serious illness, family crises, financial woes— LIFE, in capital letters! In the music arena, I’ve been a part of the academic world both as a student who has earned multiple college degrees, and as an instructor, who has taught hundreds (maybe even thousands) of students in voice classes, private lessons, and at my own studio.  I’ve also been a singer in the “real world” and experienced all the highs and lows that are unique to the profession. With all this vast amount of education and experience, I am in the perfect position to be sharing this blog with you!

I want to be your teacher, your mentor, your friend. I can save you so much time, aggravation, missteps and grief! In my own career, I had to stumble over so many things on my own, and if I had had someone like me to guide my path then (or writing a blog like this!), it would have made a big difference. Despite starting a bit late (by some standards) and not knowing exactly what I was doing at times, I still managed to have the career I wanted, both as a singer and teacher. But it took me longer to achieve certain goals, and I may have missed out on some opportunities, too. Let me fill in the blanks for you in your pursuit of singing, whether for fun or professionally, and give you every advantage that I didn’t have starting out.

I have a LOT to say! I am just bursting with information and advice, and I can’t wait to get it all out to you. Every day is filled with singing-related topics that pop into my head, that I want to share with you.

It’s the right time. This is the perfect time for me to do a singing blog, because my singing career has slowed down (my choice—I’m tired of the hectic lifestyle of a performer, and want to concentrate even more on teaching). When I teach in a lesson, I can only reach one person. In a classroom, I can only reach about 25-30 people, tops. With a blog, I can help hundreds, and hopefully, thousands of people all at one time!

I love to write. One of my non-music degrees is in Communications, with a Public Relations emphasis. I love to write, and this is the perfect forum to stretch my writing muscles on a regular basis, writing about something that I love! Students and colleagues always praise my style of communication as clear, warm, and engaging. I hope that will come through in this blog!

I want to improve your vocal technique. This is HUGE, and the number one reason I started writing this blog. There is so much bad information out there, and so many misconceptions about the voice and how to use it.  I want to clear up a lot of those mysteries that still plague many singers!

I want to preserve your vocal health. I am a huge proponent of healthy singing technique, and proactive care of the voice. I’ve suffered more than a few of the common maladies that plague singers, like allergies and acid reflux, to name a few. I want to put out great information that singers can use to prevent problems, and learn how to deal with them when they do arise.

I want to help you live your best singer’s life. Being a serious singer, or even a hobbyist, implies a lifestyle choice— there are challenges and decisions, both mundane and monumental, that affect the everyday function of your voice, as well as your singing career, and day-to-day life in general. I’ll discuss many of the things that singers need to deal with in this blog.

I want to give you inspiration. The very sensitivity that can make you a great singer can make you more susceptible to the hurts and frustrations and the inevitable highs and lows of the singer’s experience. I’ll share inspiring and helpful ideas to make your path a bit easier.

I want to expand your singing horizons. The other great reason for writing this blog is that I can introduce you to my favorite musical genres and artists, and hopefully broaden your horizons above and beyond what passes for music in in our so-called popular culture. I want to raise the bar!

You’ll discover classic musicals, opera and classical art songs, jazz and the fabulous standards of the Great American Songbook, as well as traditional folk songs, and even holiday and seasonal music (I love holidays!). Many singers spend a lot of time in choirs and other ensembles, so I’ll definitely include some choral music posts as well.  I’ll also feature wonderful artists of the past and present who sing all these very styles of music.

I want to extend my teaching business and to create a new stream of income. I am forever recommending products to my students that I use and like myself, so it occurred to me that I could do this through my blog, and perhaps supplement my current income (when you’re a musician, you are always looking for ways to supplement your income!). I also plan to create and sell my own products, and carry advertisements on my blog as well.  The blog is free to all forever, but if you ultimately wish to purchase any products I offer here, they will cost no more than if you purchased them somewhere else.  And, I do hope you take advantage of the library of posts as they accumulate over time, which will always be available for free.

So, I think I’ve pretty much answered the questions— “why am I writing a blog about singing, and why now?” I can’t think of a better way to share my passion for the voice, singing and music with an audience of people who share this love as well! I get to write from the comfort of my own home, often in the wee hours of the morning in my pajamas. I can do it on my own schedule, in my own way, with no one to answer to but myself. And, eventually it will turn into a business that I can sustain for as long as there is an Internet, and there are people interested in what I have to share. Come join me, and enjoy the ride right along with me!