I have a feeling that I might have already written a post similar to this before–or a post related to this–but I have been noticing some annoying habits of vocalists lately. Though these might not necessarily be related to your health, or be considered the “typical” bad habits of vocalists, these bad habits could potentially be detrimental to your reputation as not only a musician, but as a professional.
1. “The Flakes”
I have encountered this with not only many of my vocal students, but other musicians as well. Students will plan and confirm that they are coming to lessons, but cancel at the last minute, or not even show up at all. Same for fellow musicians–they will say they can rehearse or play for a gig and either not show, cancel and/or find a better paying gig. This is detrimental because it makes others think that you are not reliable or responsible. Teachers and fellow musicians lose out on money and all lose out on a potentially rewarding musical experience.
2. Not Practicing
Whether for an actual paying gig or a fellow musician’s recital or project, I’ve seen vocalists repeatedly show up, having not prepared or practiced. Practicing, either for your vocal instructor or fellow musician, shows that you respect them enough to invest in whatever you’re working on with them and that you respect yourself enough to want to improve your abilities, bringing your best to the table.
3. Not Being Supportive of Other Fellow Musicians
Music, like any other profession, can be very competitive. While we hustle to get gigs and advance our careers, we as musicians tend to forget why we started doing music to begin with: to connect with people using music. When you see a fellow musician being successful, you should appreciate and congratulate; not say anything negative behind their backs. When we support and look out for each other–giving a gig to a more qualified musician or attending an extra rehearsal for a friend–we help build each other up. This is a great way to network, building great personal and professional relationships.
4. Not Trying to Sharpen Your Musical Theory Skills
I have been guilty of this one myself, numerous times, because my music theory skills aren’t that strong. However, not trying to improve your skills can potentially hinder your musical career. The more theory you know, the more you are better able to create the type of music you want to create. You are also able to make yourself more marketable as well–a vocalist who can arrange, compose and play piano is more likely to get a job than a vocalist who can only sing (depending on their past experience).
5. Not Trying to Contribute More During Rehearsals
I’ve witnessed several vocalists who were leading a band do this. Not having the confidence to contribute your own musical ideas or suggestions to a band for a project or performance can keep you from growing as a musician. When you speak up, you assert yourself as an actual creative part of that group and you sharpen your leadership and team working skills.
Although these issues don’t have anything to do with vocal technique or performance practice per se, these are still things that any vocalist needs to keep in mind when building their music career. I hope these tips help you to better yourselves as musicians and people.
Do you have any other bad habits that vocalists or other musicians do? Leave a comment below!