How To Practice Effectively
- Val Bastien
- Dec 13, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 5
For those juggling school, work, motherhood/fatherhood, household chores, and singing, it can be incredibly challenging to find time to practice. The daily demands on your time seem endless, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your list. Singing is important to you, however, and you know it's essential to dedicate time to it. Just like any other instrument, developing vocal skills takes time, practice, and patience. You know that practicing is what any serious singer must do to improve and grow, but with so many things demanding your attention, how can you make the most of your practice time?
Every singer has been there: juggling rehearsals, preparing for auditions, learning new songs, recording demos, or planning for performances. Life doesn’t stop, and neither do the opportunities that come with singing. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a semi-professional singer, or someone who just loves to sing for fun, finding time to practice while maintaining a balance with the rest of your responsibilities can feel like a daunting task.
But, if you’re dedicated to improving your singing, it’s worth the effort. Here's the truth: you don't need hours of practice every day to improve. What you need is to learn how to practice effectively. It’s not about how many hours you spend singing—it's about how you use the time you have.
The Realities of Being a Busy Singer
A new song, a new recording, a new video, a band rehearsal, an upcoming audition, another show… there are many reasons you might want to excel at singing. You can't just show up unprepared or you might lose credibility. You want to bring your best performance to the stage, and that often means dedicating time to prepare properly. Even more so, you’ve likely noticed that the more you practice, the more your confidence soars. The song becomes easier to sing, and your performance feels more natural because you no longer have to worry about what you should or shouldn't do with your voice.
But with everything else on your plate, how do you ensure that you’re making the most of your practice time?
Learn correct singing technique so that you can maximize your practice time. I'm here to help! Contact me to set up your FREE consultation session. Limited spots available!
How Many Hours Should You Practice?
How many hours a day do you practice? How many times a week do you dedicate to vocal exercises and song practice? And most importantly, what do you get out of it? These are the questions that many singers face, but few know how to answer.
Many singers practice and practice but notice little improvement. This can be discouraging and lead to burnout. It’s a common frustration—spending hours practicing but feeling as though you’re stuck in the same place. Are you guilty of singing a lot but not truly practicing? If so, you’re not alone.
Singing vs. Practicing: What's the Difference?
There is a big difference between "singing" and "practicing." Singing a song from beginning to end on repeat might seem like productive practice, but it can actually be counterproductive if you’re not paying attention to the nuances of your performance. You might end up reinforcing bad habits or mistakes instead of improving your technique. Just like any other instrument, vocal practice needs to be intentional and structured.
Imagine you’re playing the piano. If you only ever play an entire piece from start to finish without focusing on the more challenging sections, your fingers won't improve at those tricky parts. The same is true for singing. Instead of singing a song from beginning to end, break it down into smaller sections. Work on one section at a time, focusing on the areas that need improvement. By tackling the more difficult parts individually, you can iron out mistakes and perfect your technique without overexerting your voice.
Tips for Effective Practice
If you're serious about improving your singing, making your practice time more intentional and structured is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your practice:
1) Find a Quiet Space and Time
A quiet, comfortable space is essential for effective practice. This might sound obvious, but it's easy to overlook. If you’re constantly distracted by noise or interruptions, your focus will be divided, and your practice will suffer. Whether it’s early in the morning before everyone else wakes up or late at night when the house is quiet, find a time that works best for you.
Having a dedicated practice space is also beneficial. It doesn’t have to be a soundproof studio—just a room where you can comfortably sing without feeling self-conscious or interrupted. This gives you the mental space to experiment with your voice and try new things without fear of judgment.
2) Ask for Respect for Your Practice Time
If you live with family members or roommates, it can be hard to find time to practice without feeling guilty or disturbed. To ensure that you can practice without distractions, ask your loved ones to respect your designated practice time. Set clear boundaries with them—let them know when you'll be practicing and when you need uninterrupted time. This will help everyone in the household understand the importance of your practice and give you the space to improve.
3) Turn Off Your Phone and Step Away from Distractions
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. Social media, text messages, and constant notifications can pull you away from your practice. Set aside your phone or put it on airplane mode during practice to minimize distractions. The only exception, of course, is if you’re using your phone to play the track you’re working on.
If you’re working on a specific recording, it’s essential to stay focused on the task at hand. Set a timer for your practice and commit to staying present until the time is up. By reducing distractions, you’ll be able to focus on honing your skills without interruptions.
4) Set a Practice Timer
It’s easy to lose track of time, especially when you’re trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. But to maximize your practice, it’s helpful to set a timer. Decide how long you want to practice—whether it’s 30 minutes, an hour, or longer—and stick to that timeframe. Setting a timer helps you stay focused and ensures that you make the most of your limited time.
Additionally, a timer can help you avoid vocal fatigue. If you know that you only have a set amount of time to practice, you’ll be more likely to pace yourself and work on quality over quantity.
5) Focus on One Song at a Time
It might be tempting to work on multiple songs at once, especially if you have several projects in the works, but focusing on one song at a time is far more effective. Work on small sections of the song and don’t move on to the next part until you feel confident with the section you’re working on. This ensures that you are mastering each part of the song and aren’t simply rushing through it.
Take the time to work on the challenging sections. These are often the most crucial parts that will set your performance apart. If you have trouble with a specific phrase, slow it down and work on it until it feels effortless. Over time, you’ll see improvement in how easily you can navigate through difficult sections of any song.
Benefits of Intentional Practice
We live in a fast-paced society, and it often feels like there's no time to waste. But by making your practice time more intentional, you’ll see quicker results. Your motivation to practice will increase because you’ll know that you’re not just wasting time but actively improving. When you stop dwelling on things for too long, you begin to see progress more rapidly.
As you continue to practice effectively, you’ll find that you can learn more songs in less time. The songs that once felt out of your reach will now seem easily achievable. And this improvement doesn’t stop there—these skills will transfer to other songs you may have previously thought were too difficult to tackle.
Imagine how exciting it will be when a song that once intimidated you now feels easy! What about this one? Or that one? You’ll begin to challenge yourself with songs that are outside your comfort zone, and guess what? You’ll totally nail it! You’ll keep pushing your limits, and you’ll see your voice grow in ways you never thought possible.
The End Result: Increased Confidence and Vocal Control
By intentionally practicing difficult parts of a song instead of rushing through them, you’ll avoid unnecessary vocal fatigue. You’ll also gain better control of your voice, which will allow you to sing for longer periods without straining. This is a game-changer for any singer. You’ll have more stamina and better vocal health, allowing you to take on longer rehearsals or performances with ease.
In the end, you’ll find that your practice sessions are more enjoyable. Instead of feeling frustrated or burnt out, you’ll look forward to the time you’ve set aside to work on your singing. And before you know it, you’ll have doubled your practice time and improved exponentially.
Final Thoughts: Your Voice is an Instrument
I believe it’s entirely realistic to understand your voice and make it work for you within a relatively short period of time—as long as you have access to the right information and are committed to putting in the time. It’s all about making intentional choices when it comes to your practice routine. By focusing on one song at a time, working on difficult sections, and minimizing distractions, you can make the most of your practice time and see faster results.
Your voice is an instrument that can be fine-tuned, but it takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and remember that practice is about more than just repetition—it’s about refining your technique, building your confidence, and pushing your limits. You’ve got this! Keep practicing, and the rewards will come.
Please join me in my free masterclass “5 Shifts to Uncover Your Best Voice and Perform at Your Best” to learn more about developing your talent.
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Sing your heart out!
Val Bastien, OCT
Vocal Coach, Toronto
