I always imagine that if Santa could sing, he would sound like Elvis. I get this cue about his voice from his hearty laughter, rich in bass tones. What if Santa could not only sing but he was YOUR vocal coach? Now that is an interesting thought, isn't it?
Vocal Coach Santa's Advice
Picture this: Santa, with his twinkling eyes and infectious energy, guiding you through your vocal warm-ups, offering wisdom from his centuries of spreading cheer. His deep, resonant voice would inspire confidence, while his joyful spirit would remind you to embrace the fun and magic of music. Santa’s unique perspective could transform your singing journey, helping you unlock skills you never knew you had.
Here’s what Santa would say to you:
1) Have You Been Good Boys and Girls This Year?
Let me paraphrase: have you been practicing? Your commitment to singing will determine your outcome. Whether you are:
Developing your full vocal potential by learning correct vocal technique.
Preparing for an audition.
Expanding your repertoire with exciting and challenging songs.
Rehearsing for your next show.
Recording your next masterpiece.
Remember that singing songs from beginning to end is not as beneficial as practicing areas of need in isolation. For example, if there’s a tricky high note or a challenging transition in your song, spend focused time working on those sections.
Pro Tip: Break your song into sections. Work on them individually before piecing them back together. Repetition is key. Don’t just wing it on performance day—know your stuff until it’s impossible to make a mistake. You will feel more confident and proud of how you carry yourself.
2) Be Jolly but Skip the Cookies!
We all know Santa’s weakness for chocolate cookies. His advice here is "Do as I say but not as I do: don't eat the cookies!" According to CNET.com, as little as 75 grams of sugar compromises the white cell’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses for about 5 hours. Maintaining good health is critical for singers, especially during the holiday season when colds and flus run rampant.
Alcohol is another notorious culprit for singers. It can dry out your vocal cords and lead to unnecessary strain. Avoid it before performances, no matter how tempting that holiday cocktail might be.
Pro Tip: Instead of indulging in sugary or alcoholic treats, hydrate with warm teas or water. Opt for healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or whole-grain options. Santa may indulge during his off-duty hours, but even he knows the importance of staying healthy to deliver his best.
3) Show Me A Leader
Being a singer opens the door to wonderful leadership opportunities. If you're in a band, let’s not kid ourselves: even if the guitar player thinks he's the boss, the audience looks up to you first. As the lead vocalist, your role defines a great majority of how the band is perceived. That’s a LOT of responsibility!
Leadership isn’t limited to group settings. Solo performers also demonstrate incredible leadership qualities by showcasing self-reliance and resourcefulness. Whether you're fronting a band or working solo, your confidence and charisma inspire others to follow your lead.
Great leaders possess these qualities:
Integrity: Stay true to your values and honor your commitments.
Clear communication: Speak and sing with clarity. Know how to share your vision.
Inclusion: Welcome participation from others. In a band, listen to input from your members. As a soloist, collaborate with others in the music industry.
Gratitude: Thank those who support you, from fans to collaborators.
Problem-solving: Face challenges head-on with courage and positivity.
Your leadership as a frontman, frontwoman, or solo contributor not only enhances your career but raises our collective musical consciousness and well-being. And that is fantastic!
4) Deliver the Goods
Santa’s job is to deliver gifts, but your job as a singer is to deliver an unforgettable performance. This means showing up prepared. It’s not enough to dream; you need to take concrete actions daily that move you closer to your goals. Here are some ways to stay on track:
Practice consistently.
Learn new songs.
Challenge yourself with more difficult material.
Collaborate with other musicians or join a choir.
Book events to share your talent.
Pro Tip: Set weekly goals. For example, work on improving your breath control or mastering a challenging vocal run. Track your progress to stay motivated.
Success revolves around mindset. Perseverance and consistency are the keys to delivering the goods when an opportunity arises. Don’t let fear or procrastination hold you back. Be bold and act with purpose.
5) Get the Help You Need to Succeed
Santa agrees that he can’t do it all on his own. That’s why he relies on Mrs. Claus and his team of elves. As a singer, you should also know when to seek support. Whether it’s a vocal coach, a mentor, or a sound engineer, the right guidance can elevate your craft.
For example, I’ve learned that trying to self-produce my recordings often leads to frustration and poor results. Instead, I invest in professional studio time and hire skilled audio engineers to mix my work. It costs more, but the improvement in quality and the time saved is well worth it.
However, no amount of studio magic can fix a bad performance. Here are signs your singing approach might need improvement:
Singing off-key.
Straining to hit high notes.
Lacking vocal control.
Failing to convey emotions in your songs.
If you recognize any of these issues, don’t hesitate to get help. Your voice deserves the best care and training possible. Remember, the right guidance can unlock your unique talent.
6) Keep the Spirit of Giving Alive
Santa’s mission is all about giving, and as a singer, you have a gift to share with the world. Think about how your voice brings joy to others. Whether you’re singing for an audience, a loved one, or simply for yourself, your music creates a ripple effect of happiness and inspiration.
Consider these ways to give back through your music:
Volunteer to sing at community events or fundraisers.
Offer free performances at hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.
Mentor younger singers or share your knowledge through workshops.
Every time you share your voice, you contribute to the world in a meaningful way. Your generosity will not only brighten someone else’s day but also deepen your connection to your craft.
7) Embrace the Joy of the Journey
Santa’s journey around the world each Christmas Eve is magical, but it’s also a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination. As a singer, it’s easy to get caught up in goals and forget to enjoy the process.
Take time to celebrate small victories, like nailing a tricky note or receiving positive feedback on a performance. Appreciate the hard work you’re putting in, and remember why you started singing in the first place.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal of your singing journey. Write down milestones, lessons learned, and moments of joy. Looking back on your progress can be incredibly motivating.
A Special Message from Santa
Santa wants you to know this:
"Thank you for bringing so much JOY to the world with your BEAUTIFUL voice. The love and kindness you share through your music is felt around the globe. When you brighten someone’s day with your singing, the vibration expands from one experience to the next in an endless wave of happiness."
And I couldn’t agree more. You are the driver of your destiny. The road to success is straightforward with the right guidance. Get on your chariot of fire for the ride of your life!
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Santa may be busy preparing gifts, but I’m here to support you. I want to help you THRIVE with INCREDIBLE skills that will unlock your unique talent. That’s why I’ve opened up a few more slots on my calendar to meet with you for a FREE consultation—discover how to sing higher, louder, and with ease. Grab your spot before it’s gone!
Together, we’ll make your singing dreams come true. Let’s start this journey today!
I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Ho ho ho!
Santa & Val Bastien, OCT