Singing is a beautiful and powerful form of self-expression that can bring joy and fulfilment to our lives.
Unfortunately, many of us are held back by limiting beliefs about our ability to sing.
One of the most common limiting beliefs is that it's too late to learn to sing - that you have to be young, or have a "natural talent" to succeed.
But the truth is, anyone can learn to sing at any age.
In this blog post, we're going to be breaking down the myth that you're never too old to learn to sing.
We'll be discussing the science of voice and singing, sharing success stories of older singers, highlighting the benefits of learning to sing as an adult, and providing tips and strategies for overcoming common challenges.
The purpose of this blog post is to empower anyone who has ever been held back by this limiting belief and to encourage them to pursue their passion for singing.
Whether you're a retiree, a busy parent, or just someone who never had the opportunity to learn earlier in life, this post is for you.
By the end of this post, readers can expect to have a better understanding of the capabilities of their voice, and the belief that they can learn to sing at any age.
The Science of Voice and Singing
The voice is a complex instrument that is controlled by a combination of muscles, nerves, and breath.
The larynx (also known as the voice box) is the main source of sound production in the voice.
It contains the vocal cords, which are two bands of muscle that vibrate to create sound when air is expelled from the lungs.
The vibrations of the vocal cords are then shaped and amplified by the surrounding structures of the articulator system (throat, mouth, and nose) to create the unique timbre and pitch of an individual's voice.
One of the most exciting things about the voice is that it can be trained and developed, much like a muscle.
The brain is also incredibly plastic, meaning it can learn and adapt at any age.
Studies have shown that the brain is capable of creating new neural pathways and connections in response to new learning experiences.
This means that even if you've never sung before, or haven't sung in a long time, your brain can still learn and adapt to the new skill of singing.
With practice and training, the muscles of the larynx and surrounding structures can become stronger and more efficient, allowing for better pitch and control.
Additionally, the brain can also learn to improve the coordination between the breath and the larynx, resulting in better support and projection.
In short, the voice is a complex instrument that can be trained and developed at any age, and the plasticity of the brain allows for new learning and adaptation, making it possible for anyone to learn to sing, regardless of their age.
Success Stories of Older Singers
Many successful singers have begun their singing careers later in life, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your passion for singing.
Here are a few examples of singers who have achieved success despite starting their singing careers later in life:
Betty Buckley: Best known for her role as Grizabella in the Broadway production of "Cats," Buckley began her singing career at age 30. She has since gone on to have a successful career as a stage and television actress, as well as a concert and recording artist.
Susan Boyle: Susan Boyle achieved worldwide fame in 2009, when she auditioned for "Britain's Got Talent" at the age of 47. She went on to release multiple albums and sell millions of records.
Paul Potts: Paul Potts, a former mobile phone salesman, won the first season of "Britain's Got Talent" at the age of 36 with his powerful operatic singing. He has since released multiple albums and performed all over the world.
Betty White: Betty White began her career as a singer before transitioning to acting, but at the age of 88, she released her first album "Betty White: Just for Laughs"
Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan began his singing career at the age of 20, but it was not until the age of 61 that he won his first Grammy award!
These examples demonstrate the diversity of singers who have started later in life, including different genres, and levels of fame.
They prove that it's never too late to pursue your passion for singing and that age should not be a barrier to achieving success in the music industry.
The Benefits of Learning to Sing as an Adult
Singing is not only a fun and creative pursuit, but it also offers a range of mental and physical benefits.
Here are a few examples of the benefits of learning to sing as an adult:
Improved mood: Singing has been shown to release endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, which can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Cardiovascular health: Singing requires the use of deep breathing and diaphragmatic support, which can strengthen the muscles of the diaphragm and improve cardiovascular health.
Social connection: Singing in a choir or group setting can promote social connections and a sense of community.
Self-expression and personal growth: Singing is a form of self-expression that allows individuals to explore and express their emotions through the voice. It can also be a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
Increased confidence: Learning to sing can also help to boost self-confidence, especially when the learner is able to perform for others.
Singing is not only a fun and creative pursuit but also offers a range of mental and physical benefits.
It's a great way to invest in yourself and to take a step towards a healthier, more fulfilled life.
Overcoming Common Challenges for Older Learners
Learning to sing as an adult can present its own set of challenges, but with the right mindset and strategies, these obstacles can be overcome.
Here are a few common challenges that older learners may face and tips for overcoming them:
Time constraints: Many adults have busy schedules, child or care for elderly parents and may find it difficult to make time for singing lessons or practice. One solution is to set aside a specific time each day or week for practice and to make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule. Another strategy is to look for shorter, more intensive lessons or workshops that can be completed in a shorter amount of time.
Self-consciousness: Some older learners may feel self-conscious about singing in front of others, especially if they are just starting to learn. To overcome this, consider taking private lessons rather than group classes, or finding a supportive and encouraging singing teacher or group. Practicing in front of a mirror can also help to build confidence and self-awareness.
Physical limitations: As we age, our bodies may not be as flexible or agile as they once were. This can make singing more challenging and may require adjustments to technique and posture. A singing teacher can help you to work with any physical limitations you may have and to find ways to sing comfortably and safely.
Fear of failure: For some older learners, the fear of not being able to learn or not being good enough can be a significant barrier. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and that learning to sing is a process that takes time and practice. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and don't be too hard on yourself.
Learning to sing as an adult can present its own set of challenges, but with the right mindset and strategies, these obstacles can be overcome.
If you're facing time constraints, self-consciousness, physical limitations, or fear of failure, remember that there are solutions to those problems and that with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome them and achieve your singing goals.
In this blog post, we've discussed the limiting belief that "you're never too old to learn to sing" and explored the science of voice and singing, success stories of older singers, the benefits of learning to sing as an adult and the strategies to overcome the common challenges for older learners.
I hope that this post has shown you that age should not be a barrier to learning to sing.
Whether you're in your 20s or your 80s, you have the ability to learn and improve your singing voice.
The key is to be patient, persistent, and to find a supportive and encouraging singing teacher or community.
Found this blog post helpful? Give it a like, share it with your friends, and leave a comment below to let me know how it benefited you!
* Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Singers and professional voice users should always consult with qualified professionals, such as singing teachers or medical practitioners before making any decisions or taking any actions related to their vocal health and wellbeing.
Further Reading
If you enjoyed reading this post, here are some other blog posts you might find interesting:
The Ultimate Guide to Singing Lessons: Everything you need to know to learn to sing well
The Accessibility of Online Singing Lessons: Learn from Anywhere
Conquering the Lie: You Don't Have to Be Born with a 'Singing Voice' to Succeed
Building a Strong Foundation: Essential Elements for Successful Ensemble Singing
Singing Teacher vs. Vocal Coach: Understanding the Key Differences
