Alright, let’s get something straight: we’re way too wrapped up in this concept of “perfect” practice. Somewhere along the way, we got it into our heads that there’s a “right” way to practice singing—some pure, uninterrupted, ritualistic moment of perfection where we’re standing tall, vocalizing scales with zen focus and perfect technique.
Well, I call bullshit on that idea.
Life’s messy, and so is practice. Friend, if you’re singing while you wash the dishes, that counts.
Why? Because real life doesn’t serve up perfect practice moments on a platter. Ever. We’re taught to believe that if we’re not doing something exactly right, it doesn’t count.
We’re socialized to be hard on ourselves, to nitpick, especially when we’ve been conditioned to think that “good enough” isn’t good enough. Newsflash: it’s time to shake that off.
Every note, every hum, every off-key attempt at singing along to the radio counts. Singing isn’t just a one-time achievement; it’s a skill that builds over time, and sometimes, the “good enough” is exactly what we need.
Progress Happens in Real Time, Not in “Perfect” Practice
To get better at singing, we have to — stay with me here — sing more often. Pretty groundbreaking, right? The thing is, singing more often doesn’t mean locking yourself in a room with a keyboard and doing scales for an hour straight.
Singing is like exercise; there’s no one way to do it.
Let’s break it down.
Is it true that your singing voice will get stronger if you’re only practicing while also doing something else?
Yes.
Is it also true that you might progress faster with focused, dedicated practice?
Sure, maybe.
But here’s the deal: this isn’t a damn race. There’s no finish line where you cross over and become a certified Amazing Singer™.
Singing is a lifelong journey, and as long as you keep showing up, you’re moving forward.
Let me give you a little analogy I’m weirdly proud of (hear me out): If you’re walking to the store, does that still count as exercise? Yes, of course it does. Could you make faster fitness progress if you were doing power walks daily in neon spandex? Maybe. But that doesn’t make your stroll to the store any less valid. It all counts.
Same goes for singing. Singing while you’re washing dishes, singing in the car, singing to your kid—every bit of it matters.
Why Practicing While Doing Other Stuff Can Actually Help (especially at the beginning!)
Now, you might be thinking, “Yeah, okay, it counts, but does it actually do anything?” Oh, friend, let me tell you, it does. Singing while you’re busy doing something else isn’t just “better than nothing”—it actually has benefits. Let’s break it down:
Power in Distraction
Sometimes we focus so hard on a note or phrase that we tense up, and that tension makes everything harder. It’s like trying to thread a needle while holding your breath—it just makes everything ten times more difficult. When you’re washing dishes, your mind is a bit distracted, which can actually loosen you up. You’re not overthinking; you’re just singing. And that natural relaxation makes it easier to hit those high notes or tricky spots without overdoing it. So sing while you’re scrubbing those plates!
Movement = Better Connection to Your Voice
Our bodies love movement, and so do our voices. It’s so easy to feel like singing only happens from the throat up and that can make singing feel haaaaarrrd. But when you’re doing something, like walking or even just swaying, it keeps your body involved in the process. It reminds you that singing isn’t all neck and throat; it’s a whole-body experience. If you’re singing while moving, you’re keeping the breath flowing and your body engaged. And trust me, your voice will thank you for it.
It Keeps You Singing
This is the big one. That “perfect practice” mindset? It kills the vibe. It’s the reason so many people stop singing altogether. If you believe you can only practice when everything’s ideal—quiet room, perfect posture, right mood—then you’re setting yourself up to fail. Life isn’t perfect, and if you keep waiting for those perfect conditions, you’re going to spend a lot of time… not singing. By letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality, you’ll keep yourself in the game. You’re not quitting because of one off day; you’re showing up however you can, even if it’s messy.
The Caveat: Intentional Practice (When You’re Ready)
Now, I’m not saying that you should never set aside focused time for practice. If you have big goals for your voice, at some point, you’ll need some intentional, dedicated time to really hone your technique. But guess what? That’s not where you start.
You start by singing whenever and wherever you can. You start by washing dishes and hitting notes. When you’re ready, and you’ve built a habit of showing up, you’ll naturally find those moments for deeper practice. Until then, though, be messy. Be inconsistent.
Sing like nobody’s listening!
Kill the Perfectionism and Bring Back the Joy
Here’s the real reason I’m so passionate about messy consistency: it removes the shame and perfectionism that so many of us drag around.
If you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re doing it wrong, or you’re not good enough, or that you’re “failing” at practice because it’s not perfect, then singing’s not going to be fun.
In fact, it’s going to feel like a chore, and at some point, you’ll want to quit. And that’s a tragedy because most people start singing for the joy of it. Let’s keep it that way.
Most people come to voice classes not to torture themselves with “perfect” practice but to connect with their voices and their love for singing. They come to enjoy it. And that’s why, if you want to get better, you have to bring back the curiosity and joy that brought you here in the first place.
Let yourself mess up. Laugh when you crack on a high note. Sing your heart out while you’re cleaning the kitchen.
My Latest Mantra: Embrace the Suck, with Curiosity and Joy
Look, messy consistency isn’t just an excuse to be lazy — it’s a way of trusting yourself and your journey.
If you want to improve, start by committing to showing up, even if it’s a little chaotic. Let go of the shame, the perfectionism, and the black-and-white thinking. Stop judging yourself for not being “perfect.” Instead, trust that every bit of singing you do, even in the messiest of moments, counts. And in that spirit, here’s a little mantra I’ve been living by lately:
“Let us all have the courage to suck at something new with curiosity and joy.”
So go ahead—wash those dishes, drive to the store, sing to your dog, your plants, yourself in the mirror.
Sing with abandon and without shame, because every note, every little messy practice, brings you closer to the singer you’re meant to be.
And honestly, what could be more powerful than that?
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