You Aren’t Just Born With It

Ah, the classic nature vs. nurture debate. Otherwise known as – “Do some people just “have it” and others don’t?” “Is everyone who “makes it” just born with superhuman vocal cords and movie-star looks?” First of all, you should know by now that not even movie stars have movie-star looks – there’s a lot of airbrushing, styling, and general disguising going on behind-the-scenes. And though some singers are gifted with perfect pitch, that’s not all it takes to make it today in music.

When I first started teaching, I realized something very quickly – and that is, “Wow, I know a lot of stuff that other coaches don’t!” And though that was what I hoped for (a teacher should know more than the student!) I also noticed there was a blatant misnomer that ran rampant through the minds of artists, that it was almost expected that you are “born with it.” and shouldn’t have to train. Here is where I completely disagree and not just because I am a vocal coach, but because I am an avid student of life and firmly believe in the process of learning and bettering oneself. Most artists that I have met (self included) put in long hours practicing and playing – that is how you get good. Even the greats such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake started practicing at a very early age. It’s the perpetual cycle of practice, perfecting your craft and performing that makes you a great artist – no way around it.

For example, take my vocal coaching expertise. I didn’t start off my career being an expert on vocal technique + health, I had to study and train – I had to earn my stripes over many years (2+ decades actually) to be an expert. I studied hard and trained under several master coaches in my quest for the perfect technique. I read everything I could get my hands falling asleep countless nights propped up in bed holding books night after night. I was hungry for knowledge, to become the best I could be. Then I spent almost 3 decades teaching and matched what I learned with my personal and professional experience to test, discover, and develop the very best methods for helping singers, actors, artists, public speakers and anyone who wanted to improve their voice become the best they could be.

So what does this have to do with you? Glad you asked! 😉

Whatever skills and talents we are born with do not limit the knowledge and the mastery we can attain through learning, perfecting, and practice. And now that the record business has changed and more artists are taking control of their careers from the beginning up to high levels of success, the better advantage the avid learners, perpetual students and hard workers have. Your competition is fierce and you need everything you can get to be at that advantage.

An artist who is curious and determined to not only step up their vocal and songwriting game with consistent effort, but who also gets down and dirty with learning branding and business, is the artist that is going to succeed. Period.

I want you to get excited that your success is in your hands! By taking ownership of your voice, your craft, your songwriting craft, your career savvy, and your transformed mindset – you can create miracles in your life. There’s no doubt it’s daunting, it’s a lot of work – but it’s your music – it’s your life. If you don’t spend it exploring and perfecting your art, how will you feel at the end of your days here on Earth? Will you be full of regrets you didn’t give it everything you had?

You don’t want to look back at your music with regrets, or with a feeling of deep dissatisfaction. It starts with making a decision. Are you going to give up because you’re not where you want to be yet? Or are you going to relax your mind, believe in the power of learning + practice, and get to work?!

You don’t have to be born with it.

You have to earn it.

Want to jet set your voice + career into hyperdrive? Set up a Cole Power Hour with me and we’ll get you in first class.