Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column

Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column – by Jeff and Crystal Moore.

Dear Singin’ Guru,

Over the weekend, I went to a couple of shows and saw my favorite players making sweet music, being awesome, and having fun. That’s my dream! How do I really become a musician like that?

Signed,

Ms. Dreamer

Dear Ms. Dreamer,

Becoming a musician like the stars is not just about learning to play an instrument or singing well, it’s about transforming into the musician you aspire to be. Continuous learning is key. You don’t just “learn” music – you live it every day. Every experience, practice session, and performance is a learning opportunity. Embrace this growth mindset. And take heart that it’s a myth you need to practice for hours and hours a day. Quality trumps quantity. Focus on effective, efficient practice that targets your weak areas and builds your strengths. Visualize the musician you want to become and let every action you take be a step towards that vision. This involves making conscious choices about your practice, performances, and daily life.

Being a great musician requires balance. Integrate your musical journey with your personal life, health, and other responsibilities. Becoming a musician is a transformative experience; developing confidence, creativity, kindness, and competence. It’s not just about playing notes, it’s about expressing your soul through music. We see this transformation in students of all ages and backgrounds. From a 12-year-old vocalist/guitarist whose hobby is music–she never says “This is hard,” she seeks the most difficult exercises so that she can become the musician she visualizes. This kid inspires my own practice with her dedication. Or a woman balancing two jobs who still makes time for her lessons despite a hectic schedule–in fact, she came to her lesson straight from the hospital recently rather than going home first…  Becoming “that” musician means that you develop a hunger for improvement and are willing to work for it.  Over time, this snowballs, and your desire drives you on as you transform.

Find a mentor or a coach. The best musicians often have great teachers who guide them. Don’t just look at the cost of lessons; consider the value they bring to your lifelong musical journey. Celebrate your victories and those of others. Don’t let jealousy cloud your journey. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. To become a musician like the stars, you must embody music in every aspect of your life. Start today and take deliberate steps toward your musical goals. Find out what is required to be the musician that you want to be; this is the first transformative step. The second step is to develop a plan based on what you learn. If the two of those sound like too much work, you can always do what most people do, and surf YouTube… But I think you’re probably different if you’ve read all the way to the end of this reply. Make a change. Don’t look at anyone else, look at yourself, decide what you want to be, and revisit that vision every day. Be that musician.

Signed,

The Singin’ Guru

Dear Singin’ Guru,

I feel stuck technique-wise. I like my playing for the most part, but it seems like I just can’t get past where I’m at. Help!

Yours Truly,

Stuck in the Mud

Dear Mr. Mud,

If you feel like your musical technique is stuck in the mud, it’s probably because you’re not doing the exercises you need to do. Here’s the hard truth for most musicians: if you’ve been using the same workout for longer than two or three weeks, it’s as effective as using a chocolate teapot. Sure, it feels like you’re making progress because you’re doing something, but that’s the trick your brain loves to play. It’s why so many musicians find themselves stuck at the same level for years.

I get folks all the time telling me they’ve been singing or playing guitar for decades, yet they’re still at a beginner or intermediate level. How does that happen? Typically, it’s because they rely on the internet for solutions. They find a shiny new workout on YouTube, feel great for a few months, and then realize they haven’t made any real progress. Rinse and repeat this cycle for 20 years, and there you have it.

You don’t need tricks, and you don’t need tips. What you need is a plan tailored to your current level and your goals. Adjust that plan every couple of weeks. Yes, it sounds a lot like finding a teacher or mentor, doesn’t it? As Bruce Lee famously said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” It’s all about consistent, focused practice.

Think of it like this: the do-it-yourself model means you need the ability to correctly judge your playing level, identify the technical factors holding you back, and optimally challenge yourself over time. But guess what? We don’t know what we don’t know. Working with a teacher, particularly until you are an advanced player, is an easier path. But hey, as musicians, we love taking the most difficult path, don’t we? Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character.”

So, either put in the work yourself or find someone who can guide you. Your future rockstar self will thank you.

Signed,

The Singin’ Guru

Got a question? Contact the Singin’ Guru at jeff@peakmusicstudios.com. Until next month!