As the New Year fell onto the front page of my agenda (rather, my iCal since I am becoming a true geek in the making!), I took a look at some of my favorite singing blogs to see what my fellow vocal coaches had to say.

Of course, I read many posts that take a look back on the year that has passed, questioning past accomplishments, and failures, and obviously, new year’s resolutions.

To start off the new year, here are some thoughts and suggestions given by Mister Tim for VoiceCouncil Magazine:

• Difficulty is the fertilizer of the bonsai tree of achievement
• Don’t mistake movement for progress
• Don’t mistake confidence for knowledge, or talent, or expertise
• Embrace the things you can control as well as the things you cannot
• Never pass up the opportunity to use a trebuchet to hurl a piano

Not sure about that last one, but hey, may be worth a try!

If you are a music theatre student, here are some great reading suggestions by Susan Eichhorn Young, a voice teacher in New York: Click to view list.

Speaking of readings, here is a reading I recommend to all singers and musicians/artists in general: “The Mastery of Music; Ten Pathways To True Artistry” – By Barry Green

Barry Green is also the author of “The Inner Game Of Music” with Timothy Gallwey and provides great inspiration and vision without forgetting the very important practical side needed to take ones skills to higher levels.

The last post I read was by Jennifer Hamady, another voice coach I admire and respect. It was not a new years post at all. In fact, it was dated December 20th, 2011 and titled “Overcoming Paralysis by Analysis”.

This is a subject that I have read about on and off in the last year and so I was quite curious to know what Jennifer had to say.

As I read through each short paragraph, a feeling of familiarity became stronger and stronger.

Jennifer writes:

“We’ve been conditioned to believe that knowledge is the key to progress and success. The more we have of it, the better we are. And this is true. But knowledge and information are two very different things.”

I like where this is going… so I read on…

“Information is what makes us sound better at dinner parties. Knowledge is information- and inspiration- that is actionable.”

AHA!! I knew that. I completely agree with what Jennifer is stating here…

“The next time you’re browsing the internet- particularly your industry’s websites and blogs- ask whether you’re doing so to inspire and empower yourself to achieve your goals or to avoid doing what you’ve said you’d do.

Is it to support you in stepping into your own power, or to resist it?

Is it because you have a real need for the content, or simply because a new message is staring back at you from your inbox?”

Mhmm! Exactly! Just as I thought and… wait,… um… so……… yeah. That’s right.

Ok.

… and that was the last post I read that day.

Happy New Year Songbirds. Stay focused, and remember, actions speak louder than words, … so let’s stop talking and get singing! ;D