That persistent, inner voice

Chase writes:

"My voice sounds restrained, and held. Like I could be letting out so much more sound. I could, but some "weird little man" so to speak, is just telling me I can't do it and I'm not as good as I thought. Have you ever had an instance or period where internalizing things affected your singing? And what your advice for people going through the things I am?

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Yankeediva
• Joyce DiDonato
• Confidence
• Music
• Opera

[adesiana2]

Wonderful to receive another message from you. Did you overcome that difficult moment before the recital by controling your breath? Love you.

[TheYankeediva]

@adesiana2 I did, thank you for asking. But it was a struggle for the entire afternoon!

[singurheartout4]

Thank you. Some of these videos are exactly what I need to hear this weekend. Thanks.

[anastrachan]

Wow! You are so giving!! Thank you!

[rfmadden]

Joyce - There is so much wisdom contained in this "lesson," not only for singing but for "life." I posted it to my FB page for those who are struggling with a variety of challenges. Brava, Yankee Diva. p.s. I loved the video of you singing Non piu mesta with Dames Kiri, Flicka and, uh-hem, Jake, providing back up dancing. - Ron

[intensepaul]

In my experience,I'm not sure "waging war" against the "voice" has been the most beneficial. We can't stop thoughts from happening,but when I practice meditation,there is a quieting of the mind,and attention/focus is cultivated. When we continually bring ourselves back to our breath/present moment, there's no need to fight the inner voice. Thoughts pass by like floating clouds.Also,when we let go of the role of the "doer/owner",and being identified with our work, the voice itself rarely visits.

[DagAndersEriks1]

Good words as I am preparing for the next audition. Thank you for sharing!

[mircavalcante]

You know what? We are our worst enemy. We have always to make this inner voice to shut up! You are so great! Thank you for posting. How can we contact you to ask a question?

[u4ikaa]

I feel blessed, truly blessed by the love and wisdom you just shared here. I send my respect and love in return! Please keep sharing your soul with your music and these inspired chats! -New Fan.

[dorabella78]

Dear Joyce,

Thank you so much for your encouraging advice! I have been struggling with that horrible voice recently, and am so glad that I was able to watch your post. You are such an inspiration!

[lastmezzo]

Dear Joyce,

You aren't crazy at all. I'm a professional singer too and I'm a Certified Life Coach and I give many workshops for young artists as well as coach singers at all levels of career, and the inner voice/gremlin/saboteur is a very real and powerful force. Many people deal with it as you do, to send it off for a time and talk with it later. The most important thing I believe is to name the voice. It isn't the voice of truth, it is the voice of fear. Thanks for sharing.

[snozzberries621]

Hi, I'm a junior and a music major (voice) in college, and I just wanted to say that your videos always inspire me and encourage me to keep working hard at what I'm doing, and I just wanted to say thank you so much. Your words mean more to me than you know.