Amateur and beginner singers: why is Bel Canto BEST for YOU?

Before I dive into today’s topic, I would like to bring to your attention the fact that I don’t actually like or believe in the word ‘amateur’ regarding singers. I still used this word in my article title because much of society and most beginner singers, singers with limited experience, or informally trained singers still view themselves as such – not so! If you would like to know why I believe this see my Beginner singers - amateur? post and YouTube video.

Okay, if you’ve done that, let us proceed knowing that I see each singer or singer-to-be (that is YOU, dear reader) as someone who just loves singing and wants to keep learning and growing (at any age – see Can you be too old to sing? and my video, Can You Be Too Old To Sing? Singing Inspirations, for more about that!).

While singers at any experience level may find this article helpful, my target audience for this post is beginner singers, singers with limited experience, and singers who do not have formal singing/voice qualifications or training (or very little). Why is Bel Canto especially BEST for YOU?

Bel Canto gives you an amazing start because you may have no (or less), shall we say, ‘baggage’ to contend with when it comes to learning about a radical old way to sing in our modern times. Your superpower may be that you have fresh eyes, and can build upon that with healthy habits from the get-go.

This is certainly not to say that experienced or formally trained singers cannot do likewise - I was already experienced with many years of practical singing under my belt when I started my Bel Canto journey. But sometimes singers who have been formally trained (with qualifications), are highly experienced, and/or who are disciplined and have adhered to a particular regimen as a soloist or are under a choir director or maestro, may have to spend a little more time undoing certain habits, releasing long-held attitudes, perceptions, or other ingrained behaviours, to find true vocal freedom and their natural ‘spark’ again. Retraining, letting go of past practices, methods, views, or thoughts is certainly achievable, but a beginner may have the quicker advantage here by starting with a clean slate. You need to stay open and flexible.

Bel Canto gives absolute beginners and less experienced singers a fantastic foundation for healthy, lifelong singing, suitable for any genre. Why? Because you learn how to sing in a supported, gentle, organic  way – according to how your body was built to sing - that reveals your natural, resonant, beautiful voice (yes, I said ‘beautiful’ on purpose!) without the need to force anything out. You gradually learn over time, with lots of patience and love for yourself and the process.

Nothing is artificial about Bel Canto. It is honest singing. Your body is the genius that gets your sound spinning via this old method (which is NOT limited to opera singers only, as I discovered) while strengthening muscle memory. You work with your mind and body to allow things to happen within your instrument (you!), rather than constantly fighting with yourself to make it all happen. That is the way I was taught by my Bel Canto teacher, and what I have felt even more so ever since.

Once you get used to singing in this way (it is also great for clear articulation), vocal longevity will be the result. Tony Bennett was the quintessential example of the effects of Bel Canto:

Singing in this way also reduces (and in my experience I would say eliminates) the risk of vocal injury, as Bel Canto promotes vocal ease and natural freedom in the voice (without the need for ANY strain, propulsion, or thrust) - once you understand how to do it correctly, consistently, and gently. Furthermore, the healthy mechanics employed within your body also extends to the mind and mindset. You work with your brain – not against it.

It is also a brilliant way to simultaneously manage any anxiety, nerves, and self-doubt you may have as you grow in confidence, inner and outer stability, controlled breathwork, and overall relaxation. People who are completely new to singing or to this specific approach may also get a natural quick ‘high’ because if you catch on easily and work at it regularly, you can get fast results, usually within a few weeks to months if you are dedicated.

I am sure you may have heard similar words from other teachers about their singing methods and training – and I have tried many of them over the years- but I genuinely cannot speak highly enough about how good Bel Canto is, based on my personal involvement, on top of the many years of singing experience I already have!

How can I be confident in saying all of this? Because I have gone through years of Bel Canto training myself. After decades of singing in choirs and as a cantor, I decided to jump into Bel Canto with a teacher, saw how wonderful it was for me, and wanted to train others myself. Nothing I teach is untried and untested because I’ve done it myself and now I want to help you!

My style of teaching is straightforward and uncomplicated. You are guided through simple steps as we work through your preferred session or lesson type. All you need to do is register, keep showing up, stay on track, be patient and kind to yourself over the time we have together, and you will feel the magic too!

If you would like to get in on some Bel Canto bliss I invite you to contact me today with any questions you may have. There are many options available for you to learn or let’s talk via my FREE Discovery Consultation.

As always, Be Free To Sing,

Yvonne

P.S. You can also check out my Amateur and Beginner Singers: Why Is Bel Canto BEST For YOU? YouTube video about this blog post!