Module 1: The Singers Mindset & Goals
Before embarking on any journey, you must know your starting location. In singing, this means honestly assessing your current experience, strengths and areas for growth. This self-assessment is not about judgment. It is about creating a baseline for measuring your future success. So that we can make sure that you are on the correct learning path, please click here and let us know what your singing goals are.
Lesson 1.1: Assessing Your Vocal Starting Point
The Self-Assessment Checklist
Use the following criteria to evaluate your current vocal ability. Be honest and specific in your answers.
| Area |
Questions for Self-Assessment |
Current Rating (1-5) |
Notes/Observations |
| Pitch Accuracy |
Can I consistently match a note played on an instrument or sung by someone else? Do I struggle with staying in tune? |
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| Rhythm & Timing |
Can I clap or sing along to a simple beat without speeding up or slowing down? |
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| Vocal Range |
Do I know the highest and lowest notes I can sing comfortably? Do I feel strain when I try to sing high or low? |
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| Breath Control |
Can I sustain a comfortable note for at least 10 seconds? Do I often run out of breath mid-phrase? |
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| Confidence |
Am I comfortable singing in front of others, even just one person? Do I feel nervous when I sing? |
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Actionable Step: Record yourself singing a simple, familiar song (like “Happy Birthday” or a nursery rhyme). Listen back critically, using the checklist above. This recording is your starting point.
Lesson 1.2: Setting SMART Vocal Goals
The Singers Mindset & Goals, singing progress is most effective when guided by clear, well-defined goals. Vague aspirations like “I want to sing better” are difficult to track. We will use the SMART framework to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
| SMART Component |
Description |
Example of a Poor Goal |
Example of a SMART Goal |
| Specific |
Clearly define what you want to achieve. |
“Sing better.” |
“Sing the chorus of ‘Hallelujah’ in tune.” |
| Measurable |
Quantify your goal so you know when you have reached it. |
“Have more breath.” |
“Sustain a middle C for 15 seconds without wavering by the end of the month.” |
| Achievable |
Ensure the goal is realistic given your current skill and time commitment. |
“Sing like Adele in one week.” |
“Sing my favourite song a lot better.” |
| Relevant |
The goal should align with your overall vocal aspirations. |
“Learn to play the guitar.” |
“Expand my comfortable vocal range by two notes.” |
| Time-bound |
Set a deadline to create urgency and focus. |
“Sometime soon.” |
“Successfully perform my chosen song for a friend by the end of next week.” |
Actionable Step: Write down three SMART goals for the next month of your singing journey. Place them where you will see them daily.
Lesson 1.3: Your Instrument: Understanding the Basic Vocal Mechanism
Your voice is produced by a complex, integrated system. Understanding the three main components; the Power, the Source, and the Filter, demystifies the process. Thus, helping you to troubleshoot vocal issues.
| Component |
Function |
Key Anatomy |
Analogy |
| The Power |
Provides the airflow (the engine) that vibrates the vocal cords. |
Lungs, Diaphragm, Abdominal Muscles |
The air compressor or bellows. |
| The Source |
Creates the initial sound wave through vibration. |
Vocal Cords (Folds) within the Larynx (Voice Box) |
The strings of a guitar or violin. |
| The Filter |
Shapes and amplifies the raw sound into recognizable speech and song. |
Pharynx, Mouth, Nasal Cavity, Tongue, Lips |
The body of the instrument (e.g., the wood of a cello). |
Key Concept: Healthy singing requires coordination between all three. For instance, if your Power (breath) is weak, your Source (vocal cords) will strain to compensate, leading to fatigue. The Singers Mindset & Goals will teach you to optimise each component.
Actionable Step 1: Gently place your hand on your throat and hum a low note, then a high note. Feel the slight change in the position of your larynx. This is your Source at work.
Actionable Step 2: Breath in from your mouth, as if you are breathing in air into a polo mint. Your throat is the hole in the mint. The fresh air will whoosh in, cold and vast. That is you opening your vocal cords. Loosening the guitar strings.
Actionable Step 3 (Optional): Pair this lesson with the Vocal Warm Ups and/or the Breathing Techniques for an in depth knowledge of quick ways to change the way that you sing for the better.
