♬
Hey, singers!
It's Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
here with you for another episode of
Quick Singing Tips.
Today I'm joining you from the world-famous
Madison Square Garden.
The garden is one of New York's premier
facilities for sports, music, and entertainment.
It's also where the New York Knicks
like to lose most of their games.
[ Inaudible screaming ] ♬
That's right, I said it.
And I've always been an obsessive fan of
NBA basketball.
In fact, when I was six years old
I had the dream to one day make it
in the NBA.
When they told me I was too short -- I cried.
[ Crowds cheering ]
And even though the Knicks are still
begging for my basketball talent,
my setbacks as a six year old basketball star
led me to discovering my true calling in life.
Which leads us to today's question
from Roshni B. in Bangladesh, India.
Roshni asks, "Dear Justin, how do I discover
my calling as a singer?"
Well Roshni, I absolutely adore this question.
I believe that everyone has a calling in life.
And, once you discover your calling
nothing and no one can stop you from living
each day with passion and purpose.
When I found out that these wee little hands
weren't meant to shoot a basketball,
I trained them to play the piano.
Later, this inspired me to train my vocal cords to sing.
Eventually, it led me to the Big Apple
where I discovered my real calling...
Helping others to find their voices
and discovering their callings.
My calling puts me in the business of
dreams coming true.
I've had students play big arenas like this one,
make it down the street to the Broadway stage
or release albums.
Other students just want to sing on key,
overcome stage fright,
or sing to their spouse at their wedding.
So whether you're playing the garden
or singing in the shower,
I believe there's one calling in your life that
you can be sure of...
Your calling to sing.
Why am I so sure?
Because after teaching about 20,000 voice lessons
to thousands of singers from over 60 countries
I've never met an individual and thought --
you know, this person should not be singing.
So, how do you find your vocal calling?
I'll give you a strategy so simple you can't miss it
if you try.
[ Crowds cheering ]
Step one, follow your joy.
Every calling in life is birthed by joy.
Your singing should be something that
feeds the most joyful part of you.
If your vocal life brings you some joy,
even just a little bit,
you're on the right track.
Step two, work hard play hard.
You know you're living out your calling
if you desire to work at it constantly.
Every spare minute you're workin' on it.
But here's the key, it doesn't feel like hard work.
It feels like play.
Work hard, play hard.
Work and play can be the same thing.
Step three, don't idolize your goals.
Set goals for yourself but don't bash yourself
when you fall short.
If you miss a goal don't get stuck.
Simply set a new one and get right back on track.
Remember, your calling is not an achievement of goals.
Your calling is a way of life.
Step four, let your calling find you.
Your calling might not be exactly what you thought.
Follow your joy, but also let yourself be
pleasantly surprised when your calling is slightly different
and slightly more awesome than you expected.
Step five, understand the truth about your voice.
The truth is, you're the only human being
that sounds like you.
And you're the only person that can say
what you have to say.
Callings come to those who believe this.
If you believe you have something to say to the world
and if you believe you're the only one that can say it,
then -- what can I say?
You've found your calling.
And nothing can stop you.
So, Roshni, if you're singing today
I trust that you're going to be singing
even better tomorrow.
Every day will lead you to the next step
in your vocal calling.
Here are some other next steps
for your vocal journey.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons
with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com
If you'd like a vocal course
that you can do at home check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you
on a singing journey from beginner to master
level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips
sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin
with this week's vocal benediction.
If you're Steph Curry or you're Billy Joel,
you've started losing track of how many times
you've played the garden.
But it doesn't matter really.
What matters is that you understand that life is short.
And, you do have a calling.
And, one calling you can trust
is your calling to sing.
It's time to listen to the call.
[ Over loudspeaker ] Starting at Point Guard [♬]
[ Over loudspeaker ] for the New York Knicks... [♬]
[ Over loudspeaker ] JUSTIN STONEY! [♬]
♬