How can vocal coaches encourage singers to take creative risks?

1 Challenge them with exercises

One of the simplest ways to encourage singers to take creative risks is to challenge them with exercises that require them to use their voice in new and unexpected ways. For example, you can ask them to improvise melodies, rhythms, or lyrics over a backing track, or to mimic sounds from nature, animals, or instruments. You can also use games, prompts, or scenarios to stimulate their imagination and creativity. The goal is not to judge their performance, but to help them discover new possibilities and expand their vocal range.

2 Praise their efforts

Another way to encourage singers to take creative risks is to praise their efforts and acknowledge their progress. Even if their attempts are not perfect, or they make mistakes, you can still appreciate their willingness to try something new and challenging. You can also give them constructive feedback and suggestions on how to improve their skills and confidence. By praising their efforts, you can help them overcome their fear of failure and criticism, and motivate them to keep experimenting and learning.

3 Expose them to different influences

A third way to encourage singers to take creative risks is to expose them to different influences and inspire them to learn from other artists. You can introduce them to different vocal styles, genres, and cultures, and show them how they can incorporate elements from them into their own voice. You can also encourage them to listen to and analyze different singers, and identify what makes them unique and expressive. By exposing them to different influences, you can help them broaden their horizons and develop their own voice.

4 Collaborate with others

A fourth way to encourage singers to take creative risks is to collaborate with others and create opportunities for them to interact and exchange ideas. You can pair them up with other singers, musicians, or coaches, and ask them to improvise, harmonize, or compose together. You can also create a supportive community of peers and mentors, where they can share their work, get feedback, and learn from each other. By collaborating with others, you can help them build their social skills and network, and discover new perspectives and opportunities.

5 Model creative behavior

A fifth way to encourage singers to take creative risks is to model creative behavior and show them that you are also willing to experiment and learn. You can share your own experiences, challenges, and successes as a vocal coach and a singer, and show them how you cope with uncertainty and feedback. You can also demonstrate different vocal techniques, styles, and genres, and invite them to join you or challenge you. By modeling creative behavior, you can establish trust and rapport with your singers, and show them that taking creative risks is fun and rewarding.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?