In the rush of show prep, it's easy to forget one crucial thing: you need to show up as the singer, too. While "self-care" might sound like just another wellness buzzword, it's essential for vocalists. From sleep strategies to stress management, these singer-tested tips will help you navigate the week before your show, so you can step onto that stage energized and ready to perform.

In this recent written conversation, Chris Dunmire, founder of Creativity Portal, asked some great questions that prompted me to dive deep for answers about creativity, career, and how to live a sustainable life as a singer.

How a short 10-minute talk by Elizabeth Gilbert finally clarified my troubled relationship with music and the music business and why what I learned might be helpful to you too.

Is your relationship with practicing rewarding? Or, is it just another thing to tick off your list — or worse, beat yourself up about because you’re not practicing often enough, or well enough?

 My relationship with practicing is a love/hate kind of thing. I’ve tried a gazillion strategies over the years and tested some of them with my students. 

Here’s what I’ve learned.

"Our intention sets the tone of whatever we are about to do. Like music, intention can influence our mood, thoughts, and feelings—setting an intention in the morning, we set the tone for the day." — Thupten Jinpa

Accepting a compliment doesn't always come naturally - at least it didn't for me.

Requests are anything that asks for your attention, time, and commitment. They can be simple or complex. When you’re considering a request, it's important to remember that if you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be able to show up for yourself, those you love, or the things you're already committed to. Here’s a list of five ways to respond to requests that will change your life for the better.

I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that she will someday make sounds that she loves. That perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. That she WILL be able to make the sounds that she hears in her head someday, but that what really matters — is to give voice to what she hears in her heart. ♥️

Why are you pursuing a career in music? What do you value? What gives you energy — and infuses your life with purpose and meaning?

These are big questions. If you don't have the answers - you're not alone. In this blog post, you'll discover why it's important to have an inner compass, and how it can help your singing career.