Embracing the Discomfort of Growth
As a musical theater performer, I’ve been on a constant journey of growth and self-discovery. Just like an artist experimenting with new techniques and styles, the path to finding my unique vocal identity has been filled with moments of discomfort and uncertainty. But you know what they say – no pain, no gain!
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my own experience of navigating the ups and downs of honing my craft. It’s a rollercoaster ride, to be sure, but one that I’ve come to embrace whole-heartedly. After all, it’s in those moments of discomfort that we find the greatest opportunities for personal and artistic transformation.
Think about it – when was the last time you tried something new in your vocal training or performance work? Maybe it was experimenting with a different vocal technique, exploring a new genre of music, or even just stepping outside your comfort zone to tackle a challenging role. Chances are, it didn’t feel entirely smooth and effortless at first. In fact, you may have even questioned your abilities or felt like you were taking a step backwards.
As artist Carrie Brummer has noted, this discomfort is a natural part of the growth process. When we try new things, our usual patterns are disrupted, and it can create a sense of instability. But rather than letting that instability derail us, we need to embrace it as a sign that we’re expanding our skills and pushing the boundaries of our artistry.
Finding Structure in the Chaos
So how do we navigate this discomfort and turn it into a productive force for growth? The key, as Carrie suggests, is to create a solid structure to support us through the uncertainty.
One of my favorite methods for building this kind of structure is working in a series. By focusing on a specific theme, subject, or technique for a predetermined number of pieces, I can experiment with new ideas without feeling like I’m aimlessly wandering. It provides a clear framework to work within, while still leaving room for exploration and discovery.
For example, Carrie shared how she’s been exploring new mediums and collaborative elements in her art, all within the structure of an Instagram account that she sees as an artwork in itself. By setting parameters around the format, colors, and fonts, she’s able to dive into the discomfort of learning without feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve found that a similar approach can be incredibly beneficial for vocal development as well. Maybe you decide to spend a month focusing solely on improving your breath support, or challenge yourself to tackle a new genre of music each week. The specific structure you choose isn’t as important as the sense of stability and direction it provides.
Embracing the Unexpected
Of course, even with a solid structure in place, the journey of developing your unique vocal style is bound to be full of surprises and unexpected twists and turns. And that’s where the real magic happens!
As artist Dahlia Hosny reminds us, the discomfort we feel when encountering new challenges is actually a sign that we’re growing and expanding our skills. It’s not a cause for alarm, but rather an invitation to embrace the uncertainty and see where it takes us.
For me, one of the most profound moments of growth came when I decided to step outside my comfort zone and audition for a role that was entirely different from anything I’d done before. I was terrified, to be honest – what if I completely bombed and made a fool of myself? But I pushed through the fear, and you know what happened? I ended up getting the part, and the experience of tackling that new and unfamiliar material ended up being one of the most rewarding of my career.
As brand expert Tony Namulo puts it, sometimes our “mistakes” end up being the very thing that makes our art beautiful and unique. It’s all about having the courage to experiment, take risks, and see what happens.
Cultivating Your Unique Vocal Signature
Ultimately, the journey of finding your unique vocal style is an intensely personal one. It’s about shedding the expectations and preconceptions of others, and instead, tuning in to the authentic, inner voice that’s been there all along.
One of the key things I’ve learned along the way is the importance of tapping into my own cultural and personal experiences. Just as Tony Namulo has drawn inspiration from his blended cultural heritage to create a brand that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition, I’ve found that incorporating elements of my own background and identity into my vocal work has helped me develop a truly distinctive sound.
Maybe it’s the way I infuse a touch of my Puerto Rican roots into a classic Broadway ballad, or the soulful inflections I bring to a contemporary pop song. Whatever it is, I know that it’s uniquely mine, and that’s what makes it powerful and meaningful.
At the Musical Theater Center, we’re all about helping performers like you unleash their inner vocal artist and find that elusive sweet spot where skill, authenticity, and pure passion converge. It’s a journey that’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but one that’s absolutely worth embarking on.
So the next time you feel that familiar twinge of discomfort creeping in, don’t run from it – embrace it. See it as a sign that you’re on the cusp of a breakthrough, ready to unlock new dimensions of your artistry. With the right structure and mindset, you just might surprise yourself with the unique, powerful voice that emerges.
