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If everyone has the ability to sing, then why do some people sing beautifully and I can't sing well at all?

"Some people are born with a gift that enables them to sing better than others, just like some people are born with a gift that makes them better scientists, writers, or athletes," says Barbara Green-Glaz, director of special programs and aerobics in the Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. "Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and strengths can be used to build upon existing strengths as well as to overcome weaknesses.

"People may blame a lack of singing ability on being tone-deaf," says Green-Glaz, who led a Health and Fitness Series workshop on vocal fitness and control on Monday, March 19. "But I don't believe people are tone-deaf. You may have a problem discriminating certain pitches and sounds, but with time and patience a musical ear can be developed. People may also say they can't carry a tune, but I'm afraid these might be the same people who took music classes in grade school and were told by their teacher that they were better listeners than singers. So they grew up with this thought in the back of their minds, and when placed in a situation where they're required to sing, they immediately think, 'I can't!'

"I believe anyone can learn how to sing. But just like someone who's training for the Boston Marathon, you can't become comfortable with your own singing without practice. Here are a few things that might help:

• Become comfortable with who you are when you're singing. Practice in front of a mirror by singing along with a favorite song.
• Tape record your voice. Play it back. Are you singing too fast? Too slow?
• Sing in front of family or friends. Ask for feedback.
• Sign up for voice lessons at community adult education programs or with a private voice teacher.
• Join a community chorus.
• Be patient with yourself. You'll become more comfortable over time and with practice.

"So, go ahead and sing -- provided you're not in the middle of a meeting. You won't know what kind of a singer you can become until you try your first note!"

"Ask the Bridge" welcomes readers’ questions. E-mail bridge@bu.edu or write to "Ask the Bridge," 10 Lenox Street, Brookline, MA 02446.

23 March 2001
Boston University
Office of University Relations