Vocal Coach Near Me: The Day I Learned That Mindset Is 90% of Singing
Ever searched “vocal coach near me” and landed on a teacher who says, “Just practice these scales and you’ll be fine?” Spoiler alert: it takes more than scales. In fact, I’d argue your mindset is 90% of the game. Allow me to share how I realized this in the most unexpected way.
Have you ever heard of the musical Next to Normal? My mentor Mary-Mitchell Campbell was the original music director back when they had just gotten the show on its feet at 2nd Stage Theatre, and she had me tag along to most of the rehearsals as her protege / assistant musical director. For those of you who know the production, this was before Next to Normal became a "thing" - no one had heard of it, everything was unknown to the world about it. Of course it got rave reviews throughout the 2nd Stage run, and it was obvious that the show would be picked up to go straight to Broadway afterward... until one afternoon with a few hours before the show that night, we all got news that the show was not transferring to Broadway, and it would close in a couple of weeks due to financial problems with the production team.
The word "devastated" doesn't begin to describe how we all felt, especially the cast, who totally put everything they had into each performance (and it's a heavy show, FYI). It was the end of the week, and despite losing her voice, the leading actress Alice Ripley showed up to the theatre that night to show support for her understudy who was slated to go on in her place that evening. Emotions were strong, I guess strong enough to convince Alice Ripley that there was no way she wasn't going to go on in the role she created. "So what if I don't have a voice? I know this part inside and out, I know this character, I love this character, and I will do her justice tonight."
And she went on to give the most astounding performance I've ever seen. She could only sing about 5 pitches in her range, and she made up the rest throughout the performance. But she ACTED the role. And it was brilliant.
So brilliant, in fact, that the producers from Arena Stage were in the audience that evening and expressed interest in transferring the show for a regional production in Washington, D.C., which did indeed happen. And during that run, another set of producers were blown away and brought the show back to New York where it opened on Broadway in 2009. Alice Ripley went on to receive the TONY® Award for Leading Actress in a Musical, and the show won a Pulitzer Prize that year, as well.
I'm telling you: it's all about mindset. No one cares if you have the vocals. They care if you believe what you're singing about.
The turning point? Recognizing that technique alone wasn’t enough. It was all about mental readiness—embracing fear and owning every note.
Vocal Coach Near Me—Why the Right Mindset Matters
Confidence Affects Tone: Tense mind, tense throat. The more you doubt yourself, the tighter you hold your muscles.
Performance Anxiety Is Real: Harness it as fuel. Don’t ignore it. Acknowledge it, name it (Marcia, anyone?), then show it the door.
Visualization: Picture your best performance—focus on the applause, the bright lights, the adrenaline rush of nailing every note.
Quick Mindset Shifts You Can Implement Today
Power Statement
Something short and fierce, like “I slay these notes,” or “I’m the star of this stage.” Asd my singers know, my mantra is, "Don't force it. Fierce it." (Feel free to use if you wish!)
Repeating it reaffirms your confidence.
Micro-Wins
Celebrate every small success in a warm-up. Nailed that tricky run? Pat yourself on the back.
These tiny celebrations stack up, creating a reservoir of positivity.
Controlled Breathing
Stress tightens the vocal apparatus. Consciously breathe in for four counts, hold for one, and exhale for four.
Repeat until you feel some of that tension melt away.
If you’re ready to transform not just your technique but your entire singing mindset, check out my weekly vocal lesson plans or contact me here.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason you keep searching “vocal coach near me.” You know you’re on the brink of something greater—and it’s time to step up.
Technique is vital, yes, but it’s the mind that truly commands the stage. Embrace it, own it, and sing with fierce confidence. You've got this.
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