7 Steps to Achieving Your Singing Goals
Recently, I was listening to a new artist/band called Lawrence and I just found myself grinning non-stop. All the vocals were spectacular, so well-executed. Have you ever watched an incredible singer perform and wondered, "How did they get that good?"
It's really tempting to believe that great singers are born with extraordinary talent. While natural ability can definitely help, I've worked with singers of every age and experience level, and I've found that lasting vocal success comes from something much more predictable…
The singers who make the biggest improvements aren't always the most talented. They're the ones who consistently do the right things over time.
Whether your dream is to perform on Broadway, sing at church, record your own music, audition for a competition, or just feel more confident every time you sing, these seven steps will move you closer to your goals.
1. Define What Success Actually Looks Like
"improve your singing voice" is a wish—not a goal.
Instead, ask yourself:
Do I want to sing higher without strain?
Do I want to improve my tone?
Am I preparing for auditions?
Do I want better breath control?
Is my goal to perform professionally or simply enjoy singing more?
The clearer your destination, the easier it becomes to create a plan that gets you there and you don’t have to be a performer or professional to achieve success with your goals.
2. Practice With Purpose, Not Just More
Many singers believe that practicing longer automatically leads to better results but this is not necessarily the case at all.
Twenty focused minutes often beats two hours of distracted singing.
Every practice session should answer one question:
"What am I trying to improve today?"
Maybe today you're working on:
smoother vocal transitions
breath support
resonance
vowel consistency
emotional storytelling
Purposeful practice creates faster progress because every repetition has intention.
3. Build Strong Technique Before Chasing High Notes
One of the biggest mistakes singers make is trying to force difficult songs before building the skills those songs require.
Think of your voice like building a house.
You wouldn't start with the roof.
Solid breathing, balanced airflow, healthy vocal cord coordination, resonance, and efficient muscle habits become the foundation that allows everything else to develop naturally.
The singers who seem "effortless" usually spent years strengthening their foundation.
4. Learn to Love Feedback
This can be one of the hardest steps. For some, the resistance is strong. I’ll ask if they recorded themselves and the response, “….Well, no….but I did practice a lot"!”
Nobody enjoys hearing what still needs improvement.
But feedback isn't criticism—it's information.
Professional athletes have coaches.
Olympic swimmers have coaches.
Broadway performers have coaches.
Even world-famous recording artists continue taking voice lessons throughout their careers.
A great teacher helps you identify blind spots, prevent unhealthy habits, and reach your goals much faster than trying to figure everything out alone.
5. Stay Consistent Even When Progress Feels Slow
Real vocal development rarely happens in giant leaps.
Most growth is almost invisible until one day you suddenly realize:
"Wait...that note used to be impossible."
Consistency compounds.
Practicing several days each week—even for short periods—creates lasting muscle memory and healthy coordination.
The singers who improve the most aren't necessarily the ones who practice the hardest.
They're the ones who simply keep showing up.
6. Take Care of Your Instrument
Unlike a piano or guitar, your instrument lives inside your body.
Sleep, hydration, stress, illness, nutrition, allergies, and vocal overuse can all affect your singing.
Healthy vocal habits include:
staying hydrated
warming up before demanding singing
avoiding unnecessary yelling
allowing recovery after heavy voice use
listening to warning signs like persistent hoarseness or pain
Your voice performs its best when your body does. I recently opened up in one of my reaction videos about the fact that I chose to retire from drinking alcohol a few years ago in part due to how it was affecting my voice. Check out that reaction HERE.
7. Enjoy the Journey
This may be the most important step of all.
Too many singers postpone happiness until they achieve the next milestone.
"I'll be proud when I belt that note."
"I'll be confident when I book that role."
"I'll enjoy singing once I'm really good."
…But singing isn't just about reaching the destination!
Every lesson, every practice session, every breakthrough, and yes—even every frustrating day—is shaping you into a better musician so celebrate the small victories and notice the improvements that used to feel impossible.
Keep singing because you love music, not just because you're chasing perfection.
The singers who stay in love with the process almost always outlast the singers who only focus on the finish line.
Final Thoughts
There isn't a secret shortcut to becoming a great singer but there is a reliable path.
Set meaningful goals. Practice with purpose. Build excellent technique. Welcome feedback. Stay consistent. Care for your voice. And most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Your future voice is being built by the choices you make today.
One intentional practice session at a time.
Ready to accelerate your progress?
If you're looking for personalized guidance, online voice lessons can help you develop healthy technique, overcome vocal challenges, and create a practice plan that's tailored specifically to your goals. No matter where you're starting, consistent coaching can help you sing with greater confidence, freedom, and joy but also, regular lessons helps hold you accountable to your goals.