Right to Sing: Stories, Research & Reflection

Being a singer often begins with a spark—a moment when someone notices your talent, when you’re told you have a “gift.” From there, a singer identity starts to take shape. But this identity isn’t formed in isolation. It is crafted through relationships with teachers, peers, institutions, audiences—and through the unspoken rules about what counts as "good," "worthy," or "successful." This construction of identity can be exhilarating and affirming. But it is also fragile—because it often hinges on acceptance or rejection from others. That’s where shame begins to creep in. Through reading countless articles and books on this subject I came to recognise my own vocal shame which crept up on me over time and culminated in the painful aftermath of vocal injury and a failed operation. For years, I had worked on my craft and career—not just because I loved singing, but because my identity felt contingent on it. I didn't quite see that my voice and "singer ...

For many singers, singing is far more than just a skill or job. It is deeply tied to identity, purpose, and even belonging. But with that deep connection comes a relentless, often invisible threat to the singer's sense of self. Unlike many other professions, singing demands the exposure of something deeply personal: your body, your emotions, your sound. And it places that exposure under near-constant scrutiny, it's no wonder that putting ourselves out there can feel risky and and knock- backs are taken personally. Singers live with a level of vulnerability that is rarely acknowledged. Our instrument is our body, and we carry it with us all day and everywhere - we are inseparable "musical-body-subjects". Any perceived or pointed out imperfection or inconsistency can feel like a personal failure, not just a professional one. And for many of us, these threats are ongoing, cumulative, and internalised. I want to take a moment to break down just a few of the potential thre...

Perfectionism is a term we hear often in the arts, and in some circles, it’s even worn like a badge of honour. Many singers—including myself—take pride in setting high standards, and tireless preparation. But what happens when that drive to be perfect starts driving us ? I’ve spent much of my professional life in and around singing—as a performer, teacher, and now as a researcher. One thing I’ve noticed again and again is just how many singers identify as perfectionists. We often see it as a bit of a quirk or strength: evidence of our commitment, work ethic, and respect for the craft. And yet, for many of us, perfectionism hasn’t been a source of freedom. It’s been a source of suffering. In psychological literature, perfectionism is increasingly understood not just as a trait, but as a process —a way of thinking, behaving, and relating to oneself that can deeply affect emotional wellbeing. Self-oriented perfectionism, in particular, is common among musicians. This is the kind where t...