Intrusive thoughts and singing

Why Your Thoughts About Your Voice Matter

Hi Singers! If we haven’t met before — I’m Vanessa Ledesma Coffin, a voice teacher, vocal coach, music director, and choir director based in Los Angeles, California. I’ve worked with everyone from complete beginners to singers in major commercial bands and on Broadway. Through my years of teaching, I’ve noticed one thing that holds singers back more than anything else: their thoughts about their own voice.

Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or just starting out, the way you think about your voice can either fuel your growth or quietly sabotage it.

Let’s talk about it.

The Sneaky Power of Judgment

It’s all too easy to label your voice as “good” or “bad.” Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking:

• I sound terrible.

• I’ll never get this right.

• I’m so pitchy.

  
  

But here’s the truth: those judgments won’t help you become the singer you aspire to be. In fact, anticipatory judgments like these are far more likely to create tension, anxiety, and ultimately slow your progress. The voice is the only instrument located inside your body — every time you sing, you’re exposing a vulnerable part of yourself, and it’s normal to feel cautious or self-critical.

However, voice lessons should be a space where you can shed those judgments and focus on growth.

Focus on Sensation, Not Sound

When you begin your singing journey, the most helpful thing you can do is pay attention to the physical sensations of singing.

Start with your breath:

• Which parts of your body expand when you inhale?

• Where does your body collapse when you exhale?

  
  

If you don’t feel anything right away — that’s okay. Awareness builds over time. Keep bringing intention to your inner experience, and you’ll gradually develop your proprioceptive awareness.

As you sing, check in with:

• Your lungs

• Diaphragm

• Chest

• Abdomen

• Shoulders

• Throat

• Jaw

• Tongue

• Roof of your mouth

  
  

This mindful connection helps you cultivate a healthy, sustainable technique from the inside out.

“But What About What I Sound Like?”

Good question — and here’s the thing: your ears might not be tuned yet.

If you’re new to singing or music in general, your ear-training and musicianship will likely need development before you can objectively assess your tone. Students with backgrounds in other instruments often have a head start because of their ear-training experience.

That’s why I recommend leaving the critique of tone to your voice teacher early on. Your job is to relax, explore, and learn.

The Purpose Behind Vocal Warm-Ups

Ever wonder why your teacher makes you sing those scales and exercises? Vocal warm-ups serve three crucial purposes:

1. They train your vocal instrument with healthy technique.

2. They train your ear to differentiate between pitches and keys.

3. They inform your teacher about your current range and tessitura.

   
   

If you want to give your ears extra support, consider studying an instrument like piano, taking a sight-singing class, or practicing scales.

Dealing With Anxiety in Voice Lessons

It’s so normal to feel anxious in a voice lesson — singing is personal and vulnerable. Many students arrive desperate to “get it right,” which creates unnecessary tension.

Remember: your voice teacher isn’t there to judge you. Voice teachers tend to be some of the most empathetic, encouraging people because we’ve been through those vulnerable early days ourselves.

Your job is to relax, stay curious, and trust the process.

Helpful Thoughts for Your Singing Practice

During lessons and practice sessions, try thinking:

• What sensations am I feeling right now?

• Am I connecting to my breath?

• Am I relaxed, or am I holding tension?

• I really enjoy singing this song!

• This warm-up feels challenging/fun/easy.

  
  

And avoid thoughts like:

• Am I pitchy?

• I sound awful.

• I can’t sing.

• This exercise is pointless.

  
  

Your thoughts have power — choose the ones that nurture your growth.

Further Study for the Mindful Singer

If you’re interested in diving deeper into loving and understanding your voice, here are some books I highly recommend:

• “Freeing the Natural Voice” by Kristin Linklater

• “Vocal Yoga” by Heather Lyle

• “The Performer’s Voice” by Meribeth Bunch Dayme

  
  

And don’t forget to grab my free Love Your Voice Journal — it’s designed to help you cultivate a positive relationship with your voice and track your growth. Grab your free journal here.

Final Thoughts

Your voice is uniquely yours — and that’s what makes it beautiful. Learning to sing is as much about cultivating healthy, helpful thoughts as it is about technique. Stay curious, stay kind to yourself, and keep making the world a little brighter through music.

Until next time — keep learning, keep singing, and keep shining.

Vanessa