Do not think for one minute that it is only the great voices of this world that are destined to have excellent careers.That simply is not the case.Certainly one cannot help but recognize the fact that the 1% of professional singers who are enjoying “stardom”, huge fees and international careers possess extraordinary voices and outstanding talent – but it also holds true that there are literally hundreds (perhaps thousands) of great voices that never “make it” simply because they lack a true passion for singing and performing.They lack the necessary commitment, motivation and work ethic.For some inexplicable reason, these people have never come to terms with the enormous responsibility that accompanies great natural talent.The singers who succeed professionally are the ones who are willing to work hard, sacrifice much and persevere - even when the going gets rough – perhaps this is why the vast majority of successful singers in the business today (or in any other era, for that matter) are not necessarily the most obviously or blatantly naturally gifted.It has been my experience that those singers who have been told all too frequently what wonderful voices they have more often than not are the very ones who lack the necessary discipline and commitment.They are complacent and at times more than a little arrogant.When this proves to be the case, my comment to them is, “God did a really good job.What are YOU going to do?!?”Another discovery of mine is that the student who earns the money that changes hands at the time of the lesson is invariably the one who works and prepares the hardest.They are passionate about their desire to learn and to improve their singing – more appreciative of the sacrifices that are necessary in order to achieve their desired career goals – more respectful of others who are working just as hard as they are.
