What You Think of Me Is None of my Business!


Do you tend to measure your self-worth as the person, by believing it depends on your perception of how well you do vocally when singing? Are you looking for personal validation every time you sing?
 
Unconsciously many aspiring performers do just this. I find it sad that many of you have fallen prey to this unhealthy belief system. It’s time to change that perception.
 
There is absolutely no way anyone can second guess what someone else is thinking about you and what you do. There are so many variables in another person’s choices. And also, any time you sing and perform it is a very subjective taste issue. Some people will love what you do, some will just like it OK and some will absolutely hate it. That is human nature. You have no power nor can you control the outcome of a situation. You have to train yourself to let go of all the emotional drama and baggage you are feeling, breath and leave some room for the Universe to do its work on your behalf, and then accept whatever the outcome happens to be and move on. It’s not personal, or emotional, it’s the nature of our industry.
 
Your real worth as a person comes from discovering and presenting the whole person, not just a small part of you. What do you want others to say about you? To get comfortable with yourself, start by figuring out what you value deep down. Realize that you already generate a powerful, clear and positive idea when others think of you as a whole person. This is your brand and when you example it, it captures not only the mind, but also the heart of others. When you build this kind of brand representation, you get to define you, no one else can. You can start living a more representative life of the whole person, not justifying your existence and self worth by allowing it to be based solely on your singing ability. You get to be more authentic, show your uniqueness and discard all the disguises, lies and defenses you used to use when thinking about yourself.
 
And even when you become more of who you as you grow and change, not everyone will agree with you or like you. It’s just human nature. So what do you want your Personal Brand to say about you?
 
Imagine the possibilities…
 

Carol Kirkpatrick

For as long as she can remember, singing and performing have always been in Carol Kirkpatrick’s blood. From her beginnings in a small farming town in southeastern Arizona, through her early first-place triumph at the prestigious San Francisco Opera Auditions, and subsequent career on international stages, Ms. Kirkpatrick has thrilled audiences and critics alike. “A major voice, one worth the whole evening.” (The New York Times) Since retiring from the stage, she continues to be in demand as a voice teacher, clinician, and adjudicator of competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.  Combining her knowledge of performance, business, and interpersonal skills, she has written the second edition of her highly regarded book, Aria Ready: The Business of Singing, a step-by-step career guide for singers and teachers of singing.  Aria Ready has been used by universities, music conservatories and summer and apprentice programs throughout the world as a curriculum for teaching Ms. Kirkpatrick’s process of career development, making her “the” expert in this area.  She lives in Denver, Colorado.   YouTube.com/kirkpatrickariaready