Weekly Voice Insights #2

The Mental Game of Voice: Lessons from Margaret Harshaw (Part I)

When I began my journey in voice training, the emphasis was always on mastering specific techniques. Whether it was perfecting consonants, practicing vocalizations, or honing breath control, the message was clear: if you employ these techniques correctly, you'll achieve your goals. However, as I progressed in my career, I began to realize that there was a deeper layer to voice training—one that was profoundly mental. This realization didn’t happen overnight; it was shaped by years of practice, and most importantly, by the guidance of a remarkable mentor.

Personal Anecdote
During my time as a young artist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, I had the privilege of training under Margaret Harshaw—an icon in both the teaching and singing world. Harshaw, who was about 84 when I started working with her, was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who imparted wisdom that went far beyond the technical aspects of voice.

Our lessons, which were rarely under four hours, took place at her house. These sessions were transformative, not just because of the technical skills I honed, but because of the mental approach Harshaw instilled in me. I vividly remember how she would talk about a newscaster's vocal delivery with the same keen interest and analysis that she would apply to a world-class singer like Luciano Pavarotti. To Harshaw, the voice was an instrument of expression, whether you were speaking or singing, and mastery of that instrument went beyond just technique.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned from her was that “singing is 95% mental.” At first, this seemed like an abstract concept, especially when my focus was on the tangible aspects of voice training. But as our lessons progressed, her wisdom began to resonate with me on a deeper level. The notion that you must will your voice to do what you choose for it to do is not just about applying techniques; it's about being mentally aware in the moment and making conscious decisions about which tools to use.

Harshaw’s Principle
Harshaw’s principle that singing—and by extension, voice work—is 95% mental, fundamentally changed how I approached voice training. It’s not enough to simply practice techniques in isolation; you must be aware of your mental state and make deliberate choices in real time. This mental awareness is what allows you to access and effectively apply the techniques you’ve spent so much time mastering.

But this concept isn’t limited to voice training. It’s a principle that can be applied to any skill or discipline. Consider your own experiences—whether in public speaking, sports, or even everyday communication. How often do you rely solely on technique, without considering the mental game? Have there been moments when you knew what to do, but the outcome didn’t align with your expectations because you weren’t mentally prepared? These are the moments when mental awareness can make all the difference.

Think about a time when you were performing a task that you had practiced extensively—maybe it was a presentation at work, a performance on stage, or even a challenging conversation with a friend. How did you feel in that moment? Were you fully present, mentally aware of the choices you were making? Or did you find yourself going through the motions, relying on muscle memory rather than conscious decision-making?

Margaret Harshaw’s teaching encourages us to go beyond just “knowing” how to do something. It pushes us to be mentally engaged, to actively choose the right technique at the right moment. This approach requires practice, not just in the physical sense, but in training your mind to stay present and make informed choices under pressure.

Your thoughts here!
As you reflect on these questions, consider how you might apply Harshaw’s principle in your own life. What situations require you to be more mentally aware? How can you start integrating this mental practice into your daily routine, ensuring that you are not just relying on technique, but also harnessing the power of your mind to achieve your goals?

Teaser for Next Post
In our next Wednesday Insight, we’ll dive deeper into how this mental awareness integrates with the practical techniques that form the foundation of voice training. We’ll explore how to practice with purpose and choose the right tools in the moment. Don’t miss it!

Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below sharing your experiences or any questions you might have. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can all develop a stronger mental game in our pursuits.

Please join us Sep 11, 6:00 pm CST  for a Clubhouse Chat on the Mental aspects of Voice : link

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