Motivation: Plateaus

In the last blog, we talked about focusing on process rather than product—the journey rather than the destination. As Clifton Ware says in Basics of Vocal Pedagogy, "...when the student learns to enjoy the journey, that is, the process of learning with the detailed routine of practice, real progress begins." (24)

So what do you do when you're engaged in the process but you aren't seeing any progress? 

Ware addresses this situation as well: 

"Students should be forewarned that even the most patient, enjoy-the-process approach inevitably will include learning plateaus, which are periods when little or nothing appears to be happening. Fortunately, frustration can be avoided and long-lasting results achieved by using plateaus as learning time for consolidating and internalizing muscular and mental responses through purposeful repetitious practice." (24)

Call it a plateau, call it stagnation, call it a rut. Regardless, we all know what it's like to be working hard but hardly seeing any noticeable progress. This can be a real de-motivator. 

In these times it can be helpful to remember our previous discussions of the three stages of motor learning. The middle associative/motor learning stage, which is between the beginning verbal/cognitive stage and the final automatic stage, is usually the longest period of the entire learning process. It requires the most focus, the most mental effort, and the most time (which may be measured in years, depending on the skill). It's just a part of learning to go through long plateaus of seemingly minimal progress. 

It's also worth defining what a plateau really is. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word as, "a state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress." Been there. 

But there is also a second definition of plateau: "an area of relatively level high ground." This definition reminds me of the gorgeous sandstone formations of southern Utah. If you've never done any hiking in Utah's red rock country, you should probably skip school and get down there right away. (I mean, you probably shouldn't skip school. Or...maybe you should.) If you have hiked up to one of these plateaus, you know how much uphill trudging it can take just to get to the level ground. Simply reaching the plateau is an accomplishment in and of itself, one usually rewarded by stunning views. 

When we have plateaued in our technical or artistic development, it's easy to forget how much time, effort, and practice it took to get to that point. It's good to look back during these times to see how far you've come and maybe just hang out a while and get used to this new "high ground." 

Lastly, although we often measure our progress through specific achievements, during the inevitable plateaus, we can shift our goals more toward the amount of time we log working on our skills. If you aren't able to note obvious gains, then celebrate consistently showing up to practice and putting your time in. 

You don't have to set a land speed record every time you go out for a run. But if you keep lacing up your shoes and getting out there day after day, you are much more likely to reach your goals than if you allow the frustration of a lack of progress derail you from the regularity of your routine. 

Now go practice. 

Motivation: Process vs. Product

To build on the last blog, I found some additional information on motivation on my bookshelf in Basics of Vocal Pedagogy: The Foundations and Process of Singing by Clifton Ware. 

Even though most of the volumes on my shelf made no mention whatsoever of motivation, Ware discusses the topic in just the second chapter of his book. As he says, the information is intended to "focus on information and techniques which allow for constructive thinking that lead to appropriate behavior." (14) Therefore, before he even begins to present the basics of anatomy and physiology or dig into vocal technique, he discusses how to cultivate a mindset that will enable voice building. 

The section of the chapter that is titled "The Goal and the Journey as One," begins with the following sentences: 

"As with any challenging long-term task, the road that leads to success for a singer will be more interesting and rewarding if the focus is on process (means) rather than product (end). Focus on the process means that our energy is concentrated on the journey rather than merely on the destination." (24)

In grad school, I had a professor who often compared elite singers to competitive runners. As she said, both have to engage in extensive training and preparation in order to build their skills so they can put them to use when performing a song or running a race. 

I understand the parallels, but I had to argue that singing a song and running a race have different purposes. After all, the point of running a race is to get to the finish line the fastest. But we don't sing just so we can get to the end of a song. In fact, one way to measure a successful performance may be to what degree both singer and audience wish the song would continue beyond the double bar at the end of the page. 

It's also not a great comparison because singing isn't (or, rather, doesn't need to be) competitive. Sure, when you're auditioning, that element of the "business" may feel like a competition. But when you're just singing (practicing, performing, or jamming along to a recording), you're allowed to enjoy that as much as you'd like. By comparison, the only person who celebrates at the end of a race is usually the one who finishes first. 

As you may have heard in Dem Lab, despite all of the Broadway shows Hugh Panaro has under his belt, he actually believes that rehearsals ("...where the real work happens") are more enjoyable than performances. That perspective really points to a love of process rather a focus that is primarily on the product. It's no wonder he reminded us all to constantly look for the joy in what we are doing, even—and perhaps especially—when we are tired or experiencing a lack of motivation.  

What part of the singing journey do you enjoy most? How can you find some of that joy every time you practice?

Now go practice.