How to Use Constructive Criticism to Your Singing Advantage

Nobody likes to hear bad feedback.

But if people are telling you that your voice is not quite right or suggesting that your technique is off, instead of throwing a tantrum, maybe you could take that criticism and turn it into singing magic?

Easier said than done? Don’t worry, we’ve got some advice for you.

Don’t Take it to Heart

The most important thing is that you don’t take negative comments personally. If you have been reading this blog for a while, or you are already taking singing lessons, then you’ll know there’s always room for improvement, and your voice is a muscle that you can grow with a little effort. So, if you’re not perfect now, you soon will be!

Don’t head down a negative path in your head. You are more than your voice, and everybody has the ability to sing well. Equally, everybody has bad voice days. So don’t start questioning every note you’ve ever sung or wondering if you’re wasting your time – there are many benefits to singing, even badly!

When you sing in front of people, you shine a spotlight on your voice, which makes you vulnerable. And, of course, that’s when feedback hurts the most. But it’s not personal and, if they’re right, there are things you can do. If you want to.

Start Looking for Feedback

Instead of looking at negative comments as attacks on your personality, use them as advice. Start asking people for their feedback – most people will tell you how amazing you are, which is, of course, an ego booster. But it’s the constructive comments that will be most useful.

If someone tells you they didn’t like your performance, ask them why. Try to get to the root of the problem. Maybe your pitch was off, or you missed a note. Maybe you just didn’t connect with the audience. Once you know exactly what was wrong, you can work on it.

Know that Sometimes People are Wrong!

If you get negative feedback with no substance, maybe that says more about that person than you. They might have been having a bad day and were just not in the mood for your performance. Perhaps they don’t enjoy the kind of music you are singing.

Everyone likes to think they are authoritative experts on things they enjoy. But you are the one on stage, and you are the one with a coach. Passing feedback on to your coach can be a really useful way of working out whether the criticism was constructive or not. If it’s not something you can work on, move on. They’re the ones with the problem, not you.

Another top trick is to record your performances. Then, when you get feedback, you can rewind to the moment they mention it and listen for yourself. Are they right? Is there something you did wrong, or did you nail that performance? Be honest with yourself.

Get Organised: The Four Quadrant Technique

One way to separate useful criticism from not-so-useful criticism is to write it down.

Take a new piece of paper and divide it into four. In the top left quadrant, put all the important comments you agree with, and in the top right quadrant, put all the unimportant comments you agree with.

In the bottom left quadrant put all the important comments that you disagree with. In the final quadrant, put all the unimportant comments that you disagree with. This can really help you focus your practice so you know what to work on and what you don’t need to worry about.

Practise, practise, practise!

Once you know your practice priorities, you need to put in the work. Think of the next time you might be singing in front of those people who gave you constructive criticism. That will be your chance to prove them all wrong, but you won’t do it without putting in the work.

If you don’t already have a vocal coach, get one. They can help you focus on your areas of concern and give you the tips and tricks you need to improve. While friends and family mean well, they are only ever going to tell you how amazing you are.

A coach will be honest. And every comment will be a constructive one—so listen and don’t take it personally!

At the London Singing Institute, we love working with you to make your voice the best it can be. Whether you prefer singing alone or in a group, we can help. Contact us today!