by Mark JW Graham – Vocal Coach in Nottingham, UK
Book Now
The Million Dollar Question: how DO you get better at singing?
Despite what all the YouTube singing videos out there say, it’s really not about quick hacks or sudden bursts of effort. It’s also not “just something you’re born with”.
The answer is the same one that drives success in investing, athletics, and business: consistent effort over a long period of time.
Single-minded consistency is a genuine superpower. And on this, I was watching an interview with author and investor Morgan Housel, and one line struck me as gold for singers. He said:
“My strategy is to be average, but for an above-average period of time.”
What does he mean by “… for an above-average period of time“?
The reality is, most people have remarkably little staying power. They think in terms of weeks or months. But years, decades? The ability to ignore time and just focus on getting better even when it gets boring? That is astoundingly rare.
In this video, he explains that while short-term “winners” often burn bright out of the gates – talent, confidence, maybe even knowing a thing or two at the time – they typically burn out or fail the next year. In contrast, those who keep showing up for an above-average period of time end up in the top 10% of results. The lesson applies perfectly to learning how to sing well.
It’s all about sustained consistency in singing
Although the original conversation was about investing, the principle holds true in music, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Sustained habits are what breed results, not shortcuts.
Trying to rush ahead, or dip in and dip out may give the appearance of improvement, but it usually feels frustrating, unsustainable, and often causes setbacks. For singers, this can appear as sudden vocal malfunctions or inconsistent performance — leading to even more frustration.
Lessons from building businesses
I’ve been running my studio for over 15 years full-time, and in that period I’ve spoken with several business owners about how tough those early years were. Back then we worried that some super-talented newcomer would arrive, steal all our clients, and expose us as amateurs.
Fast forward 10–20 years, and that fear has vanished. Why? Because we’ve stayed consistent for an above-average period of time. Building solid skills, showing up through thick and thin, and let the results compound. That kind of foundation can’t be cheated or undercut — and the same is true for becoming a singer.
The upside and downside are the same
The upside is clear: if you’ve put in the work, it never disappears. It’s the bedrock for everything you do next. The downside? For beginners, there’s no shortcut but to build that bedrock. If things feel shaky or inconsistent, that’s reality telling you the foundation isn’t solid enough — yet.
To improve your singing you must remain consistent over time, and commit to the work for an above-average length of time. Most people lack the discipline to stay the course. Those who do end up standing out.
Consistency is your superpower
How fast or how slow you progress is individual, but truthfully, speed doesn’t matter. What matters is that consistent singing practice becomes your super-power. The key is to stick with what you can manage and keep applying it at a sustainable pace.
If this is something you’d like to build into your own practice — to get on the right track and make your training sustainable — book a session with me here. We’ll focus on consistency and habits that last.
The Sunday 6PM Technique Drop
One high-impact vocal technique insight, every week.
Suggested Reading
Mark JW Graham - Mark is a high-end vocal coach and singing teacher based in Nottingham, UK.
Certified in Speech Level Singing ®, and with over 20 years of musical experience, he is known as the "go-to vocal coach" for singers wanting dramatic improvements in their singing voice in a short space of time.
Trusted by singers worldwide, Mark’s expertise as a coach, singer and musician helps clients transform their voices and raise their musicianship to new levels.
SLS Certified Vocal Coach · 20+ Years Experience · Trusted Worldwide