Don't worry—this is completely normal and extremely common, especially at this early stage of your training. With only a year of lessons, you're still developing your understanding. Remember, knowledge is only power when applied through practice. So, never stop training!
Consider American Idol as an example. Notice how rare it is for contestants to excel outside their primary genre (country, pop, rock, jazz, etc.). Music is a creative expression built on subjective principles.
All successful musicians have an innate talent or 'DNA' component enhanced by proper training. The exceptions are very rare—that's what makes them exceptions. For the majority, including most of us, we seek top-notch education to refine our skills. Proper training protects your instrument and provides the discipline that leads to freedom in conveying a song's story effectively. It may sound counterintuitive, but greater freedom in any field is inseparably connected to discipline. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
Connecting emotionally with a song is crucial. That's why we have various genres and passionate fan bases. It's okay if you can't quite 'feel' a particular song or genre yet. With discipline, you can learn to sing it, but if it doesn't resonate with you, your audience will likely sense that.
Consider successful crossover artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, or Adam Lambert. While they can sing almost anything, their performances in unfamiliar genres often become more 'pedestrian' compared to their preferred styles. When they perform in their element, they truly shine.
Another example: listen to famous singers who've released albums outside their usual genre. Notice how the arrangements often lean towards the artist's signature style rather than the original. They're usually met with mixed reviews because the genre isn't quite as satisfying to purists. Take Beyoncé's latest country album—it's not typical country, but it's infused with her signature style. This approach satisfies her existing fan base while attracting new fans who appreciate her take on country. Her style is imposed onto the genre, not vice versa. You know it's her from the first second because everything about it reflects her artistic DNA.
This principle applies to all art forms. A trained ballet dancer might struggle with hip-hop or jazz, often gravitating towards modern dance as it's closer to their classical training. Ballet is so disciplined that a choreographer can verbally call out steps, and the dancer can create the piece without a demonstration. Similarly, in classical singing, every note resonates perfectly. High-level training in one style can make it challenging to adapt to others, as you've trained out the tricks and shortcuts used in less formal techniques.
In conclusion, don't worry about mastering every style. Focus on your strengths and the genres that resonate with you. We all gravitate towards certain styles—forming fan clubs, social media groups, and attending events. It's part of our nature as a social species. Listeners appreciate artists who consistently deliver within their chosen genre, as it allows for a deeper connection with the music's message and delivery.
While it's valuable to have a well-rounded understanding of various styles— diversity in knowledge can open doors to greater expression, but always stay true to your authentic voice.
Authenticity is key. Like Beyoncé, successful artists know who they are and stay true to what resonates with them. This authenticity is the “magic” that attracts listeners because they believe what the artist is singing about and feel the music.
