Finding and Utilizing Resources
And Five Excellent Resources by Singers for Singers
Welcome, Beautiful Creatives!
I’m so excited to feature FIVE fantastic online journals by five fantastic artists/singers/teachers in this week’s Well Canto! No one is an island entire of itself, and collaboration is essential for performing artists. It is also a specific mindset that inspires and encourages growth. These five people generously share their experience and knowledge, and all serious singers will benefit mightily from their wisdom!
But First, The Benefits of Identifying and Utilizing Resources to Reach Life Goals
One top skill to develop for all independent creatives is finding and utilizing resources. This helps develop plans, support progress, and reach goals. The great news is that no one has to invent every step from scratch - there are zillions of smart, passionate people out there with exactly the knowledge and experience needed to guide, teach, and inspire.
When we learn to identify and leverage available resources, we enhance our ability to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and achieve long-term success.
Achievement requires effort, courage, and self-management. Identifying our resources, both internal and external, helps us reach our goals by allowing us to leverage what we have, plan effectively, and overcome obstacles more efficiently:
Internal: Recognizing our skills, knowledge, experiences, and strengths allows us to focus our efforts on areas where we excel and identify areas where we need to develop.
External: Identifying the tools, people, and resources we have access to (like mentors, online courses, or specific software) helps us utilize them strategically to achieve our goals.
Leverage what we have
Plan effectively
Overcome obstacles more efficiently
Once we inderstand what resources we have, we can prioritize tasks and projects, allocate them effectively, and identify what we lack, thereby maximizing efficiency.
Prioritize tasks
Allocate
ID what we lack
As promised, here are my top five favorite resources for singing artists.
Most of the following are the latest posts from these five gifted writers. Be sure to explore all their offerings as you will find unbelievable variety within each.
Five Great Resources for Singers
A Voice Teacher's Chrestomathy is a space to explore the voice—past and present. Justin Petersen writes about vocal pedagogy, historical singing techniques, and how modern voice practice intersects with culture today. It’s part insight, part reflection, and part curiosity—a place for voice teachers, singers, and anyone fascinated by how and why we sing.
Why I love and recommend A Voice Teacher’s Chrestomathy:
Justin writes with such clarity and passion. His articles are eye-opening, practicable, and no-nonsense. There is nothing ‘trendy’ about his erudition which creates welcomed veracity. (Plus, I now know what a chrestomathy is!)
Erin Stewart: Hi! I’m Erin! I have a deep love for Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals, PG Tips, and helping singers connect to their voices. I left performing full time 11 years ago with a deep desire to help others free themselves from fear & that inner critic to sing with confidence and joy.
https://www.erinstewart.net/blog/why-your-voice-is-stuck
Why I love and recommend Erin Stewart:
Erin is a fellow wellness coach in addition to being experienced in classical and MT singing. Her writing is fresh and radiant and makes me want to have tea and convo with her. Honest but never cringey, Erin shines a compassionate light on our fears and doubts and offers ways forward.
The Diva Diaries are the confessions, reflections and musings of two 30-something performers in an ever-shifting performing industry. We’re pulling back the curtain on “insider culture” in performing life, and hope you'll join the conversation!
Why I love and recommend The Diva Diaries:
This one is new-ish to me and I love the ‘spill tea’ vibe alongside practical advice like book and app recommendations. Can’t wait to soak up all future posts!
Brian Witkowski: The Lucrative Artist: I help artistic and creative entrepreneurs earn more with integrity—by refining their voice, elevating their value, and building an income that reflects the clarity, depth, and long-term legacy of the work they’re truly here to do.
Why I love and recommend The Lucrative Artist:
Brian is not wrong with the intimation that many artistic types struggle with money mindsets (ask me how I know). His articles are extensive and pragmatic but also personal and not preachy. Run, don’t walk, to his oeuvre as a critical part of your artistic development.
Daniel Shigo: VOICETALK features historical and archival material, downloadable texts, and original content. Check out the free download page that contains more than 200 texts. This site is chock full of amazing content, tools and techniques.
http://shigovoicelessons.com/voicetalk
Why I love and recommend VOICETALK:
Daniel is an encyclopedia of singing and pedagogy, and he’s written it all down so you and I can benefit! Lest a singer be misled into thinking that the modern ‘voice science’ wave espouses something new, a look at VOICETALK will disabuse anyone of such a notion.
THANK YOU to these brilliant colleagues - Justin, Erin, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Brian, and Daniel - for enthusiastically allowing me to share their important and generous work.
Remember to show your appreciation to the people behind the online sources you tap. It takes no time at all to thank someone personally or click a LIKE button. Better yet, make a public comment which shows both writer and audience the value you derive from their thoughts and research. And if you find yourself returning again and again to the same few blogs, consider a paid subscription - usually they are less than a single coffee shop order per month.
Enjoy your resources and the inspiration they provide!
May you live in ease and kindness, with a free heart.
Well Canto is a registered trademark.
Singing lessons with Barbara: www.WAVS.info
Well Coaching with Barbara: www.BarbaraShirvisWellness.com
Thanks so much for featuring us in your newsletter. We love reading your posts, too! #risingtideliftsallboats
Hugs,
Kaitlyn + Sarah
Lovely and spot on recommendations!