I want to sing like Florence Foster Jenkins

Before you read this, if you don't know who Florence Foster Jenkins is, watch this video.

Now, When I say that I want to sing like Florence, that doesn't mean that I want to adopt her technique, or her diction, or that I wish my tone matched hers. I am very grateful for my Instrument. However Madame Jenkins sang with every ounce of her being. she sang simply because she loved it and That's how I want to sing.

I have found, that it is so easy to get wrapped up in and consumed by technical perfection. As a student studying vocal technique this is very easy to do, and singers should all sing with a solid technique. But perfection isn't real, and I find that many times, the most beautiful moments come from imperfections.

We as singers have certain responsibilities; not only to our audiences, but to ourselves as well. We are communicators; we communicate ideas, emotions and beauty. In order to effectively communicate these things there are many elements that have to be brought together simultaneously. Technique covers a lot  of these elements, such as intonation, diction, and tone. Musicality is another category which holds elements such as dynamics and tempo. Intention is the last category, and there are two types; the composers' intention and what we bring to that and how we interpret that. The other type is our own intention. I think this is probably the most important element, because audiences can see right through us.

Our intention is immediately present in our voices. If we are singing for recognition, then our performance will not be as relatable or moving as it would if we are singing for the truth that we find in that piece. Intention goes further than individual performances. What is the intention behind why we sing at all?  I sing because it makes me feel beautiful, I sing because music moves me. I sing because I love to. I sing because it brings me joy. I sing because it connects me to people. I sing to bring beauty to the world.

Florence sang because music was her life, and she wanted to contribute to the beauty that is music. She knew that music is powerful and it's special. She also knew that she had a voice. You have a voice whether you consider yourself a singer or not. You have a voice and you can use it. If your intention behind your voice is love of music it doesn't matter if you're flat or if I can't understand a word you say. Keep singing.

They made a movie about Florence, I watched it a couple days ago, and I haven't cried that hard at a movie in a long time, I think Florence is an inspiration. Her passion inspires me, and I hope it inspires you too.

There is a line in the movie where Florence asks her husband (Hugh Grant's Character) if everyone was laughing at her the whole time. He tells her, ”I was never laughing at you. Yours is the truest voice I've ever heard."

Some will remember Florence as the worst singer ever, but I will remember her as a true voice and I will continue to try to sing with the same integrity and truth as Madame Florence Foster Jenkins.