Sing Smarter, Not Harder - 6 Strategies to Upgrade Your Learning (Part 1)
23/01/2026
As we stepped out of 2025 and into this fresh start of 2026, I gave my newsletter community a challenge: a New Year’s reflection.
Why? Because as singers, we are often our own harshest critics. We are usually too busy obsessing over that one cracked high note to notice the twenty other things that went right.
This reflection form was an invitation to look back at the actual evolution of your voice and your learning process over the last twelve months, and set intentions for the new year.
One particular reflection stood out so much that I have to share it with you. Kelsie Sweetman’s answers perfectly mirror my own philosophy: singing isn’t just about making sounds; it’s also about “learning how to learn.”
In this post, I want to take you through Kelsie’s journey. To celebrate her learning process; and to give you practical strategies to transform your own vocal learning this year.
Today, I share the first three strategies:
- Experimentation
- Letting it happen
- Reclaiming your voice
Stay tuned for next week’s post, in which I’ll share three more strategies from Kelsie’s reflection! One of them is “the hidden secret”…
But first this:
If you’d like to experience this kind of guidance yourself, book your Free Discovery Call! Let’s explore how online voice lessons with me can help you build not just vocal technique, but efficient learning strategies.
Strategy n°1: Messy Experimentation
When I asked Kelsie to summarize her 2025 in only a few words, she chose: “Experimentation and flexibility.”
I absolutely love this. Your voice is not a machine that needs to be “fixed” with a specific manual. It’s a living, responsive system.
By choosing experimentation, Kelsie allowed herself to inhabit the “uncertainty zone.” This is often where the most meaningful technical breakthroughs happen.
My Tips:
- Don’t fear the mess. When your voice feels inconsistent, remind yourself that experimentation in the “uncertainty zone” is not the opposite of progress. It is the mechanism through which progress happens.
- Read my blog post Sometimes the Best Lessons Happen Exactly When Everything Seems to Go Wrong.
Strategy n°2: Letting It Happen
Kelsie had a massive “Aha!” moment finding her M3 (whistle / flageolet) coordination without pressure. She described it as simply “letting it happen.”
This is a huge technical milestone. Many singers try to “hunt” for high notes with muscular force, but Kelsie’s nervous system was ready to release / facilitate / invite instead of control.
My Tips:
- Don’t try to recreate a specific sound when you have found what you were looking for; recreate the conditions. For Kelsie, those conditions were ease, curiosity, and “letting it happen”.
- If you’re struggling with a note, stop trying to “get it” and start trying to “invite it.”
- Read my blog post Resonator Tuning, The Key to Whistle Voice .
Strategy n°3: Reclaiming the "Forbidden" Voice
Kelsie shared that she was told never to use her M2 (head voice / neutral) growing up. This year, she spent time building it back up and found immense delight in its development.
She felt most free when she sang a song she “always wanted to belt in M1” but chose a mixed M2 instead. She took the pressure off, went with what felt good, and surprised herself with the sound.
This hits home for so many of us. We often carry “vocal baggage”, rules from old teachers or choir directors that no longer serve us. Reclaiming a part of your voice is an emotional process as much as a physical one.
Kelsie released an aesthetic demand and chose a coordination that supported her body instead.
My tips:
- Choose freedom by letting go of other people’s expectations and going for functional joy. Authenticity emerges when function and expression align.
- Treat every coordination as a valid expressive choice. M2 isn’t a “compromise” for when M1 (chest voice / metallic singing) gets too hard; it’s a beautiful, functional tool. The more you respect it, the more reliable it will feel under pressure.
- When you feel stuck or frustrated, ask yourself: “Which coordination feels cooperative right now?” That question will often lead you back to that sense of freedom.
- Read my blog post What Is Falsetto, Really? And Is It Really That Easy?.
Curious for strategies 4, 5 and 6? Head over to part 2 of this blogpost, in which I share all about why interoception, celebration and gentleness are indispensible in efficient learning.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
This is exactly how I guide my 1-on-1 clients. We don’t just fix songs; we build a sustainable, joyful relationship with your instrument.
Book your Free Discovery Call to explore how online voice lessons with me can help you build not just vocal technique, but efficient learning strategies!
I would recommend everyone who is passionate about our wonderful vocal instrument, to get in contact with Sarah. She literally breathes voice-insights.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-28T15:03:33+02:00
Kelly Van Hove - Entertrainer focused on Soft HR & communication workshops / Vocational Musical Theatre Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/kelly-2/
Sarah, thank you so much! Your approach so far is the only one that has clearly taken me further. You are a top teacher.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-03T18:40:57+02:00
Haike D'haese - Singer & Actress
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/4569/
Sarah! Thank you so much for the session today. I learned a lot and just really appreciated your patience and direction and overall teaching style.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2022-10-07T18:40:04+02:00
Diane Speirs - Singer & Voice Teacher
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/diane/
As a teacher, Sarah is a guide standing next to the singer. She doesn't push or pull you over your limits, but you go over it together. When a working point arises, Sarah points it out in a constructive way.
You learn to look for a solution and deal with your struggles yourself. It's not pre-made shit, it's to the point.
You learn to look for a solution and deal with your struggles yourself. It's not pre-made shit, it's to the point.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T16:09:04+02:00
Esther De Bièvre - Recovery therapist
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/esther-db-over-sarah-2/
Sarah is an impressively skilled vocalist. She is able to share her broad knowledge in a clear and structured way, all while being a pleasant host.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-06-29T10:47:48+02:00
Manon Campens - Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/manon/
I am so impressed how you adapt so personally and individually to each client.
You are a GREAT teacher 😀👍🙏🙏
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2024-10-18T10:45:12+02:00
Stella Handley, Avocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/stella-general/
Sarah has a lot of expertise and a highly professional approach. You receive a lot of input in an easy and accessible way, which makes it easy to perform the exercises. Everything Sarah offers is very clear and tangible.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T15:49:07+02:00
Breg Horemans - Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/breg-over-sarah/
I started working regularly with Sarah after taking an Extreme Vocals workshop with her. She has helped me re-discover my old ‘belter’ self but in a way that works for me now.
I leave our lessons feeling inspired and with new tools to use with my voice students. I particularly love that I now have language to identify and describe with more specificity the different kinds of sounds that live in pop/rock styles. Working with Sarah has made me a better teacher for my students!
I leave our lessons feeling inspired and with new tools to use with my voice students. I particularly love that I now have language to identify and describe with more specificity the different kinds of sounds that live in pop/rock styles. Working with Sarah has made me a better teacher for my students!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2024-03-27T17:22:14+02:00
M.J. Johnson, Singing Teacher and Vocal Coach
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/m-j-teacher/
Sarah is a great and impressively competent teacher - a very well educated pedagogue.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-06-19T10:42:06+02:00
Maud Retter - Speech therapist
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/excellent-customer-support/
I have been using what I learned with Sarah after my very first session, with tremendous results. Two of my students have been recalled for auditions at prestigious drama schools in the UK, at which the standard of singing is extremely high.
This was a direct result of what I learned, as one of them had a very tricky passage which we were able to fix quickly and simply after my mentoring session with Sarah.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2025-01-29T17:37:30+02:00
Jess Blatchley, Singing Teacher and Jazz Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/jess-mentoring/
I appreciate you greatly Sarah, admire you, and love to learn from you!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-05T17:19:11+02:00
Janet Wilson - Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/janet/
Sarah has a passionate and very intelligent way of coaching singers and speakers. She knows how to connect a very profound knowledge of the voice with a respectful attitude towards each of her students.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-06-19T10:42:05+02:00
Nele Willekens - Library youth worker
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/this-is-a-great-product/
I get a lot out of our voice lessons together, they make me feel really buoyant and inspired. I feel that you facilitate my progression as a student wonderfully.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2025-09-11T13:34:10+02:00
Singer & Voice Teacher
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/colin-zanglessen/
I'm very grateful for meeting Sarah. She really made me grow as a singer, as a student and as a human being.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-11T16:50:41+02:00
Nele - Singer & Youth Library Worker
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/nele-7/
I’ve been training with Sarah for just about 2 years now and have had amazing results! I started with her at 58 so it’s never too late to get going.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2024-10-31T19:08:21+02:00
Kim, Avocational Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/kim-general/
As a beginner, it is enlightening to see what is possible with your voice. Sarah achieves great results with simple and short solutions. I always thought that singing is difficult, but now I know that you can make progress quickly. I learned that singing is possible for everyone, with the right guidance.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T16:03:34+02:00
Esther De Bièvre - Recovery therapist
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/esther-over-sarah/
Sarah's enthusiasm and passion for teaching really shines through when she shares her deep insights and expertise on all things singing. I am impressed by the level of detail and precision she brings to each question, and it is clear that she truly cares about helping her students grow and improve.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T15:55:47+02:00
Ariane De Dom, Avocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/ariane-over-sarah/
My progress would not have happened without the wonderful collaboration we have together - you are such an amazing teacher, able to adapt and help your clients to adapt in any situation which presents itself. For my part, I am always eager to listen, learn and apply.
I feel very privileged to have met you - I have learnt so much... and the journey continues. THANK YOU !!!!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2025-10-27T14:22:03+02:00
Stella Handley, Avocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/stella-general-2/
Thank you, Sarah! I'm a voice teacher at a university in Canada and I'm always looking for new body work exercises for my students. This was very helpful and you are a wonderful teacher.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-04T17:29:22+02:00
Dr. Tracy Smith Bessette - Singer, Voice Instructor, Early Music Coach & Course Lecturer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/2-tracy/
Sarah is a very enthusiastic teacher who explains with lots of color, in an interactive way, so that you can apply everything immediately. Her approach is extremely enthusiastic, with an incredible amount of knowledge, an absolute must!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T16:42:04+02:00
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/susanne-v-5/
Sarah is a phenomenally talented vocal coach/trainer, inspirational speaker and a leader in her field. Her webinars are dynamic and fuelled with practical information. She encourages you to try out new vocal techniques in the comfort of your own home, and is able to describe and demonstrate these techniques with real flair.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-09-15T14:00:32+02:00
Amy Bebbington - Director of Training bij Association of British Choral Directors
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/amy/
Sarah, the thing about you is your clear passion. You're so passionate about what you do. You have this hunger for excellence - and to do everything with a precision that matches how you want to express your work in the world.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2024-09-23T12:11:27+02:00
Bec Tilley, Voice Coach & Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/bee-tee-2/
Your work with the active participants is a nice testament of your skill and ability to help people grow directly in the moment.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2022-09-17T13:59:46+02:00
Pieter Van Hecke, Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/pieter-teacher/
What can I say, I think Sarah is amazing. She knows her shit - pardon my French. It is sooo obvious that she loves what she does and that inspires everyone around her.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2023-06-05T16:41:23+02:00
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/susanne-v-4/
I am thrilled what I learned with Sarah, as are my students. After years of teaching and performance experience it is never too late to learn even more. Thank you Sarah!!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2025-08-21T11:41:45+02:00
Jess Blatchley, Singing Teacher and Jazz Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/jess-mentoring-2/
Sarah, I am blown away by the sheer depth & breadth of your learning. Every time I think I have heard all the things that you have some good expertise on, you surprise me with sharing about a new topic and I'm like WOW! She really knows her sh*t! From so many angles! It's super impressive.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2024-09-23T12:07:22+02:00
Bec Tilley, Voice Coach & Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/bee-tee-1/
More than happy, grateful that Sarah has gathered so much knowledge and has the talent to explain things that are sometimes complicated in a very clear way.
What I also appreciate very much is her respect for every one of her clients / students.
What I also appreciate very much is her respect for every one of her clients / students.
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-06-29T11:08:22+02:00
Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/nele-4/
Sarah gave me a lot of new insights about my voice and everything that has an impact on 'my instrument'. She is an absolute top professional, her knowledge and practice are amazing!
I highly recommend Sarah if you are looking for a voice specialist!
I highly recommend Sarah if you are looking for a voice specialist!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2020-06-19T10:42:06+02:00
Gwendy - Vocational singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/would-recommend-to-anyone/
I love that Sarah doesn’t teach by only using a theoretical approach. She uses methods that allow the body to do more of what comes naturally and as a result, you get healthy vocal sounds and song.
She couples this with her techniques that allow one to manage things like performance anxiety with much greater ease. It’s a win- win as I have in the past 6 months started to perform at jam sessions and more. I love it!
She couples this with her techniques that allow one to manage things like performance anxiety with much greater ease. It’s a win- win as I have in the past 6 months started to perform at jam sessions and more. I love it!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2025-08-21T11:37:43+02:00
Kim, Avocational Singer
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/kim-general-2/
You really are a "super teacher". Great to see you work with singers, your enthusiasm, how you try to explain everything in different ways. Hats off to you!
singsing! Sarah Algoet
2022-09-17T13:55:48+02:00
Kenneth Ottoy, Singer of Plagiaat & Piron
https://www.singsing.be/onlinecourses/testimonials/kenneth-teacher/
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singsing! Sarah Algoet
As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below this blog, via the contact form or in the singsing! online community 
Cordially,
Sarah