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Lilian WWE.com Music Advice
By Lilian Garcia October 11, 2007
Hello, Lilian.
My name is Justin. You're one of my favorite Divas in the WWE. You're very beautiful and very talented.
I need some advice on how to focus on music and practice in the right frame of mind.
I've played trumpet since I was 12 years old. I had a two-year scholarship at Juilliard and attended a master class with Wynton Marsalis. But after that, I stopped playing mainly because I lost interest and wanted to focus on earning a college degree, which I have—a B.A. in music.
Now I work at Sam Ash music stores but only as a stock person. I know that I have to practice but the more I hear how successful my friends are in music and how much recognition they get, the more I feel left out. Even when I practice, I get very frustrated and angry at myself and my trumpet. I get very down on myself and often say to myself, "I want be where they're at instead of here practicing and going nowhere fast.” How do I let go of that negative feeling and enjoy practicing more? Your advice would really be helpful.
Best of luck to you and your new CD.
Thank you,
Justin
Dear Justin,
Thank you so much for your letter and congratulations on being the first letter chosen for my music advice column! I found it very interesting because you touched on something a lot of people go through.
Let me start by saying that I think it is important to ask yourself what made you love the trumpet in the first place? Was it that you had a passion to play it or that you hoped it would lead you to a “glamorous musician” life? If it is a passion then you would be willing to play it no matter what! There would be such a fire inside of you that does not allow you to give it up because you would find yourself empty without it. Let me give you an example: I have been singing since I was 5 years old and in that time I have never stopped singing. I don’t mean to say that I practice everyday but I have always found a way to incorporate singing into my life. I joined a band when I was 14 and performed through middle school, high school and college. I never found it grueling and in fact, I preferred performing on weekends instead of going out on dates. Well, when I moved to N.Y., I decided to try and take piano and conga lessons. I went out and bought the best keyboard and congas thinking that would get me inspired to practice but it only worked for a little while. As time went on, the piano and congas collected dust because I did not enjoy practicing. It wasn’t too long until I realized that I was never going to learn how to play because I lacked the desire to do it. I didn’t beat myself up for it though; in fact, I was true to myself and ended up selling the piano and congas. It just wasn’t for me.
Another way to find out how passionate you are about something is when you are willing to do it for free. I sang for free for years and still do just so I can perform in front of an audience and it doesn’t bother me. Performing brings me such joy that it can not be measured by money. Now I’m not saying you have to perform for free to show your passion but if you don’t have any means of getting paid, don’t let it stop you from performing!!
My friend, I really think you need to stop looking at where your friends are and ask yourself if you even have a passion to play the trumpet anymore. Don’t start playing just because you think it will give you a more glamorous life and keep you in the loop with your friends. Do it because it drives you and it defines who you are. For me, I loudly proclaim: “I am a performer and that is who I am!!” Can you say the same? Only then will you know if you are meant to pick up that trumpet and do whatever it takes to become really good at it so you can get to the next level! If you listen to your heart, you will find the answer!
Good luck!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
October 25, 2007
Hey, how are you? I'm in the BHS band and chorus. I play the flute. I've been singing ever since I was little and I've been in band for four years now (I'm a freshman). I have played at every football game that we have had but for some reason, I'm still scared of playing and singing in front of people. Do you think I will overcome this fear? How long was it before you were comfortable in front of people? Have a good day, take care, and God bless you.
Yours truly,
Stacy M.
Dear Stacy,
Thank you so much for your question. First, let me start by congratulating you on your accomplishments of learning how to play the flute, singing and making your school band! You should feel very proud of yourself because there are many people that are not even able to accomplish what you have!
Now, with that being said, just know that it is normal to be nervous when performing in front of a crowd. In fact, even after years of singing and public speaking, I still get nervous. The trick is to use the nervousness to your advantage. What I mean is, let it give you an adrenaline rush. I always feel better when I’m a little nervous because it helps keep me “on my toes.” I also practice a lot so that when I am about to perform, I feel confident with my skills. It’s very much like feeling relaxed about taking a test in school because if you’ve studied hard enough, you know you will do well.
Another important thing to realize is that whenever you step in front of an audience, remember that they are pulling for you even before you start performing. Audiences show up to be entertained. They want to like you because it means they have a better time, too. So I always look forward to performing because I know I have the crowd rooting for me before I even begin.
Above all, never let fear paralyze you!! Enjoy sharing your gift and cherish the ability you have to put smiles on people’s faces when they hear you perform. Push aside any negative voices and go out with your head held high!! The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel and the better you will get at it!! Good luck, my friend, and rock on!! :)
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
November 3, 2007
Hi Lilian,
I wanted to know what you do when you feel like your family doesn't support your singing? I love to sing! I do it all of the time, even during school. I can even mock Jillian's singing!!! Singing and dancing is my life and I just want my family to support me. It's not a joke to me, but it is to them. I really want to be a professional singer so badly. I want people to look up to me. (By the way, your voice is so beautiful.) How can I go pro and prove all of the people wrong? Can you help me? What should I do??? Please, me write back.
LOVE,
DAMIEN W.
Dear Damien,
Thank you for your letter. I really wish I could give you a simple answer to your question, but the truth is that there are many reasons family members sometimes can’t seem to support your dreams. Sometimes they’re just trying to protect you from the harsh realities of how hard the entertainment industry is; sometimes it’s jealousy; sometimes it’s because they have their own preconceived aspirations of what they want you to be; and sometimes it’s just that they can’t relate to how singing and dancing makes you feel. My advice to you is that if singing and dancing makes you feel alive, then do it!! But don’t expect others to support and understand you. Do it because you love it and it defines you. It may become a career for you and it may not, but I think you should always be true to yourself as long as you are not harming others or escaping responsibility.
I also think it is important to be realistic. Some people are meant to be entertainers and others are not. I have seen people who want to be singers, but cannot keep pitch. In other words, they are tone deaf but they don’t know it. This could create a problem. This is why it is a good idea to take lessons and listen to your coaches and friends. They will be able to give you unbiased feedback as to whether or not you have the core talent to build on. Also, remember that if you are not meant to be a singer or dancer, it doesn’t mean you can’t work in the entertainment industry in some other capacity.
I do believe it is also important to continue your education and have a secondary plan, which is why I went to college. My parents always supported my dream, but my mom made it clear that she felt it was important to get a college degree. I did in fact go to college and took it seriously by graduating with honors. I then moved to New York to pursue my singing career and found my college degree extremely useful!! I discovered that had I not had a college degree, I would never have landed the job I did at an investment firm which afforded me to both live in New York and take singing and acting lessons. I also made sure I developed other skills such as hosting shows and voice-overs so that I could work in many facets of the entertainment industry – which is how I was able to land the job at the WWE!!
In conclusion, I recommend you watch Sister Act Two. It’s the movie with Whoopie Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. In this movie, it is obvious that Lauryn has a true talent, but at first her mother just can’t cope with it. I think you will enjoy it and find it helpful.
Good luck to you and rock on!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
November 14, 2007
Hi Lilian! My name is Amanda and I have a simple but important question. I have problems singing as my throat goes dry. What can I do?
Sincerely,
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your letter and I agree it is an important question, because dry throat can really interfere with singing. The answer to your question is yes, there is something you can do. Although everyone is different, I have always suffered with dry mouth and throat, so I have learned some tricks along the way that have helped me tremendously.
First, get rid of caffeine!!! Whether it’s in coffee, tea or soda drinks, caffeine is a drying agent, so it will not help if you tend to already have a dry mouth. Next, when you’re mouth is dry, suck on hard candy such as lemon drops. It helps produce saliva. BEWARE OF COUGH DROPS!! Anything with menthol is very drying to the throat and will make the symptoms worse. Next, I really like drinking “Throat Coat” tea. It has no caffeine and I find it is very soothing and helps with dryness. I always put some honey in it, but avoid pure lemon. I’m sure you have heard before that lemon is good for singers, but if you are suffering from a dry mouth, pure lemon is very acidic and can make your throat scratchy. Another awesome drink is to mix equal parts of orange, apple & pineapple juice, add a cinnamon stick and heat it up until it’s hot! It’s yummy and very soothing. Finally, chewing gum can also help because again, it helps make you produce saliva.
Hope this helps you to sing away! Good luck and rock on!!!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
November 29, 2007
Lilian,
I am a 47-year-old woman, who has a strong, powerful and flexible voice and range.
The one issue I have had has been I am a little heavier than I'd like to be. A few injuries from sports and surgeries have prevented me from working on myself and now it is exceedingly difficult to get back into "stage condition." I have had a band actually say as I was leaving an audition, "too bad she's so damn heavy, she's got a kick-ass voice."
My question is, how do I get them to HEAR me and not just SEE me?
Thanks for your help!
Sincerely,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much for your letter. I want to start by saying how sorry I am that you had to overhear such a hurtful comment. It is obvious to me that that particular band that you auditioned for was already stereotyping before you even walked in. In the music industry, there are singers of all sizes. Yes, I know a lot of emphasis is placed on looks, but I also know there are many singers that have broken that stereotype. Singers like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and most recently Jennifer Hudson. With that being said, I feel there are two different things that I can give you advice on so let me start with the first.
I totally understand what it is like to be injured and not be able to work out to your fullest capacity. When I tore my ACL 8 months ago and had to have knee surgery, I was really worried because I thought I was not going to be able to exercise to stay in shape. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong! When I went to physical therapy (rehab), I found out there were in fact a lot of exercises I could still do and also learned new ones. For example, since I couldn’t do cardio with my legs, I did the arm bike machine. It is basically riding the bike but with your arms (and it will kick your butt!) I’m telling you this because I think if you go to a rehab center, they will be able to give you exercises to get you back in shape and help improve your physical condition. I’m not suggesting this for your music career but more for your own personal well-being. From what you said to me, I think this will help you feel better about yourself and it will help in your self-esteem.
As for the band, I strongly believe that the more you audition the better you will get at it and the closer you will get to a YES! As long as you go into the audition with determination, talent and full of confidence, eventually the right band will hire you!! It is important that you don’t go in with a defeated attitude cause then it will project in your performance. Be the best you can be and persevere girl! That’s all you can do! Never let anything stop you!!
Good luck and keep rockin’!!
Forever rockin’,
Lilian
January 3, 2008
Hey Lilian! My name is Katie. I've always had this tug of war with shyness but I'm starting to break out of it and be more outgoing. We have this choir at my junior high school, but I was always too shy to sign up for it because I thought I couldn't carry a tune. But now, I'm sort of thinking about joining it this year. The problem is that people are psyching me out by saying they have to do solo's in front of the whole class. I'm not sure if I should ignore it or just stop. I was in the band last year and we had to do a solo in front of the class. I was really nervous so, of course, my clarinet squeaked. Everyone laughed, including me. I took it as a positive.
I'm really confused, what do you think I should do?
Thanks,
Katie
Hi Katie. Let me start by wishing you a very Happy New Year!! With that said, seeing that it is the new year, I think your resolution should be to break out and challenge yourself! If singing is what you want to do, then I always say … do it!! Don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Personally, I think you should totally join your school choir because it will introduce you to new things and will help you get over your shyness which will help you in many aspects of your life!
Hearing about your clarinet squeaking, I have to say that I applaud you because you didn’t let it defeat you. You laughed it off which was the best thing to do. I have had so many instances in my life when my voice has cracked during a performance, I’ve fallen over a monitor on stage, forgotten the words to a song, and the list goes on. In all these instances, I just laughed it off. Many times it is how you recover from a fumble that will mean more than the actual flub. It totally says that you are human! The trick is to not let that bring you down. That is why I really like that song by Chumbawamba that says, “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down!” Always remember that!
In life you will face things that will scare you, but what defines you is whether you are going to let fear paralyze you or go out and face that fear head on! Katie, I think you can be that determined person this year that faces her fears and knocks them down!!
So, if they ask you to sing a solo, then sing it loud and proud and full of confidence even if on the inside you are scared to death! When you finish, you will have a great sense of accomplishment that will totally make you feel proud of yourself!! It doesn’t even matter if you can sing in tune or not. What matters is that you did it!! Just know that once you get that first solo out of the way, the others will be a lot easier, and if you work really hard then your voice should keep improving.
Good luck to you & rock on!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
January 24, 2008
Hi, Lilian! I love your album and have always enjoyed listening to you sing on WWE television. Like you, I have been singing since I was a young girl. I've never had vocal training except some minor techniques taught by my high school choir directors. The main problems I have when singing seem to happen when I really try concentrating on singing well. If I'm just singing for fun, I seem to do better than I do if I'm really singing with a purpose. When I begin concentrating on carrying out my voice, I tend to hear it crack and I can't get enough air into my lungs to hold out long notes. What can I do to improve these aspects of my singing so that I can attain a stronger singing voice?
-Twilla
Hi, Twilla! Thanks for your sweet comments. First off, I am so glad to hear that you were in the choir. I think singing in a choir is very good experience especially if you can’t afford to take singing lessons right away. I’ve never met a choir teacher who isn’t willing to help a student better his or her voice.
As for your problem, it has happened to me many times. I know the reason is because I want to do so well that I put extra pressure on myself, which unfortunately, reflects in my voice. I will share a technique that my vocal coach taught me that has helped me a lot. He told me not to try and sing the song but to just basically speak the part. Now, when I say that, I don’t mean speaking like you would in a conversation, but instead of trying to sing so hard, just “speak/sing” it naturally. If you try this, I really think you will find it easier to sing and control your breathing better.
Hope this helps and Keep Rockin’!!
Hi, Lilian. My name is Avinash. I have a quick question. I have problems singing as my throat goes dry. What can I do?
Sincerely,
Avinash
Hi, Avinash! Thanks for your question. Believe it or not, dry mouth for singers is very common. What I do when I get a dry throat is drink hot water and honey, suck on lemon hard candy or use Entertainer's Secret throat relief spray, which you can get online at www.entertainers-secret.com.
One of these should help you with your problem.
Good luck and Keep Rockin’!!
Hey, Lilian! You are such a beautiful woman and a great singer! I really need your help with my singing. You see, there's a song that I would really like to sing, but I just can't get the tone of my voice right. No matter how hard I try, I can’t reach the notes because they're too high pitched. What should I do? You are one of the best singers I know. ... Please help me!
Love,
Ashley
Hi, Ashley! Thanks for the compliment! Flattery will get you everywhere! LOL. Seriously, I don’t want you to be worried about this. If you are having a hard time singing a particular song, sometimes it just means that the song is not in your voice range. Please know that there is nothing wrong with that. Every singer has his or her own range where they feel the most comfortable singing. The simplest thing to do if a song is too high is to sing it in a lower key! For example, if a song is in the key of C then bring it down to the key of B so that it can be more comfortable for you to sing. If you want to actually sing along with the track then try getting a karaoke system that will alter the pitch of the song. Above all, do not think of yourself as less of a singer if you can’t hit a certain note. Remember that every singer has his or her own comfort zone.
Keep rockin’ and singing girl!!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
February 15, 2008
Hey Lilian,
A friend of mine approached me a little while ago and told me she wanted to write a song but didn’t know how to. She said she knows what she wants to say but she doesn’t know how to say it. I don’t know how to help her so I was wondering; can you help me help her?? Thanks a lot!!
-Michelle
By the way, I think you have an amazing voice!!
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your kind words. I really like your question because writing can be extremely therapeutic and rewarding!! In fact, there are many successful songwriters that strictly write songs for other people to sing.
For many years I didn’t write because I thought since I didn’t play an instrument, it would be impossible to come up with melodies and lyrics on my own. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong! Everyone has a different technique of how to write a song, but the one that works best for me is this: Get a tape recorder or some other recording device and start humming different ideas for a verse and chorus. The reason you need a recorder is in case you come up with a really cool idea, you can go back and listen to it and build on top of it. I recommend coming up with the music first, and then fitting words to fit the melody. I also let the vibe of the music help me determine what I want the song to be about.
The main thing is not to let it frustrate you. Just know that it is normal to get writers block from time to time. At first, I recommend finding someone else that has written songs before, so they can help guide you along.
I wish your friend lots of luck, and tell her she is lucky to have a friend like you that cares so much about her happiness.
Good luck and keep rockin’!
Hi Lilian,
I am your biggest fan and watch WWE so that I can admire your ever-growing beauty.
Coming to my question, I want to sing a song for this beautiful girl I like and think that my voice is really bad for me to sing a song. Do you think I should hire someone to sing for me or concentrate on improving my singing skills? Thanks!!
-Kunal
Hi Kunal,
Being a romantic at heart, I loved, loved, loved your letter. I think it is so kind and romantic that you want to serenade this girl. Here’s what I would do: First, if you get any sense that she is not interested in you, then Don’t Do It!! Only go through with singing to her if you think she also likes you.
Also, I would not have another person sing for you! It will mean a lot more if it is coming directly from you. But, if you really think you can’t sing at all, then what about lip-syncing a song? Even though it is not you singing, it will look like you and get the point across to her that you are trying to serenade her. The important thing is to ham it up and give such a great performance that she doesn’t even pay attention to the fact that you are not really singing.
Again, I think what you are going to do is awesome! It really shows her you care!
Good luck and keep rockin’!
Forever Rockin’,
Lilian
February 20, 2008
Dear Lilian,
My name is Leland and I am a very big fan. I love to watch you sing at the pay-per-views and as a side note, I believe you have an amazing fashion sense!
But to the point, I have been told I have a great voice, but I would rather sing something that I wrote myself than someone else's material. For the last two years have been trying to put together some songs, but my only problem is that I get halfway through the song and I get writer's block. I can't figure out how to get past it, so now my question has become a multiple one:
Have you ever gotten writer's block?
How did you get past it?
And can you recommend something for me?
Thank you very much for your time Lilian and I'm looking forward to watching you more on Raw. Keep singing, we all love your voice.
Leland
Dear Leland,
Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments. Fans like you are what keep me going in this tough record industry!
As for your questions, yes, I have gotten writer's block. It is completely normal. Usually the best thing to do is to step away from it for a little while and clear your head. But I do carry a recorder with me at all times, (they now have one that attaches to the iPod) so that if ideas pop into my head, I can record it right away wherever I am at. I am also a strong believer in co-writing with other people. That way you can bounce ideas off each other and it really helps in times of writer's block. But it is important to write with people that have the same vision of music you do, that way your songs will have harmony.
I will give you an example. When I was writing material for my album, “Quiero Vivir,” I co-wrote most of it with my producers and other songwriters that shared the same vision as I did. I felt it was important to unite myself with talented songwriters that could challenge me. The end result is a record that I am very, very proud of. But, it didn’t happen overnight. The record took more than two years to make and a lot of hard work.
I believe the main obstacle in the record industry is to not get discouraged. Perseverance, good attitude, hard work and talent are the main ingredients required to make it. If you truly love it, never give up no matter what!!!!!!!
Good luck & keep rockin’!
Dear Lilian,
I want so bad to make it in the music business, but I'm not sure how to get started. I am currently a solo artist, and I love to perform my own material. The problem is, there aren't many places around here to perform and it doesn't help that I'm underage so I can't do bars. I also don't have enough material to perform a set. I have had a mental roadblock lately so I can't write anything. Please give me some advice that will help me make it in the music world.
Lexi
Dear Lexi,
Getting started seems to always be the hardest part, but I commend you for already starting to write your own material. I have learned that the more you try, the better you will get at it. It’s like anything else, “Practice makes perfect”!
As for your dilemma about not having enough material, don’t worry. Since you are trying to go out and perform live, I think your set should consist of some original material mixed in with remakes of cover tunes. In other words, the perfect example is what Mandy Moore did with Rihanna’s song “Umbrella.” (WATCH) It’s the same song, but she did a soft acoustic version of it. Your set can be made up of 75 percent covers and 25 percent originals, and that would be fine! I think once you start performing, it will also inspire you to write more. Like I’ve said before, writing with other people is also great and done a lot in the industry. Don’t feel like you have to go at it alone.
As for ideas of where to perform; I started singing at the age of five in talent contests and through the years performed in school, festivals, hotel lounges and joined a band at the age of 14 performing in bars every weekend with my mom chaperoning. I’m not sure if bars allow this anymore, but it is worth asking. Make sure you let them know someone would be chaperoning you.
Keep your eyes and ears open and I think you will be able to find places to perform. I can’t stress it enough, being an artist is about hard work and determination. Try not to get frustrated and just work hard on your craft!
Good luck & keep rockin’!
Lilian
March 25, 2008
Hey Lilian,
I love your voice. How do you work on your pitch? I have been having trouble and I know I won't get anywhere without working on it. I look up to you a lot and I wish you the best of luck in your career.
Thanks,
Daisha M.
Hi Daisha,
You are right. Pitch is a very important thing to have to be a good singer. My suggestion is to either start taking vocal lessons with a good teacher or join the school or church choir. Basically, the more you sing, the better you will get at it. But it is also important to have someone guide you which is why I suggest a teacher of some kind.
Good luck and keep Rockin’!!
Hey Lilian!
My name is Kyle and I am a huge fan of you and your music! I love “¡Quiero Vivir!” and “You Just Don't Know Me.” You are so beautiful and have an amazing voice.
I was wondering, how do you warm-up and practice before performing? Do you have any tips to help warm-up my voice and to help improve my range? I really like singing songs from Paramore, Rihanna, Natasha Bedingfield and Nelly Furtado ... all of which use higher notes at times. I would appreciate advice. Also when I record myself singing, I sound terrible. Is it just that I can't sing or the device and should I be discouraged?
Thanks for your time! I wish you the best on your career and anything else in your life!
Sincerely,
Kyle
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for all your kind words! So happy that you have enjoyed my music!
As for your question, yes, I do warm-up my voice before every single performance. I believe it is absolutely necessary to do this so that you don’t strain your vocal chords, and it also gives you the ability to reach higher notes. It’s like a football player going out to play a game and needing to stretch his muscles so he is loose enough to play a good game.
The way I vocalize is by singing scales. If you are unaware of what scales are, then I suggest you take a lesson with a vocal coach or ask your music teacher at school. It has to be done right so that it is not damaging to your vocal chords, which is why I can’t tell you how to do it. You have to hear how it is done and have someone making sure you are doing it right. To use the football example again, no matter how good football players are, they still need a coach to help them play their best.
It is important to keep in mind that not all voices are the same. Some people can reach higher & lower notes then others. So don’t feel bad if you have to sing a popular song in a lower key. In fact, it is a very smart way to protect your voice from damaging it and going hoarse.
As for your question about recording, my advice is to be patient. It is sometimes harder to record in a studio then it is to perform live on stage. It just takes practice. The more you do it, the better you will get at it. Do not quit and above all, do not get discouraged!!
I wish you lots of luck and by all means: Keep Rockin'!
