How much does practice really help?

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:28am

In terms of singing and acting...

If someone isn't naturally very good but bust their butt trying does it really make that much of a difference?

I'm feeling frustrated as hell at the moment...

[don logan]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:37am

Singing is like any other instrument. It's all about practice. Some people do have more talent than others but most of us have to practice our butts off.

[don logan]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:38am

I assume it's the same for acting

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:38am

It helps TREMENDOUSLY. Seriously, practice alone in your room and you let go of ANY tension and inhibition. The challenge is taking all that you did in your room and just putting it in front of people. Lucille Ball used to rehearse her bits for HOURS because she wasn't naturally funny. Fred Astaire would go over dance steps hundreds of times.

Hopes that makes you feel better.

[ahmelie]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:43am

A HELL of a lot. In terms of both acting and singing.

I wouldn't be half the performer, actor, or singer without the training I've had. And I haven't had too much.

I couldn't sing for SH*T before getting private vocal lessons. Now, after 1 1/2 years of training, I'm a fine/good singer. And my voice continues to get better and better.

Updated On: 8/7/07 at 12:43 AM

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:45am

It helps, but if you didn't have it to start off with you're not gonna go that far.

[Chloe]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:49am

Being good at anything requires a lot of work, however, it's a lot easier if you're working hard at something you love and are somewhat good at. Maybe you're just being really hard on yourself right now, or maybe you need to find something else to pursue that will not be such a struggle.

[travtrev2]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:52am

practice helps tremendously. some people have a natural knack for things, but regular practice is essential to maintain your instrument

[Taryn]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 1:09am

My old voice teacher was a fantastic singer, and she always said that she didn't have the talent some people have and that her voice was 25% talent and 75% work. It helps a LOT.

[Fortuna]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 1:57am

I agree! I know people who are not that talented and are having great careers because of hard work and dedication.

[1peter4:10]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 10:21pm

Practice means everything!!!
When I was young I didn't have a strong voice or acting ability at all, and I didn't get cast in shows. I'm 17 now, have been cast in four succesive leads and went to Interlochen summer camp for theatre- all thanks to simply tons of practice.

I know someone who made it to NYC succesfully without a single voice lesson, and yes I am wildly jealous of her: but that can't be everyone. Updated On: 8/7/07 at 10:21 PM

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 10:29pm

Alot. Even if you're a natural at something you won't get any better if you never practice, therefore people who don't have a natural talent for acting and/or singing but practice their butts off, will outshine the one with natural talent, but no work on that talent.