Your singing: planning the year ahead.

For many singers, January and February are not a time of instant momentum.

After Christmas, routines have shifted, energy feels steadier rather than expansive, and singing can feel slightly unfamiliar. This is normal. The voice hasn’t gone anywhere, but it may need time to re-settle after weeks of different rhythms, sleep patterns, and demands. Expecting to feel immediately “back” often creates unnecessary pressure, particularly in mid-winter.

One of the most common difficulties at this point in the year is the temptation to rush. Singers can feel they ought to be back where they were in the autumn, as though continuity were something that could be switched on again at will. In reality, returning to singing works far better when it is approached as a process of re-orientation rather than recovery; listening first, noticing what is present now, and allowing habits to re-form without strain.

This early part of the year often lends itself to preparation. That may mean choosing repertoire with care, reacquainting yourself with the voice as it currently feels, or simply restoring the regular act of singing without attaching expectations to it. There is no requirement to be performance-ready in January. Winter has its own rhythm, and most singers feel a genuine lift later on, as the days lengthen and energy begins to move again.

Importantly, this preparatory period does not have to be joyless or dutiful. Singing brings pleasure; that pleasure is not a reward for having worked hard enough, but a signal that something meaningful is taking place. Even light, exploratory singing can reconnect you with why you sing at all, and that sense of enjoyment is often what sustains singing over time.

Different singers find their way back in different ways. Some like to work quietly on a small number of songs, allowing understanding and confidence to rebuild gradually. Others value the sense of rhythm and companionship that comes from working alongside other singers, even when their own pace is unhurried. What matters is not the route taken, but that it feels proportionate and sustainable.

For singers who sense that a dedicated pause with other singers would be helpful later in the season, Love Your Voice 2026 is designed with this natural timing in mind. It takes place just before the clocks change, when many singers notice a renewed sense of freshness and readiness. Love Your Voice 2026 consists of three separate workshop days, each centred on a specific area of singing. You may attend a single day, or combine days as feels appropriate; there is no obligation to do everything at once. The structure allows space for preparation earlier in the year, followed by shared singing time when energy and attention are more available.

Alongside this, some singers prefer a steadier, ongoing relationship with their singing. Virtually Vocalise offers that kind of companionship, whether through active participation as a Companion or through the lighter presence of an Observer role. Both are designed to support singers who want continuity without pressure, and who value reflection as much as activity.

If you are simply orienting yourself at the moment, the Voice School’s Portal Notice Board offers a clear overview of what is happening and what is available. It’s there to browse rather than decide; to notice what draws your attention and what can wait.

January and February are not a proving ground. They are a time for laying foundations, rediscovering enjoyment, and allowing singing to return at its own pace. When that happens, what follows tends to feel more secure, more rewarding, and far more durable.

Image: artist unknown (but a longtime favourite).