“Am I Really Tone Deaf?” Why It’s Never Too Late To Learn How To Sing (Using The Singing / Straw™)

Alright singer… 

Today, we’re busting a myth I hear all the time… the idea that if you can’t sing well or perfectly match pitch, you must be tone deaf.  

I’ve lost count of how many times people have said to me:  

“Oh my god, Whitney, no, I can’t sing. I’m tone deaf. Really, I am. My choir teacher even told me in sixth grade!”  

Let’s hit pause on that thought for a second. Because the fact of the matter is true tone deafness is extremely rare.  

We’re talking 1-4% of the population. It’s called amusia, and it’s a neurological condition where someone genuinely cannot perceive pitch differences. 

In fact, most people who are truly tone deaf don’t even like music. 

Why? Because they struggle to process the highs and lows of melodies.  

So, if you’re someone who loves music—if you’re out there singing along to your favorite songs in the car or belting it out in the shower—guess what? You’re probably not tone deaf. 

And that’s great news because it means singing isn’t some magical ability you’re either born with or not.  

It’s a skill. Just like riding a bike or learning to cook, it’s something you can learn, practice, and get better at. 

Sure, some people might have a head start with a natural ear for pitch or rhythm. 

But even the best singers didn’t wake up one day hitting all the right notes effortlessly. 

They practiced. 

They trained. 

They hit some sour notes along the way (trust me, we all do!).  

Let’s be real for a second: 

The idea that you’re tone deaf probably didn’t come from nowhere. 

Maybe someone made an offhand comment about your voice that stuck. 

Maybe you got cut from a school choir audition. 

Or maybe it’s something you’ve just told yourself over the years to avoid the vulnerability of singing.  

And those labels? 

They don’t mean a thing!  Whatever your 6th-grade choir director said doesn’t define your potential. 

What defines it is your willingness to try, to practice, and to embrace the joy of singing.  

There’s no rule that says you have to be perfect to enjoy singing. Start small. Practice a little each day. 

Warm up your voice with simple exercises (tools like the Singing / Straw™ can help you build strength and control). 

The key is to keep going. Because the more you practice, the better you’ll get. 

And let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of hitting a note you didn’t think you could—or nailing a song that once felt impossible.  

This is the perfect time to jumpstart your singing journey or grab a gift for the aspiring singer in your life.  

Right now, you can get 25% OFF everything sitewide—including our Singing / Straw sets and accessories—using code BF2024 at checkout.  

Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your voice to the next level, this sale is your chance to invest in yourself and save big. 

Your not-so-basic vocal coach,  

Whitney Nichole