You often hear the argument about whether being naturally gifted or hard work brings success. I believe that people are born with a predisposition towards certain things. I have always known that I would be a teacher. There is no way I would ever consider doing something like nursing! That is the way I am.
And the same is true for other passions in life. I love singing, but I would not be interested in become a downhill speed skier. Watching them race at the Winter Olympics fills me with awe, but no desire to try it.
I came across a video from vocal coach Cheryl Porter.
She is reviewing an audition by Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter. The assumption by many is because she is related to Aretha Franklin, she should be a fantastic singer. Now, she is only 15 years old, and from her performance it appears she has not had a lot of performing opportunities. She has a good voice, but as Cheryl is pointing out, although there is a good voice, there are technical issues that need to be worked on. She has not put in enough hours to improve her singing technique.
Here is a recording of Aretha at only 14 years of age. Aretha regularly performed at her fathers church, so she had already had numerous opportunities to perform. Aretha was well practised at performing, and you can hear she had already been working very hard for many years to develop and improve her voice.
I strongly believe that we have a predisposition towards certain skills and talents, however you still have to put in the hard work to experience any success.