Music competitions are never just about winning; they are about growth. Each stage, each theme, each performance is an opportunity to refine ourselves as musicians and to connect more deeply with the universal language of sound. Now that the week40 theme is “free theme,” I feel both challenged and excited. Free theme means freedom, but it also means responsibility, the responsibility to choose a song that reflects not only who I am today, but also the musician I am becoming.
Over the past weeks of this competition, I have learned that improvement in music is not a straight path. It is a mixture of practice, self-awareness, feedback, and courage. Whether one is a singer, an instrumentalist, or a songwriter, the journey of becoming better requires patience. For me, the free theme is a chance to showcase growth, not just talent, maybe it’s another week to cover Afrobeat, hip-hop or soft RnB. It is about showing other participants and judges that I have listened, learned, and stretched my creativity beyond boundaries.
How to Improve as a Musician
Being a musician is much more than simply playing notes or singing words. It is about discipline. Growth as a musician starts with practice, but not just repetitive practice, intentional practice.
The difference between playing an instrument (saxophone as a case study) for hours and truly mastering it lies in focus. It means asking questions like: “Where do I lose control?” “Which part of this passage makes me struggle?” “How can I use theory to make this sound better?”
Another vital step is listening. Musicians do not live in isolation. To improve, one must listen to others—whether it’s legendary artists, peers in competitions, or even unfamiliar genres. Each sound teaches something new. Jazz might teach you improvisation. Classical might sharpen your sense of timing and expression. Afrobeat might improve your rhythm and groove. True musicianship comes from being open to learn from every corner of sound.
Also, collaboration cannot be overlooked. Working with other musicians builds flexibility. You learn how to blend, how to give space, and how to shine without overshadowing others. Sometimes growth does not come from practicing alone in a room, but from standing beside another musicians and realizing that music is a conversation.
How to Improve as a Singer
Singing is both art and science. It is an expression mixed with technique. Many people think good singers are simply born with talent, but the truth is that consistent training makes a singer remarkable.
The first key is the voice itself. The human voice is an instrument inside the body, and like every instrument, it requires care. Hydration, rest, and good vocal warmups protect it. To improve as a singer, one must treat the voice with respect—avoiding strain, unnecessary shouting, or neglect.
Breathing is another area where singers grow. Controlled breathing creates stronger, more stable notes and allows expression to flow naturally. It also helps singers hold long phrases with ease. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing are essential to develop stamina and power.
Moreover, interpretation is what separates singers. Anyone can sing notes, but not everyone can tell a story. To grow as a singer means asking: “What does this song mean to me?” “How do I deliver its emotion to people watching my entry ?” The best singers are storytellers, not just performers.
The Role of Competitions in Growth
The Vibes web3 Competition often feel like pressure, but it is also an opportunity for discovery. Every theme is like a mirror showing where we stand. In some weeks, we shine. In others, we stumble. Both are necessary. Growth comes when we do not let stumbles define us but use them as stepping stones.
The free theme is especially powerful because it allows each of us to express without restriction. It tests creativity and identity. Do we play safe, or do we take risks? Do we repeat what we already know, or do we step into unfamiliar territory? I believe that this freedom will bring out surprising performances, and I am eager to contribute my own.
The New Subscription Rule (Starting from Wk41)
Recently, the competition introduced a new subscription fee: 5HBD monthly. At first, rules like this can feel surprising, even restrictive. But on reflection, I see it as part of the evolving structure of this journey. Music is not only art; it is also sustainability. Every stage, platform, or competition requires resources—judges, organization, promotion, and technical support. A small fee ensures that what we are part of continues to exist and grow.
In many ways, this mirrors real life in music. As artists, we invest in our craft—buying instruments, paying for lessons, recording songs, or performing. Growth always comes with sacrifice, and those who believe in their path are willing to make that investment. 5HBD is more than a rule; it is a reminder that progress often requires commitment, not just in time and energy, but also in tangible support.
Music as a Lifelong Journey
Improvement never truly ends. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is always a higher level of mastery waiting. What matters is consistency. Every rehearsal adds something. Every performance builds experience. Every challenge—like a new theme or a subscription rule—teaches discipline.
As a participant, I do not see myself only as a competitor. I see myself as a student of music. The free theme gives me a platform to show not perfection, but growth. And growth, I believe, is the true measure of artistry.
In the end, music is about connection. A singer who sings with honesty, a musician who plays with passion, and a writer who writes with truth all share something greater than themselves. To improve is not just to sound better, but to touch hearts more deeply.
So as we step into this new week40—with freedom of theme and the new subscription rule (starting by wk41), I embrace it fully. I look forward to learning, performing, and proving once again that music is not just competition. It is transformation…
Best of luck in this new week, I look forward to amazing entries from everyone.