Maintaining a stage presence isn’t just about hitting a note.  If you want to be perceived as a musician that can not only sing, but also has talent in other areas, you should study a main instrument to enhance their stage performance or to assist the composition of songs.  Even if it is the drums or percussion, knowing something other than your voice is important. A musical instrument will assist you in understanding music composition and where certain instruments fit at in a recording or live performance.

Most pure singers have the mindset that you need to be all world to pick up and instrument and learn it as you go along so it leaves them to the mercy of producers who determine their sound. One advantage to playing an instrument is the understanding of cues, rhythms, patterns and donation.

You don’t have to evolve into Duke Ellington to be a “music master” because you learn your instrument as you go. You also understand the concept of clashing (two instruments that don’t sound right when they are blended together). During a live performance, the audience loves to see the vocalist grab and instrument and play along with the band!

Many vocalists aren’t encouraged to pick up and instrument because many people have said that the voice is an instrument all by itself but it sure is a joy to watch a vocalist stretch out and do other things on stage with other instruments.