TripleS 25th members (Yoon Ayeon)

Let's your voice settles into the music

When Ayeon stepped into her first vocal class, the nervous energy from dance rehearsal lingered, but she was ready to try. Singing had always seemed like a distant skill, something she had only ever done quietly to herself, never with any real intention. She had no formal experience and, more notably, her voice was naturally deep—a tone she felt unsure about compared to the lighter, more melodic voices she was used to hearing in popular songs.

The vocal instructor, a seasoned professional with an air of quiet authority, gathered the students and introduced them to warm-ups. Ayeon felt a pang of discomfort as she attempted to follow along. The scales climbed higher and higher, and when it came time for her to sing, her voice strained, unable to reach the higher notes. Her brows knitted in concentration as she tried again, but each attempt seemed to only emphasize the gap between her deep, resonant tone and the lofty notes the others sang with ease.

The instructor’s gaze settled on her, and with a thoughtful expression, he stopped her mid-note. “Hold on,” he said, his tone neither harsh nor overly gentle, but firm. “You have a lower range, don’t you?”

Ayeon nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly, feeling a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. “Yes, I’m not really used to… high notes.”

The instructor offered a small, understanding smile. “That’s perfectly fine. Everyone has a unique range. High notes aren’t the only way to captivate an audience.” He walked over to the piano and struck a lower, more resonant key. “Let’s try something different—an approach that complements your voice. Have you heard of jazz or soul?”

Ayeon shook her head. She’d never given much thought to music genres before.

The instructor seemed almost pleased by her lack of experience. “Good,” he said, “that means you’re a blank canvas. Let’s try something soulful. Focus on bringing out the richness in your tone, not on reaching high notes. Let your voice settle into the music.”

He played a few lines from a bluesy, soulful song, guiding her to follow his lead. Ayeon closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to feel the weight of each note. This time, her voice came naturally, rolling out in a low, smooth melody that surprised even herself. The sound was deep but carried a fullness that filled the room. She wasn’t straining; she was simply letting her voice flow, following the natural depth and texture she possessed.

When she finished, the room was silent for a moment, and Ayeon opened her eyes, meeting the instructor’s gaze. He looked genuinely impressed. “Is this… really your first time singing like this?” he asked, a note of disbelief in his voice.

Ayeon gave a small nod, feeling a strange thrill at the unexpected compliment. She had anticipated criticism, maybe even more corrections, but praise had been the last thing she expected.

The instructor smiled, nodding to himself. “You have a gift, Ayeon—a voice with a unique timbre. Most beginners struggle to find their own sound, but you already have something distinct. With time and practice, you’ll be able to shape it into something truly special.”

Hearing this stirred something in Ayeon. Her voice, the one she had once thought was a disadvantage, now felt like a hidden strength. She glanced down, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. For the first time, she felt a real connection to music, a sense that maybe, just maybe, this was a path she could truly follow.

As the lesson continued, Ayeon let herself lean into the feeling of singing, embracing her natural tone. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about expressing something genuine. By the end of the class, the fatigue from her council duties and dance practice seemed to melt away, replaced by a quiet sense of fulfillment. Her journey as a singer had just begun, and though she knew the road ahead would be challenging, she was ready to face it with determination.