The use of common sense seems to forsake even the brightest of young men or women when they approach a teacher. They apparently expect that the master is a wizard who will give them some occult and mysterious charm that will work a magic transformation in their voices at once. It cannot be too strongly insisted that the art of singing is not an occult thing. It is very much like the carpenter’s trade : one must have some aptitude for it to begin with; next he must learn how to use the tools of his craft; finally, he must acquire mechanical dexterity by practice. Intelligent and persistent practice is the key to the problem.

Botume, J. “Modern singing methods, their use and abuse.” (1896).