Here's a helpful question and answer about battling stage fright.
Dear Jacqueline,
I’ve been battling with shyness and stage fright for years. I love to sing, and want to share my talent with the world, but find it nearly impossible to get our in front of others and perform. My lip shakes and I can't enjoy the performance. It's like the whole thing goes by without me in it. What can I do to change that?
Thanks, Joe -NJ
Getting past nerves and shyness is something that nearly every singer has to master, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. First be sure you really know your stuff. If your having problems with your vocals and you don't yet have great vocal control, then your confidence surely won't be where it needs to be to go out there and have fun. Get with a great vocal program. I teach now over the internet with Artists all over the world and privately with select clients in my studio but I have a video program coming out in November that will help everyone to master there problem areas and performances. Try to work with a vocal instructor that will customize exercises for your needs, explain to you what's really happening with your voice and will create a great set of warm ups and cool down exercises that will be your regular routine until you need a change. Confidence is key.
Next loosen up. My big secret to staying in shape, warming up my breathing and getting in touch with my center is yoga. The morning of and before I go out on stage or work in the studio, I always plan time for a least 20-40 minutes. In fact, I even practice before I teach as part of my own warmup routine. The balance and breathing really leave me feeling flexible and energized. And energy is so important to outstanding vocals and performance.
Finally, the power of positive thinking. Anything that you can see yourself doing will certainly bring you closer to it. If we concentrate on the negative, then the negative may just happen, but if you concentrate on the positive, then you will bring positive things to you. When I auditioned to become a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader years ago, I was not at all prepared. We had to learn routines in 30 minutes, interview and perform in front of celebrity judges the same day. It was in-sane! The only thing that I was prepared for was when I was asked to sing for them. In any case, even if I messed up the steps, I just kept thinking positive with a big smile on my face. I never stopped for a second, just kept moving forward. The middle of my 1st routine was a mess and I may have only succeeded in getting the beginning and ending correctly in sync but I finished strong with a big smile on my face and I didn't even think about the mistakes. Needless to say, I made the cut and was selected out of 1500 for one of only 7 spots available and the rest is history.
More Tips:
1) Try this mind moving exercise… Take 5 minutes before going to bed each night to close your eyes and see yourself ENJOYING performing in front of a crowd of people. Like a little mind movies staring you. Try to imagine everything as vividly as possible, really giving the scene detail. The reason this will help is that it’ll give you performance experience, even though you didn’t have to physically live it. To your brain and subconscious mind, it’s all the same.
2) Prepare all your work thoroughly. Knowing your job will greatly reduce your anxiety. But do not over practice the day of your performance.
3) Avoid being rushed or distracted on the day of your performance. Find your center to calm your body with yoga and exercise. Then do your vocal warm up routine several times over the day and no dairy products the day of. Just lots of water.
4) Make your performance a celebration and have fun. Enjoy your audience and move with your music. If your mind and body are in touch, you become part of the experience. Everything should center around your energy, so you must put out positive vibs.
Remember your in this to have fun. It's the best job ever so don't let fear get in the way of enjoying your music.
Happy singing,
Jacqueline Jax
Director of Artist Development
*You can ask me a question by posting to my page or sending me a private message.
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**Voice Lessons in November:
Now you can learn to sing using the A.V.A method with Jacqueline Jax from the comforts of your own home. Using video technology, we are offering a home video vocal lesson program that helps you develop a stronger vocal without gaps, excellent breathing and teaches you about your voice. The program will also teach you how to sing better high notes and concentrates on problem areas and achieving a 3-4 octave range. Video testing for all students will also be available so we can grade your progress.
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