Every singer has probably experienced this to some extent: you’re singing in your own room and you feel 150% confident, you sound great, your voice is in top shape, you remember all the lyrics to the last comma, you feel a deep connection with the song, everything flows smoothly.
Then, maybe a few days later, it’s the great day of the performance. And…what happens? Suddenly, even the easiest things seem hard, you start overthinking everything, you don’t remember some of the words, your voice seems stiff, your mouth dry, well…you get the gist!
After decades of performing, I can say that I almost never get nervous before a performance anymore. I say “almost” because at some random times, when I least expect it, some residue of stage fright rears its ugly head.
But there’s a pattern: I tend to experience this more when I’m more focused on myself and less on serving people through my singing.
If I manage to step back and look at the whole situation with detachment and genuine desire to help others, usually most of that tension evaporates.
But let me share with you some strategies that have made it easier, over the years, to sing before an audience.
PREPARATION
- Practice with focus before the performance
It might seem obvious, but all too often we practice absentmindedly, not really working out little issues, and then, when we’re performing, we get all focused on making everything perfect. This is a recipe for disaster, because when we focus too much on details during a performance we get all tense and we’re unable to get really involved in the music. So, practice as best as you can beforehand; then relax and let inspiration flow unimpeded.
- Know your songs inside and out
After ironing out all challenging notes and passages, it’s now the time to sing your song(s) several times a day leading up to your performance. You should know your songs so well that you could sing them in your sleep. This will ensure that, if you get nervous during the performance and blank out on some words or notes, your subconscious mind will kick in and feed those to you.
RIGHT BEFORE PERFORMING
- Breathe deeply
One of the most powerful weapons against stage fright (and anxiety of any kind) is deep diaphragmatic breathing (if you don’t know how to breathe diaphragmatically you can watch this video). Before your performance, spend some time sitting in a quiet place and practice some breathing exercises. Keep your eyes closed during the practice; it will help you relax even further.
- Get out of yourself
Spend some time reminding yourself that you’re there to serve people, not to show off. If you sing with a sense of genuinely wanting to help others, people will feel it. Even if some notes don’t come out as perfectly as you want, singing with a sincere desire to help will still have a lot of impact on your audience.
- Think of the people in your audience as friends, not judges
Your audience isn’t there to judge you! They want to enjoy your music and feel inspired by it, just as much as you. Try to establish a psychic connection with them; don’t think of them as numbers. After all, they’re the reason why you’re performing on that stage! Be genuinely interested in them having a great time at your performance. Feel personally connected to each one of them. You can do this before going on stage, but also while on stage, especially if unhealthy thoughts (like “What are they going to think of me?”) start to creep in.
As you well know, practice makes perfect, and this is no exception. As you improve as a singer, and as you continue performing with an attitude of service, rather than for the glamor of it, you will be able to feel a deeper connection with your inner center of inspiration and with your audience. You will feel an energetic exchange between you and them and you will realize that you have a big responsibility: to be an open channel for inspiration and joy to touch the hearts of those who hear you sing.
No fame, no outward success feeds you as deeply as this. Many people wonder what they can do to change the world. Your singing is a great opportunity to do your part, one receptive listener at a time.
Keep up the good work!
