Mastering Stage fright with voice lessons

Hi singers! 

I’m guessing you’re probably struggling with some stage fright. I’m sorry. At least you’re not alone. Other noteworthy performers with stage fright? Brian Wilson. Andrea Bocelli. Lorde. Ozzy Osbourne. And so many others…many singers turn to substances to deal with the anxiety, whether they be prescribed or not. Others like Adele and Beyonce create an alter ego. Some singers have pre-show rituals. Some singers like Cher focus on those they share the stage with to distract them from the eyes of the audience.

What you need is unique to you. So, how can singing lessons help you master stage fright? By giving you the ability to connect to your inner experience and understand your needs. In a supportive environment with an empathetic teacher, you will first master a song. You should be able to sing this song or songs all the way through fairly similarly each time allowing for emotion and musicality in each rendition. But more or less, you’ll be utilizing the same placement and support. For several of you, this might be all you need. Being confident in what you’re about to perform and being able to do it consistently each time will give you all the security you need to give a beautiful performance. For others, as soon as you step on stage all of the amazing work you’ve done will simply fly out the window and you’ll be tense, with your shoulders up to your ears and your breath not making it past your collarbone. Not good technique!

So let’s talk through coping strategies and what that might look like in voice lessons.

1. Sharing the stage with someone: One of the reasons I love planning recitals and performances for new singers is because I can set them up for success by having them share the stage with someone. When I hear a voice in one of my group classes that is so good, but they are way too shy to sing alone, I have another student sing with them. It works in two ways, it helps the student who might have trouble staying in tune by having a vocal guide in the duet partner. And the student who has strong technique but they’re weaker in performance, they get a boost of confidence by sharing the stage with someone else. This works every.single.time. I absolutely love it! Maybe this could be what you need? 

2. Pre-show rituals: This is something I did when I was performing consistently. Each show I would have a different ritual that would bring me comfort and would regulate me to ease my anxiety. I was in a show with a lot of dialogue and I played several characters, for this I read through the entire script backstage before the house opened. One show was really emotional and took a lot out of me, so another actor in the show and I would have a little good vibes prayer sesh backstage. For others, they need to do the same ritual for every show. For people like me, there are certain aspects that scare us and we have to address those specific anxieties with each gig. In voice lessons, you would discuss with your voice teacher which aspect is bringing you the most anxiety and you would come up with a coping strategy together and put it into practice before your next voice lesson and see if it’s helpful. Or if you’re in a longer run or rehearsal process, you can trial and error until you have your perfect ritual. 

3. Alter egos: Now, there has got to be something to an alter ego if Beyonce and Adele each have one. You can work with your teacher on this, but in my opinion, I really think the alter ego has to come from you. This has to be the version of you that is fearless and not only doesn’t mind people watching them, but enjoys it. The version of you that loves being the center of attention. As a fellow shy introvert, this is terrifying. But that’s why you let that inner divo or diva have the spotlight. It should be a name that makes you feel so much bigger than you are. A name you can embrace. And then with every step you take, step in the shoes of….? In voice lessons, this looks like you put on or stepping into your alter ego before you get into the lesson room or after your warm ups before you going into your rep. Maybe have a conversation with your voice teacher first so they have a heads up? Either way, they’ll be able to feel your power.

4.  Medication: I am not a proponent of self-medication. In the music world, this is fairly common. But I think it can lead to sloppy performances and inconsistent rehearsals. I really don’t think it’s a good idea. Anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a healthcare professional, though, is a game changer. If your stage fright is so overwhelming that you can’t perform, it is worth talking to your doctor and seeing if there is a medication that’s right for you. We’re only here on earth for such a short amount of time. If you’ve been given the desire to sing, it would be a shame for us to never hear your voice. So why not see if there’s something out there that will allow you to be the singer you’ve always dreamt of being. In regards to voice lessons, you would allow yourself enough time before a performance to adjust to the new medication and how it might affect your body physically. This could mean that you might need your songs in a higher or lower key or your resonators or breath support could feel different than before now that your muscles are more relaxed. Your voice teacher will help you find the way to sing your rep in a successful way.   

One of the beautiful aspects of singing lessons is the connection you feel with yourself. Your voice is the only instrument inside of your body, you can only truly master it if you’re connected to your inner experience. 

Keep learning, keep singing, and keep sharing your voice, we wanna hear it!