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stage fright!
17/f
My group of 4 guy friends want me to sing with them in their reggae band, and I'm soo excited because I love singing and its on my bucket list to join a band. They play a show at least once a week at local lounges, clubs, bars..etc (im going to be 18 in a month so I dont have to worry about the age). A lot of the places get pretty packed with people.
My problem, hence the title, is my terrible stage fright. I know I have a really good voice, but when I know people are listening I freak out. I was in the top choir in my school, and even when I was with 20 other people I'd get so nervous. The only reason that the kid asked me to sing is that he heard me when I thought no one else was in the room haha.
Basically, what are some tips on overcoming this fear? Any techniques of relaxation or calmness, or even voice excersizes. Any other advice is also welcome :)
Thanks!
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I also like to sing and I have had to sing many times in front of people,, I get terrible stage fright.. once i actually started having a panic attack... but now I can go on stage and overcome my fear by using a simple techniqe... before i go out there i imagine that i am completely alone, I block out all the noise (ear plugs help with this) and I stare at the back wall so it looks like I am looking at the audience but really im not... sometimes I like to think of a special person that i love and pretend that we are the only two in the room.. it seems to work for me maybe you can give it a try good luck
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there are tons of breathing techniques that will help you relax yourself. Breathing is also very good for singers because when you sing, you need to use your diaphragm as much as you can. Breathing deeply allows you to expand your diaphragm and it gets stronger that way. Try taking some yoga or meditation classes to help you.
As for the actual singing part- you have to start slow. You can't overcome your fear in 1 night. It takes time. Use the next month (until you're 18) to work on your fear. Baby steps. First try singing when nobody is in the room. Get comfortable with your voice. Record yourself and then listen to it. It will sound different but you, of all people, need to be the one to recognize your voice the best. Once you're comfortable with your own voice, grab a friend and sing in front of them. Again, start slow. Turn off all the lights so you can't see them, and just sing in the dark. Then turn the lights on, but turn your back away from them and sing. Then try singing in front of them facing them in the light. When you do this- make sure its a friend that you trust. Someone who will make you feel better, and someone who you won't feel embarrassed or ashamed by.
Once you are able to sing in front of that 1 person. Keep adding more people. Increase by 1 for the first week. Then after that, increase the number by 2. By the end of the month, you should have no problem singing in front of a handful of people.
One more tip- you gotta have that attitude that says- i'm not scared of what you people think. I KNOW i have a great voice and I'm going to show you. You just gotta have that attitude that shows you don't care what other's think about you.
If you have a good time, it will all be okay and the fears will go away. remember to smile and laugh and just relax and have a good time. remember why you're singing. You're singing for YOURSELF. you're singing because its your passion and you're good at it :)
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Use your nerves to your advantage. It will allow you to concentrate all that much more. I too have extreme social anxiety but for some reason when I hit the stage it gets more focused. I have noticed the less prepared I am the more shaky my voice sounds. So be prepared is my first advice. What I do to help my nerves and I'm not sure if you are able to do this but when I am in front of a large group I look directly at them. I have found looking your audience in the eye actually makes them feel just as nervous as you. But you will also make a connection with them and bring them into the emotions of the song you are trying to convey. But, when I look them in the eye I have a way of making them look blury to me. (sounds weird probably) but that way it's almost like they disapear.
My last comment which should definately ease your mind; the venues you are going to perform at will be filled with people drinking alcohol. They are going to think you are awsome regardless if you sing beautifully or horribly which I know won't be the case but just think about that. They will love you!
You will do GREAT! Be prepared and have a blast. This is a great opportunity, don't let your nerves get the best of you and you'll be awesome.
Once you get famous I want my shout out girl, don't forget the little people. lol Please send me a link to one of your performances if you can. I would love to hear some great reggae.
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