Stage Fright

Many people come to me for lessons that have issues with self confidence. They may be otherwise very talented, but the emotional blocks seriously impact their performance. To combat this, students must make a commitment to check their stress and low self esteem at the door, at least for the 45 minutes they are with me.

My teaching approach is a little different. I zoom in on what's really going on. Often times, a person is off pitch with their singing because they are not singing with enough volume. The reason they don't have the proper volume is because they are holding back. They are holding back because they are afraid if they give it the proper volume, they aren't going to hit the note. I've brought to their attention that they have a better chance of hitting notes dead on if they give them the proper volume. The very thing they are afraid of is what's causing them to to not reach their potential.

Singing is very psychological. It should be approached not just from a technical standpoint, but an emotional and psychological one as well.

One very effective tool I use is visualization. When someone is tensing up getting ready to sing or give a speech, I give them a visual. First, we breath deeply and visualize the heart rate slowing down. Next, we envision a supportive audience looking on eagerly, not threateningly. I then tell the student that the audience loves him or her. This seems to help.

The power of the mind is an exceptional tool, and I use it extensively in my teachings. I'd love to hear from anyone who can relate to this.