Step #4: Build Your Performance

BUILD YOUR PERFORMANCE SKILLS

Now that you know a handful of songs and you have some reasonable control of your voice, it’s time to start getting used to performing in front of people. It’s one thing to sing in a private lesson, and it’s another thing to do sing in front of a group of people. You have to get used to dealing with your nerves!

EXPERIENCE BUILDS CONFIDENCE OVER TIME

Just like learning to drive a car, you need to get experience. The more experience you get in front of a crowd, the more comfortable you’ll get singing in front of people. Not because your nerves go away, but because you learn how to deal with your nerves, and even harness your nerves for a better performance!

There are other subtle things you have to learn like good microphone technique, or the dialogue that you say as your transition from singing one song in your setlist to the next so you don’t lose the interest of your audience.

START SMALL BY YOURSELF, AND THEN IN FRONT OF PEOPLE

Start small by singing in front of a mirror, or recording yourself with a smart phone or camera. NOBODY like to watch themselves or listen to themselves, but it's a crucial step to seeing what you look like and what you sound like, and adjusting your performance.

Look for opportunities to sing in front of forgiving crowds like singing in church, singing at karaoke clubs, or finding an open mic or a local coffee shop that's willing to host performers.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM WITH OTHER PEOPLE

Singing with a group of people can help take some of the pressure off! Join a local choir or audition for a musical where you can sing with like-minded people.

It's also a great idea to start looking for musicians who can accompany you while you sing, like a guitarist or pianist. It's helps to have a great teammate to share the stage with you!

Here in Utah, there is a great opportunity to get stage experience with some friends of mine. These friends play in a local band called This Is Your Band Karaoke. It's karaoke, except instead of singing with karaoke tracks, you're singing with some of Utah's finest rock band musicians! They play at Club 90 every week, and know over 1000 songs! If you're over 21 years old, this is a great opportunity to sing on stage with a band that's a lot of fun!

ACTIONS STEPS - TIPS AND HACKS

STEP #4: BUILD YOUR PERFORMANCE

• Start small by singing in front of a mirror, or start recording yourself with a smart phone or camera. 
• Look for low-risk opportunities to get experience singing in front of people.
• Start looking for fellow singers or musicians that you can perform with. Music is always better together with great people!
• Everyone has to start somewhere, and nobody is fantastic when they're just starting out.
• BE VERY KIND TO YOURSELF!

Let's support each other as we make this journey together! No one has to do this journey alone.

- Anjanette