One type of anxiety that is a huge problem for singers and artists is performance anxiety. Finding ways of dealing with anxiety and turning nerves and adrenaline into positive forces in your performance are just as important as great technique and knowing what you’re afraid of is half the battle. After you pinpoint the source of your fear, you can take charge of it.
Some common fears you may deal with as a performer are: your voice cracking during a performance, not being able to reach certain notes, feeling or looking stupid in front of friends, forgetting the lyrics of a song, wondering if you will fail or succeed, or even rejection – just to name a few. When you name or pinpoint your fear you can take the necessary steps to beat it. When you understand the problem, take the time to deal with the source of your fear as opposed to just the symptoms.
When you have an adrenaline rush in the body, it results in a racing heart. Running in place until you’re out of breath is one way to duplicate the effect of an adrenaline rush – then practice singing while your heart races. Being out of breath while you practice helps you get used to singing phrases where you desperately want to just exhale and not sing. Breathlessness is similar to what happens when anxiety strikes during the performance. Your breaths will feel like they are falling into your body. It is important to understand that even when the heart is pounding, you can sing. It’s not easy, but it is possible.
It might help to know that you’re not alone and that thousands of singers deal with anxiety before performing as well. Everyone experiences anxiety differently but there are several common symptoms that can surface such as; shaky hands, nausea, butterflies in the stomach, sweaty armpits, the urge to cry, nausea. an almost an endless list.
Most singers assume they should be calm and collective before a performance, but for most people it’s just not the case and believing they should be only increases the anxiety.Expecting to be nervous and jittery, on the other hand, can enable you to sing through your anxiety. Don’t be a afraid to use the fight-or-flight nerves and excitement to your advantage. Just by reframing the thought process and acknowledging your nerves, will allow you to seize the opportunity and improve your performance.
For more great information on improving your live singing performance and confidence in singing, be sure to check out this learn to sing website.








