During the holiday season we go out of our way to sing Holiday Songs that we love. But people
who sing for audiences must give the best part of who they are through every note they sing.
When my students tell me, they are nervous when they are performing, I remind them that
they are sharing a very important part of who they are with the audience. A part that is
vulnerable, authentically expressive and sincere. A part that most people lock away to keep to
themselves, but singers, share skillfully with total strangers.
These are what gives meaning to the performance, vulnerability, authenticity and sincerity.
Anyone can put on a mask as they sing to protect themselves from critics, but they will not be
sharing the part of themselves that truly transmits the warmth and emotion that touches the
audience.
When trying to connect with an audience, the singer must first connect with the song and allow
their feelings to come to the surface so that a balance can be struck between vocal technique
and emotion. The sound of the voice must be infused with strong emotion. Technique is what
allows the singer to share that emotion and skillful performers make it look easy.
I tell my students that at first, it is a little scary putting yourself out there to sing in front of an
audience, but once you’ve prepared and feel you’ve done your best with all the technical
aspect of singing (breathing, diaphragm, annunciation, resonance, relaxation and more), then
when you finally choose to open up and let go (a choice only you can make), your audience will
LOVE you for the performance they will never forget; because you gave them the best part of
who you are.
