Managing Performance Anxiety When Singing

Performance anxiety is a big problem among performers of all kinds and at all levels of experience. You might be surprised to hear that performance anxiety can actually help your performance. The trick is to be prepared for it and not to let it get the better of you. It's important to identify the source of fear, in order to deal with it successfully.

These are some of the most common fears: cracking during a performance, making a fool of yourself in front of friends, forgetting words, constantly worrying about success or failure, rejection, and the list goes on. Naming the fear enables you to go after the problem and beat it. When you understand the problem, take the time to deal with the source of your fear as opposed to just the symptoms.

You will notice that with adrenaline comes a racing heart. To create a similar effect, run in place until you're out of breath and then try to sing your song. During your practice session it's a good idea to sometimes sing while out of breath so you can practice dealing with the stress situation and the feeling of being out of breath. When you endure breathlessness it's similar to the issues that occur during your anxiety attack in the middle of a performance. Your breaths will feel like they are falling into your body. As it falls in your body, realize that you can sing even when your heart is pounding. 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. Whether it's butterflies, shaky knees, a sudden dry mouth, the urge to run, shaky hands, nausea or many other issues, any one of them can surface.

If you don't turn out to be cool as a cucumber in the beginning, don't worry because the majority of performers out there aren't either.If you expect the nervous feelings, you'll be in a much better position to sing through them. Once you learn to take control of your nerves you can use that adrenaline to actually enhance your performance. Just by reframing the thought process and acknowledging your nerves, will allow you to seize the opportunity and improve your performance.

For more great ideas on building singing confidence and improving your singing performances, be sure to check out this helpful learn to sing website.