Solos

[Lori]

I am hoping that there are some other singers here that could give me some advice.

How do you get over nerves when singing? When I solo I begin to shake as if I've just been involved in a major auto accident and have walked away without a scratch.

I do pray beforehand for God to give me strength, but I still have trouble controling my voice. I have been told by people who have heard me sing that I have a beautiful voice, however, I feel that I'm not able to give them the best and fullest part of it due to nerves. Why do people get nervous when they sing solo? Why also when they've been told they're good do they still get nervous?

Any suggestions?

azwyld
<*}}}><

 

[moeowo2]

Don't focus on the audience look around the room and just glance at them ( if you want to) it helps me when I do that. Above all else don't worry...I know I can be extremely critical of myself when I sing. Just remember you're doing this for the Lord.

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

It has been such a long time since I was nervous about singing solos in church, but if my memory serves me correct, I believe what I did was to imagine I was singing to an empty room and visualize the room as being empty in my mind. I would not look at people. Bam. No problemo. Of course, now, it doesn't even bother me to look people in the eyes and know there is a room of hundreds of people watching me sing. It is no big deal to me now. Hope that helps.

Joseph Botwinick

 

[just-want-peace]

Just remember you're doing this for the Lord.

Words of wisdom!!

Pride is what's controlling you; worried about what others will "think" of you!

I speak with authority here, cause I experience the same fears any time I have to get up (NOT soloing!!) before a group.

Just think as Joseph said, of singing in an empty room! Would you have the same fears then that you have with people present? If not, then pride is your problem; if so, then back to the drawing board!

 

[Gayla]

Look at the back wall, and no one will know you're not looking 'at' them. Imagining the empty room is a good idea, also.


Just-want-peace, there is probably some pride involved, but it's not necessarily the whole problem.

 

[dianetavegia]

Hubby has only been nervous once and that was when he was playing the piano and singing for a full church (800 or so) and the song was a new one he had written.

His reply is 'sing it to Jesus'.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I have been involved in music for well over 30 years, and still get butterflies, every time I perform.

 

[Mike McK]

Originally posted by Lori:
I am hoping that there are some other singers here that could give me some advice.

How do you get over nerves when singing? When I solo I begin to shake as if I've just been involved in a major auto accident and have walked away without a scratch.

I do pray beforehand for God to give me strength, but I still have trouble controling my voice. I have been told by people who have heard me sing that I have a beautiful voice, however, I feel that I'm not able to give them the best and fullest part of it due to nerves. Why do people get nervous when they sing solo? Why also when they've been told they're good do they still get nervous?

Any suggestions?

azwyld
<*}}}><

Honestly, I don't know how much help I can be.

I'm been performing music in one capacity or another since I was fifteen and I still think I'm going to throw up every time I go on stage.

That's OK, though, fear's not a bad thing. Some of the best performer's out there are the ones who make that nervous energy work for them.

All I can tell you that I do is that I just do it.

As nervous as I am, I just go out and decide that I'm going to be in charge tonight and sing. Usually, by the end of the first song or the beginning of the second, I'm fine.

I think that's really the only thing to do, to just go a slay that dragon and get it over with.

 

[TaterTot]

As a voice teacher, I can tell you that there is more to nerves than thinking about an empty room and singing it to the Lord. Those are also true, of course, but there are some exercises and vocalises to help in that department. Tension in the head will come out in one form or another. Where do you shake - hands? lips? everything??

Also, just DOING it will help your nerves. The more you do it, the easier it will become, and you will get to where its a worshipful experience for you as well as your audience (if its not already).

 

[Michael52]

Being a little nervous is a GOOD thing. Of course, uncontrollable leg jerking, etc is not pleasent and is a bit distracting, but you should get past this after a few times (been there). A little nervousness actually helps you to focus. Just try to relax.

For some reason, it seems I sing better, not necessarily well, but better when I feel the nerves coming on. The butterflies sort of gear up your whole being for action.

It also helps to realize that the audience is "pulling" for you and hopes you do well as much as you do. It amazes me that sometimes when I don't think I'm ready to do well, there is a quality in my voice that just comes out. I just think, "wow, where did that come from?" It is really a blessing and I can only praise the Lord for making it happen and allowing me to be a part of it. I know that probably sounds strange, but that is the ways it seems.

 

[av1611jim]

I am not a singer. I am a preacher. I still get butterflies, after years of preaching.
I know singers who close their eyes and have said that when they do (close eyes) they imagine singing to Jesus. Not for Jesus, but to Jesus.
Perhaps you could try that.

I would love to sing again. I sang as a kid and had a good voice. Years of neglect, and abuse have taken its toll.

This is for the "voice" coach, Tater Tot.
Can one learn to sing again (properly)at my advanced age? (46) Even with the damage from pot smoking and tobacco?

In HIS service;
Jim

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

I agree with Tater Tot.

Jim,

You can learn better singing habits at any age. However, the damage that has been done will always be there. But, as with everything else, it can be made better. Does that make sense?

Joseph Botwinick

 

[Scarlett O.]

Lori-

We must be sisters! Ha!

I sing in a ladies trio and occassionally with the choir.

But because I am the church pianist, singing is not my primary area of worship.

And because I don't do if often enough, the "nerves" attack every cotton-pickin' time!

I had just a short solo in the Christmas cantata, but to gauge the impact of it by the "nerve" scale, you would've thought that I was singing the whole cantata by myself.

I don't have the answer.

I know to sing to the glory of God and that I am NOT the center of attention, and that helps me focus on the importance of the message, but doesn't help my dry mouth and trembling spirit.

I am with you sister. And I'm sorry that I don't have an answer.

Merry Christmas and let's rejoice in Jesus!

Peace-

YSIC
Scarlett O.
<><

 

[TaterTot]

Hey Jim,
You *possibly* could have permanent damage, but you probably don't. 46 is not old when it comes to singing. A singer's vocal maturity usually peaks between the ages of 35-40. And often, if you learn to use the correct muscles and to make the most of your sinus cavities (sounds gross), you can overcome some issues.

 

[superdave]

His reply is 'sing it to Jesus'. [Smile]

Thats a good response. We have a short season of quiet prayer at the beginning of our service, and when I am going to be singing, like in the choir even, I pray during that time, and primarily try to adjust my attitude toward God and letting him use my voice, and the voices of my fellow choir members to honor and praise him, not so that people will just think we sound great.

I can't totally empathize, since my mother "highly encouraged" my siblings and I to sing in church, and we were involved in church music ministry from as far back as we can remember. That does help the nerves quite a bit. But I would agree with Diane and her husband. Sing the song to God, not to the audience, it does help the nerves that really are rooted in what I want people to think about ME

 

[SaggyWoman]

If I get nervous before a group of people, I take my focus off the people and place it on what I am doing--like if I am playing in the praise band, I think about offering my praise to God. Or if I am speaking, I get caught up in what I am talking about or presenting.

 

[av1611jim]

Joseph and Tater Tot;
Thansk for your encouragement. I will keep that in mind. Perhaps the "damage" will deepen my singing voice! I could be the next J.D.Sumner! LOL
In HIS service;
Jim

 

[TaterTot]

Ha Ha - that'd be great, too!

 

[Su Wei]

like... hang on... wouldn't singing for the King of the universe make you even more nervous than singing for a bunch of people???

 

[Pastor Larry]

Practice ... just keep doing it. It gets better over time. In the meantime, I would say don't look directly at people and don't make eye contact. It will probalby distract you.