Combating Stage Fright

Many of my students sign up for lessons to conquer stage fright.  The reality of singing is that if you want to perform, stage fright is almost always an issue.  I have not met a performer yet who has not had issues with nerves, or "butterflies in the stomach" at one point in their education or careers.

I believe combating stage fright takes several steps:

1) Accepting stage fright as inevitable, and understanding how your body and mind react to your nerves.  If you understand and accept that you will be nervous, it oddly becomes less scary because you know what is going to happen: sweaty palms, rocking knees, and similar symptoms.

2) Adjusting your internal dialogue while singing: Instead of critiquing yourself while you sing, simply delay any sort of 'judgment' until the performance is over.  Even better, rely on a trusted adviser, such as your voice teacher, to give you a proper evaluation that is supportive and constructive.

3) Stop viewing your singing through the lens of whether "people like you."  I think this is the critical issue.  Most people's stage fright is a desire to be accepted and liked.  Instead of worrying about people's expectations and opinions, concentrate more about giving the best performance you can. Approach singing as architect would desire to create the best house - designing and creating a performance that is the best version of what you are able to imagine and produce.

DWS