Knowing how to behave when you’re singing for an audience is important if you’re to sing at your best, so here are some practical tips to help you with your next live singing performance.
Rehearsals
Make sure you’ve rehearsed with the band. Before you go on stage, have a minimum of one dress rehearsal. Don’t read the lyrics on your last dress rehearsal, sing everything from memory.
Outfit
The outfit you choose to wear for the live performance can make or break the show. When you choose an outfit, make sure that you wear it during rehearsals so that you get used to it. You want to be sure that you can move in it and breathe without feeling constricted.
Walking across the stage
Figure out where to stand on the stage, and then practice walking to that spot. Walking across the stage is much more difficult than you would think. The idea is to stop in place, but land in the right posture as well. Do your best to keep your posture as you walk to your chosen position.
Keep the speaker turned away from you
Singing with a band can be really cool, but the first time can be a bit confusing. The speakers will probably be turned away, in which case you will have trouble hearing yourself. Ask if it’s possible to have a speaker turned toward you. The problem is that bands play loudly, and a speaker can be distracting if you’re not used to it. You need to learn to pick out the instrument that plays the melody line.
Smile
When you make your entrance, look at the audience and smile. Even if you are nervous, a smile, will make you appear more confident. Even if you are nervous, you need to make the smile look authentic.
Take note of the audience
It can be difficult to know when to acknowledge the audience. Singers can’t always sing intimate songs in an intimate locale, but you can imagine yourself in a cozy locale if this helps you with your performance. Take cues from professionals to get a better idea of how you should perform.
Distractions will occur
Unlike in rehearsal, a live performance can have plenty of distractions. People can do many things in an audience, such as coughing or even leaving early. Because they are not performers, they have no idea how this affects you. When you practice at home you might want to intentionally stage some distractions. If you have any friends, you can have them try distracting you, and over time you will learn to ignore it.
What to do with your hands
If you’re not sure what to do with your hands during your live singing performance, putting your hands down at your sides is safest. The safest place is at your sides, even if that’s not the most interesting place. If you choose to gesture, make it a complete gesture and make sure your elbows move out away from your body. If you need another option, then you can clasp your hands to the front of you.
Okay so now you know some live performance basics. Of course before you present yourself to the crowds, you’ll need to do some work on your singing voice. I highly recommend the Singing Success vocal training program. Also if you’re looking for guidance about the best techniques to promote you and your band, you’ll definitely want to check out Social Bandmaker.
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