VOCALS
SINGING WITH CONFIDENCE | Renée Maranan
Lack of confidence has so many implications for singers . Many of us experience lack of confidence as feelings of nervousness , insecurity , and doubting one ’ s own abilities . But besides its emotional manifestations , lack of confidence can also have a number of tangible impacts on our voices .
TWO TYPES OF CONFIDENCE For many singers , lack of confidence might sound like any of these statements :
“ I don ’ t know if I can hit that note .” “ I don ’ t know if I can belt that loud .” “ I don ’ t know if I can sustain that note for that long .”
We all have these thoughts as singers . It ’ s natural to feel unsure about our vocal abilities , especially when we ’ re asked to perform vocal tasks that we have not yet tried or succeeded at performing . This type of uncertainty can come from knowing our own voice and current skill level . It can often be overcome by practicing some curiosity , play , and working with vocal exercises that help us to perform the vocal task successfully .
For other singers , the lack of confidence goes a bit deeper . The surface narrative might be the same , but the underlying beliefs might be different .
“ I don ’ t know if I can hit that high note . The rest of the worship team might think I ’ m a terrible singer .” “ I don ’ t know if I can belt that loud . I ’ m scared people will be annoyed by my loud singing .” “ I don ’ t know if I can sustain that note for that long . I ’ m worried I might ruin the song for everyone else .”
There ’ s a deeper fear under the surface ; a fear that may be connected to the singer ’ s sense of worth , belonging , or even safety . This type of uncertainty can be more limiting , because it tends to go beyond the singer ’ s assessment of their own ability and instead revolves around their sense of self .
HOW LACK OF CONFIDENCE AFFECTS SINGERS When singers experience anxiety or fear due to lack of confidence , their emotions can show up in their bodies as physical symptoms . Sometimes they feel unwanted or unnecessary tension , particularly in the muscles in and around the shoulders , throat , jaw , tongue , and around the larynx , which impedes their vocal production . Other times they might struggle to regulate their breathing or maintain their alignment . There are some situations when the anxiety interferes with a singer ’ s ability to retain the melody , remember lyrics , keep tempo , or stay on key .
Another significant way that lack of confidence limits singers is it can make them hesitant to explore their voice and try new vocal colors , sensations , or functional adjustments . It can cause them to be overly attached to a specific way of singing , regardless of how inefficient or limited it may be . It can create difficulties in coping with mistakes , rejection , and setbacks . It can also distort their perception of their own sound . All of these factors may cause singers to form maladaptive behaviors , which might help them get through their vocal challenges in the short term but may create bigger vocal issues in the long term .
COPING WITH LACK OF CONFIDENCE Here are a few ways that singers can help themselves to grow in confidence :
Observe your internal narrative . When faced with a vocal task that is unfamiliar or intimidating , what are the thoughts that run through your mind ? How are these thoughts influencing your emotions ? How are they dictating your behavior ? Aim to observe without judgment and resist the urge to immediately selfcorrect . Notice , acknowledge , and practice self-acceptance .
Notice your physical responses to intimidating vocal tasks . Do a quick body scan – are you holding tension in certain parts of your body ? Listen to your own singing – are you noticing any changes in your articulation , volume , breath , vibrato , and more ?
Tend to your physical needs as they arise . If you notice that you are tensing up , try stretching . If you notice your heart racing in response to nervousness , try some centering breaths . If you notice that you are feeling fidgety and restless , try doing some jumping jacks .
Find support among others . Support can come from your fellow singers , your loved ones , your voice coach , or even a counselor . Community can be a powerful source of affirmation that we are valued , that we belong , and that we are safe , no matter how we perform in front of the mic .
Last but not least , keep singing . Find safe spaces and communities where you can share your voice . If possible , find a voice coach or mentor who can teach you , challenge you , and celebrate your growth with you . It ’ s not so much about pushing through the fear . Rather , it ’ s about accumulating evidence – that you can sing through uncertainty , that you are capable of overcoming challenges , and that your voice is treasured in all its forms .
Renée Maranan Vocal Instructor | Life Coach Ambassador for the Institute for Vocal Advancement www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
46 February 2024 Subscribe for Free ...