Fear is an instinct that keeps us alive. But for the singer it can impede our progress in a multitude of ways. In this video lesson I talk about the various ways fear can get in our way.
The most obvious fear we face is stage fright, or performance anxiety. You can call it many different things, but getting up in front of other people and singing can be frightening.
The fear can be mild or crippling depending on the person. Careers have ended because of this fear. But for most of us it is only to a degree that we can deal with it and still get the job done.
Interestingly, it doesn’t matter how many people we are in front. We would think the larger number of people the more fear we would feel. But I usually have more effect from smaller numbers with auditions in front of one or two people being the worst.
Watch this video lesson to find out some of the less obvious forms of fear we may face as singers.
P.S. If you find this helpful I encourage you to consider joining the VocalWisdom.com Private Community. It is only $10/month. Info at http://vocalwisdom.com/private-community/
Thanks for your comment, Marianne. And for the resources. We each need to find a way through what blocks us.
Dear Michael
As always, a certain clarity comes from you to visit the topic you are addressing, and today, in regard to fear of performance, once again the fog lifted, especially mid-to-end of the essay. Since I cannot at the moment review all the comments and references you have made on the subject over the years, I just want to mention two helpful sources that I used as a teacher over the years, and still find very helpful. I do not doubt that you have also mentioned these, but perhaps a repeat is going to give someone just the cue he/she needs: On YouTube, “Pavarotti and Colleagues Discuss Stage Fright” and also available in her autobiography or on YouTube, Renee Fleming’s insights about performance anxiety or stage fright.
Thanks so much for your– always– so generous sharing of help,
Marianne Leader