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How can I avoid losing my support in vocal auditions?

I'm a dramatic soprano, and I almost always have incredibly well-supported breath and tone. However, during vocal auditions, my nerves get to me and my breath support becomes shaking, thus altering my tone. It's very frustrating because I know that my skills/talents are quite ill-represented in my auditions.

I'd appreciate any advice greatly. I have an audition for Interlochen Arts Academy in a few weeks and would love to get my breath under control.

Thanks in advance!

Update:

In addition, I tend to have a much harder time controlling my vibrato when my support goes.

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Dear lovethemusic,

    Like you and nearly every performer, I've been there. Performing in front of people is killer until you learn to turn the negative energy into positive energy. If you don't have the confidence FAKE IT!

    I’m also a soprano and breath support and thereby vibrato seem to be the first things to go when my nerves kick in too. All I can say is conquer it. You have what it takes!

    Try these:

    Go in prepared. The more prepared you are for an audition or performance the more comfortable you will feel.

    Nervousness is all body chemistry. The more you do it the more your body gets used to it. Do anything. You don't have to start big. Sing for your family, friends, at church, at a club, and definitely audition and perform for everything you can.

    Before you go on stage:

    1. Don't eat a big meal

    2. Stretch

    3. Warm up your voice

    4. Close your eyes and just block everything out

    5. Tighten every muscle in your body, head to toe, and let it go all at once. Follow up with a deep breath

    Before you go on, you can dare yourself to do well. There has got to be something you think is worse than singing in front of loads of people.

    Stage presence is everything. If you’re nervous, no one has to know. Hold your head up, walk out with purpose and poise, once you get over it a little, making eye contact with your audience can be motivating. If you can't look at your audience, look through them.

    Find a comfortable stance and just do what you love. Singing and Performing is FUN! Don't take a deep breath before you begin, instead swallow and let your nerves wash away.

    You'll be fine. Mind over mater. It’s all psychological and attitude is everything.

    Every performer makes huge mistakes during a performance or two. You know you messed up!...but the audience doesn't have to. Stay in character and cover yourself. If you forget the words just keep singing...anything. Half the audience has never heard the song before, the other Half isn't listening to the text directly.

    Good luck and happy singing! Just shoot me some email if something isn’t clear or you have another question.

    ~ moss

    Checkout this new group—it’s still just a baby, but one day it will be something beautiful.

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buddingvocalists

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