Scroll down to see a video of me modeling some ideas of things you might sing to yourself in front of the mirror…

Many of us who have felt shy or fearful around singing (me included) have trouble with the idea of being seen and/or heard by others. There may be settings and times when this is easier for you (for example perhaps you’re comfortable in front of a classroom or giving a talk at a trade show), but I’ve got a feeling that for you, singing may be something that triggers this discomfort. Just a crazy, wild guess :-).

START WITH YOURSELF

I’ve had students tell me that they’re even embarrassed to sing in front of themselves! They say it like that. With an exclamation point in their voice. But to me, that doesn’t seem weird. It seems normal, because we tend to be our own worst critic. I remember practicing my wedding vows. I was alone in the house, but saying those tender, vulnerable words out loud made me cringe. How would I ever be able to say them in front of all those people if I couldn’t even say them when I was alone?

But after repeating them a few times in the privacy of my home it got easier. I started being able to picture saying these words in front of other people and I got more and more comfortable. And I was able eventually to get married. 🙂 

In other stage fright inducing situations as well, the fix for me starts in private — getting comfortable in my own skin first. 

Try this activity:
SING TO YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR

HINT: Stay connected to the sensations in your body as you do this; notice the physical sensations you’re experiencing. This is good to practice in general while singing, and it’s also a great self-consciousness buster! It makes the whole thing more fun!

• Just a few minutes at a time is fine
• If you can, do it at 3 or 4 times over the course of the week
• You can sing whatever you want but DON’T USE SONG SHEETS!
• Here are a few (excellent) suggestions:

• Try singing a song you all ready know, or sort of know.
   (Remember – this isn’t about being perfect!!)
• Sing the Alphabet Song
• Sing Row Row Row Your Boat (which you probably already sort of know)
• Instead of singing a song you can do some sirening, or just make something up.
• Or do it all!

YOU’RE BUILDING RAPPORT WITH YOUR SINGING SELF!

I want you to practice being nice to yourself, supporting that person in the mirror, and communicating with that person.

If you feel weird or awkward when you start, success might be singing a simple siren without feeling cringy. Success might be even just feeling LESS weird or  awkward.

If this is easy for you right from the start, success might be singing a song to yourself with a lot of genuine expression. Or feeling moved or comforted while you’re singing. Or liking yourself more than you expected to. Happily surprising yourself in any way is SUCCESS!

Make eye contact — really be present. Stay connected to your body — move around if that feels right. Be curious and have fun! And if you’d like, let me know how it goes!

Join the Fearless Singers Playground online membership program — a supportive and joyous singing community specially designed for beginners! When you join you’ll get access to great online skills & song lessons, as well as live sing-alongs, workshops, and open mics.

Such a great way to grow as a singer!