Don't Look Like A Singing Monkey: 4 Singing Contest Tips

It's amazing the number people who enter singing contests unprepared. Don't these people have mothers? Singing is as much about how you look and perform as it is about how you sound. If you look like a goblin or you drop the mic, that's guaranteed to distract the judges from your singing. How you handle the mic, what you say, the clothes you wear, and how you deal with nervousness all influence your score. This article will provide 4 tips that will help you give your best performance.

Microphone

Practice holding a hairbrush at home; just get the feel of singing into something in your hand. When you arrive at the contest, get to know the mic setup before you have to sing. Is it a wireless mic or is there a cable? Do you have to use a mic stand? If you have the choice, DON'T use a mic stand. When it's your turn to sing and someone hands you the mic, check the on/off switch. Make sure it's turned on. You don't want to hit your first note and realize the mic is off. You might as well just go home if that happens.

Introduction

Practice any spoken parts such as introductions with your hairbrush. Making a notecard is also a good idea. Carry it in your pocket and practice while you're waiting for you turn to sing. Don't think you can just "wing it". You'll end up rambling and sounding nervous. Keep your statements short. If you're singing an original song, you may want to tell the audience what inspired you to write it. Just singing a song without any introduction is awkward; you have to say something, at least, the name of the song.

Dress

Remember, the judges and audience members will be at eye-level with your feet. Wear nice shoes and socks. Don't be the guy wearing white tube socks with dress shoes. As for your clothes, just make they are clean and ironed. Nothing too flashy or revealing. A fresh haircut doesn't hurt either. Unless you're in a grunge music contest, make sure you look good.

Nervousness

Even seasoned singers get butterflies. They just don't show it. There might sound or lighting problems or the audience might be noisy, but it's still up to you to take the lead. Be confident. Nervousness mostly comes from being unprepared. With the help of the 3 tips above and choosing a song that fits your style, you should do fine.

About the Author

Rachael Francis is a private vocal coach in the Washington DC area. She has been teaching privately for 9 years. She also enjoys reviewing singing products on the market. Read her excellent review here Singorama.

Source: Music Articles on ArticlesTree.com





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