GETTING OVER STAGE FRIGHT

Dear Jellybean,

Ok i know this is gonna sound really weird but watever. I love to sing. My passion is to sing. And i think i have and ok voice. I sing with my familly, at friends house's and im taking lessons. But last year when i went up on stage i froze. I get VERY VERY VERY nervous onstage. Help me overcome my fear before my next recital. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
-Mizz Stage Fright

Dear Mizz Stage Fright,

I asked a musician friend about your question, and here's what she advises to help you with your stage fright:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Many people get stage fright because they're nervous about forgetting the lyrics, or freezing up. That's a lot less likely if you know the song backwards and forwards. So practice like crazy when you know you're going to be singing in front of other people! If you know your song perfectly, are confident about the way you're going to sing it, and know all your moves, you'll probably just do the right thing automatically. Knowing you're really well rehearsed can take the fright right out of you.

Look Your Best

Sometimes part of the panic of stage fright is lack of confidence about being "good enough" to sing in front of others. You can make yourself feel more confident, just by knowing that you've put tons of time and thought into your self-presentation. Wear an outfit that you know looks great on you, and that fits well but comfortably - nothing tight or awkward or too short/low-cut that you have to pull at. Do your hair in a flattering way, and don't do anything fancy that could come unraveled. Before it's time to go onstage, brush your teeth, fix up your makeup (if you wear it), buff your shoes, and all those other last-minute things. Even if you do freeze up, at least you'll look fabulous.

Put Friends in the Audience

Make sure that your audience is going to have some friendly faces in it. If you know that seeing some people will make you nervous (parents are an obvious one), ask them politely but firmly not to sit in the first row. Get someone to sit there who gives you confidence - maybe your best friend, maybe your sister or brother - and look for their reassuring face when you take the stage. You can even arrange a little "I'm good" hand signal that you can exchange with them, to make you feel good when you step out on stage and see them.

Know That People Are Rooting for You

People who come to hear you sing really want to like you, and don't want to see you fail. They want to have a good time, to be entertained, and they feel like you can do that. So it's up to you to have the confidence that you can deliver an entertaining experience for them. Just know they want you to succeed, and aren't sitting there waiting to laugh at you or anything. They might even be jealous, that you're so brave and talented to get up on stage and sign, which they might too if they could.

Pick Only Songs You Love

Pick material you enjoy singing. If the music gives you joy, you're more likely to give a joyful (not fearful) performance, and be eager to perform it.