Helping the shy singer

Next week I'll be offering a group vocal class for adults. I've taught this class many times before, and it's always neat to see how everyone blossoms in class. Usually, I get lots of inquiries about the class with lots of concerns from 'shy singers'. They tell me how terrified they are to sing in front of anyone, and are afraid they'll be put on the spot. These are all people who love to sing, but can't stand the thought of having anyone actually hear them sing! What a sad and awful burden to bear!

How great that they have the courage to come to class, in hopes of getting over their singing phobia. That's really what it is, a phobia that they've developed as a result of someone criticizing them, or a choir teacher scolding them in front of the group etc. So in class, we sing all together; fun songs that are easy. We then learn basic Integrated Voice skills which immediately give lots of the singers 'aha' moments as they crack through and eliminate vocal challenges that have plagued them all their lives. When we start to de-mystify the vocal skills the shy singer becomes empowered to take more chances, and when they find that their vocal mastery has increased, their self-confidence goes through the roof. They even begin to like their own voices! They get so excited and yeah! want to do more singing!

As I say over and over, singing is 90% mental; and if you have faulty belief systems surrounding your vocal ability, you're going to fulfill your own prophecy. So I also work a lot on the limited beliefs the students have and the messages they give themselves about singing. Once we clear those away, we start with a fresh slate to work with.

Everybody leaves the four week class energized, excited and confident in their new found vocal ability. Oh, and did I mention, they're no longer 'shy singers'?!