Music and movement are intrinsically linked, as anyone who listens to their favorite song on the radio knows. You might subconsciously react with a nodding of your head, tapping of your toes, or snapping of your fingers.
Your child will quickly learn in private voice lessons that music brings movement, and without carefully observing the latter, the sound and vibe of the former suffers. Exploring musical rhythms physically allows students to understand musical concepts on a deeper level and portray an aura of strength on stage. On-stage confidence helps performers win over the audience and exert musical prowess.
However, movement and dance do not come easily to everyone who sings, especially beginners. Below are 4 tips to help your child’s stage presence:
1. Carry Yourself with Confidence
The saying “fake it ‘til you make it” applies to stage presence and movement as a singer. The best way to start off a performance well is to carry yourself like you’ve already nailed it, as many voice teachers say. By holding yourself with pride and confidence, you set yourself up for a strong start.
Approach the stage with your back straight and shoulders wide, with an ever-so-subtle slouch to suggest ease and calm. As you make your first movements, it’s normal to feel nervous or awkward at first, but how you start is what matters.
As long as you start off confidently, your audience will view you as such, and you will have extra time to find your composure and comfort. Remember, you are hyper-analyzing yourself on stage; everyone does it. The audience, however, is more honed in on your voice and facial gestures as you begin your performance.
Take the stage confidently, and find your comfort within the first few measures, you will be surprised by how little (if at all) your unease was noticed.
2. Focus on The Music
As a singer, you already know how to relate to the music, how to feel rhythm and tone flow throughout your body. You know how to properly count beats and measures in your head, as well as your body.
Once on stage, don’t bask in the crowd before you. They are merely spectators. You are there for your love of music and the particular song you’re performing. Remember and embrace this fact.
By focusing on the music, on the beautiful sounds around you that you’re creating, your movements will come naturally. Allow yourself to freely experience the music without concern or discomfort; think little of those in front of you. The audience will enjoy your performance when they see you enjoying the music.
3. Perform for Feedback
Allow your close friends and family to see a trial run of your performance. Take the time to feel comfortable performing in front of them, and elicit as much feedback as possible. Be sure to keep their suggestions in mind, but to ultimately be the one to decide on the quality of your performance.
Feedback is most useful when acquired from a variety of sources, so take the time to perform in front of a variety of audiences. Then, try to perform in front of someone you know but are less comfortable around. Use this opportunity to push through your uneasiness and to cement your confidence and stage presence.
4. Lead with The Eyes
Facial expression is the easiest way for your audience to gauge your comfort-level and confidence on stage. As you pay attention to your stage presence and movement, use your eyes to convey emotion and confidence, and command the attention of the audience with your expression.
By drawing your audience in, you reinforce your place on stage, as the authority of musical expression. Leading with the eyes is a great way to start your performance on the right foot. It helps you establish your stage presence while you gather your nerves to move your body to the music.
Whether you’re looking for help with developing your stage presence, or need private voice lessons, look no further than Lessons in Your Home. We offer fun in-home music lessons that inspire students and parents alike! Contact or call us at 1-800-826-0988.
