Preparing yourself and Voice for a Show or Tour!

Preparation for a live vocal performance or show

In this month’s article I am going to give you 2 descriptions of vocal preparation for   shows.

The first  will be for a professional to semiprofessional performer or singer.

PRACTICE AND REHEARSE.

Months before a full length performance you should be rehearsing EVERYTHING that you are going to be performing on live stage!

From the very moment you walk up on stage you are a performer. Practice walking on to the stage, what you’re going to say to the audience, movements, stage presentation and crowd interaction. All of your tech things from sound and lighting, to microphone and instrument change oversA need to be seamless. Try to rehearse in a room with similar foldback, acoustics and dimensions  of the  stage that you will be performing on.

Everything down to the last note you sing has to be 110% at rehearsals before you even think about stepping up on stage. Once you have everything nailed down, it is up to you to maintain this professionally high level of rehearsing until the big day or tour begins.

If you are nervous about not knowing the venue or the area you are performing at, it’s always a good idea to try and head down to have a look on the day or the day before if possible. Find out where the venue is, how long it will take you to get there, where you can park, and where the stage entrance and backstage areas are. If you can’t get there at a time other than before the performance, try to at least get there early so that you can be relaxed. Give yourself plenty of time to set up, do your vocal warm ups and be in the right state of mind before your performance

WHAT TO EAT.

I usually try to have of light meal containing complex carbohydrates 3 to 4 hours before the show, such as rice, pasta, or grains, along with a salad. This type of meal will give you a lasting energy that kicks in within 2-4 hours, right when you need it on stage. I also try to stay well hydrated the entire day of the show by regularly drinking room temperature water. If I’m feeling a bit hungry just before a performance I generally snack on a piece of fruit or a light sandwich. Avoid eating anything too heavy as you don’t want to inhibit your diophram  control for  breathing.

BEFORE THE SHOW.

The main thing is to try and have a bit of extra time up your sleeve so that you are not going to feel rushed. Try to stay relaxed and don’t focus on the performance. At this point what you want to be focusing on is your preparation.

Remember this saying, “perfect preparation equals perfect performance”

Listen to some chilled music or talk with a friend, family or crew member to take your mind off the performance and avoid feeling nervous. I like to be dressed in what I will be wearing for the  performance  at least an hour beforehand. About 45-30 minutes before the performance I like to find some space to begin gently stretching and limbering up by body.

Next, I’ll warm up my voice by running through some scales.

Personally, I don’t do any scales or singing during the day of a performance as I want to keep my voice as fresh as I can until the very last note I’ll sing on stage  that night. However, if you are a bigger touring band, you’ll most likely need to warm up before sound check in the afternoon. Again, try not to do too much during sound check as you want to save your  voice for the real thing later on.

I would start my scales warm up with the “Ung” scale exercise for as long as I need until my voice feels limbered, flexed and warmed up. Then, I would continue to do some scales to warm up the specific parts of the voice that I will be using in my performance.

Then, 10 minutes before I go on stage I would do another light limbering up and stretching of my body. Then, and this is very important, I would proceed to sing the first half of the first song that I am going to perform so that I will have complete confidence in what I am about to do in 5 minutes on stage. Now, it’s time to get on stage and have some fun. In the end THAT’S what it’s all about! Having fun and enjoying what you’re doing.

After the show is over, do a light body stretch, vocal cool down and drink plenty of water. From there you can proceed to eat and do whatever you wish! However, If you have continuous shows or a show the next night it would be best to go home, take it easy, and get some vocal rest. Again, this can be a challenge for touring bands as you may have a pre or post show meet and greets, media interviews, or parties before and after the show. Try to at least get some rest when you are able to find a moment to yourself.

For beginners.

For a beginner or intermediate performer, performing at an open mic night, a party or something less formal you still might want to follow the procedures that I have just described but maybe not as stringently.

Still the main point being is to rehearse your songs and performance at home or where ever it may be until it is 110%.You want to try to practice in a room or environment that is similar to the one that you are going to be performing in. Don’t  practice in your bedroom if you are going to be performing in a hall for instance.

Your First ever performance.

Though if this is your 1st^stever show, I would highly recommend doing a rehearsal or practice session in front of some friends or family that you feel relaxed in front of  so that they can also give you can some constructive criticism or feedback if need be.

Please always remember to still warm up and cool down your voice after your performance even if  your performance is only short.

Small open mic  nights, talent quests, performance nights and karaoke are always worth their weight in gold for valuable performance experience before you head on to bigger stages and paying punters. Keep on doing these until you feel comfortable performing in front of big crowds and venues. I highly recommend doing 2 to 10 small shows before doing bigger professional shows.

 Recaping  your main points.

1.Rehearse your performance and show until it is 110%.

2.Get to the venue early, set up and relax.

3.Warmup and cool your voice down  before and after the show.

4.If all the above points are done you should be able to get up on stage and have fun!

Until next month, much respect and have fun singing!

By Peter Vox