Artist Development Tip 5 of 7 - How to Connect Powerfully as a Singer
CLICK HERE to see the Previous Tip - #4: How to Build Confidence
How Your Single Awareness Can Help you Sing Better
The most important thing all performers must do is the "C" in CORE. The "C" in C.O.R.E. stands for CONNECT.
When I ask my students who they should connect to, a common answer is "the audience." It makes sense, but in actuality, before you can consider that, you need to feel safe connecting to yourself.
Why Connect?
When we are able to connect to ourselves, we are more present, and more powerful performers. When we are connected to who we really are, we are able to get out of our own way and be open enough to let the message of the music flow through us.
Here are 3 Ways to CONNECT:
1. Spend 5 minutes daily doing my 4x4x8 Breathing
If you're new to Dot's 4x4x8 Breathing, please visit www.dottodman.com and download Dot's e-book Breathe Into Your Power, which explains how to create presence and confidence through the breath, and teaches you how to feel safe and powerful in your heart space. You could also download Dot's eBook Mind Soul Voice: A Path to Vocal Freedom, if you'd like to learn about how to avoid disconnecting.
2. Reflect
Know how you really feel inside, because it's going to come out when you sing! Develop a relationship with your voice, and learn to treat it well. Own your energy and enjoy the space you create with it naturally if you'd like others to enjoy you on stage.
3. Write
Get the feelings, emotions and ideas in your head down on paper. Oftentimes, we just need to process what's floating around in there so we can let it go or get a new sense of clarity. It's best to write with a pen, but if you must type be sure to print it out. This is so you can have it in tangible form and let it go if you need to.
Questions for singers:
How long can you sit still and connect to your breath before you get restless? How long is the average song, and do you have the mental clarity to fully CONNECT with yourself through its entirety? If you can't be still and comfortable for 3 minutes beginning with breath, how do you expect to feel comfortable singing for three minutes when others are watching you?