How I did it: I class the moment I became a singer as the moment I sang intentionally infront of an audience. I've always sung but there's a difference between singing in the bath or in the safety of your bedroom or even in the safety of your living room after a few glasses of wine in front of friends. Actually getting up onto a stage and nailing your singing colours to the mast is a bit different.
I sat on that stage and said "Hi, I'm Lucy, I'm going to sing for you." From that point on the universe shifted slightly for me and I've never looked back.

Lessons & tips:

• Just do it. It's a bit scary but the choice you need to make is quite simple; you either want to do it more that you're scared of doing it or you're scared of doing it more than you want to do it. Which is greater; your desire or your fear? Make a choice.
• There are a gazillion people in the world who want to be famous, if you want to sing so that you can get famous then you're wasting your time, just become a glamour model or go on Big Brother if that's all you're interested in. However if you want to be a singer then best of luck to you. 
• The more you start gigging and the more you get into the world of music you'll realise just how many really talented people there are out there! But don't let that put you off, I don't believe that the "best" singers in terms of technique, range, tone etc necesarily make the most engaging singers. Just get to know your own voice really well, work on what you like about music and singing, embrace your originality. Don't try to sound like someone else. Just try to sound like a mint version of you.
• Enjoy your voice and enjoy your music. Whether you sing classical or pop or jazz or folk or whatever, delight in what you do and other people will enjoy your music too.
• I started out at buskers nights and open mike nights and they were great for building my confidence and stage craft. Bring along friends who will give you honest and constructive feedback.
• Be prepared to start small, you can't expect to debut to an audience of thousands! If there's an established music scene in your area then you'll probably have to earn you musical stripes a bit before you get offered the good gigs.
• If you can't find the gigs you want then book your own. It's more hassle and you have to work your arse off at publicity to make enough money to pay the sound man, PA hire etc but it can be worth it, especially if you group together with some other singers/bands which might compliment your music. 
• Be nice to people - that's just a good tip for life in general really.
• Humming keeps your vocal chords nice and loose.
• Don't smoke

Resources:

• My Space and facebook can be good for gig promotion and finding groups/scenes in your area.
• The Musician's Union and the PRS/MCPS - listen to those cautionary tales and join them (if you're in the UK)!
• The Alexander technique - for nerves and diaphram control.
• Be nice to people, be good to your friends and family - you *will* need their support.

Jun 20, 12:24PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer