l

Performing well as a singer is an art form, but you can jump start your artist development by using tips backed up by years of experience. Each part of a great performance is made up of individual actions that you and others take to create that exceptional moment (see the song Glory performed at the Oscars 2015 for an amazing example). It may seem like John Legend just walks on stage and magic happens, but it takes years of experience and expertise to get things in the right place to create that magic. The tips below cover just some of the areas (and there are many more!), because each performing aspect has its own technique and learning curve.

Here are some performance tips to use right now to take you to the next level.

Performance Tips:

• Drop your jaw  - Drop your jaw in a dumb duh shape (vertical rather than horizontal) to place the note correctly in your mouth - rather than pushing, forcing or (worse) straining.
• Bend on high notes - If you still can't hit a high note, try bending your knees (on the note, on the vowel) or bending over with a flat back. If you still can't reach it, try lowering the key or warm up more. Keep working on your range to access those notes in the meantime.
• Keep your chest up - This supports your diaphragm, helps with breathing and pitch, and allows you to command the stage with your body. Check out Beyonce's or Lady Gaga's body stance. They have their chest up and arms open to the audience.
• Create and have the song attitude in your head - If the song is happy, for example, imagine a scene, person or action where you've been really happy. Then sing the phrase or section.
• It's your party - Act as if you're just sharing your world and experience with friends that you've invited. The more you offer them, the more they can "get you" and gain from the ride. Learn to embrace your audience and make them feel at home.
• Communicate onstage with musicians - even if there's no need to signal them, etc... They are part of your onstage party, so look over at them and incorporate them into your energy.

Microphone Tips:

• Sing into the microphone - Too many singers back off the mic for many reasons, but you need to be up on it- unless you're singing very hard/loud or high. Check the levels with an audio engineer.
• Sing through the mic- Pick a point and sing through the mic up and over. This works for both stage and studio.
• Buy and use your own mic - Every singer needs their own mic (my 1st mantra)! Those club mics may be easily available, but they won't help your sound. I once did a gig in a small venue, where I sounded better without using any mic than with using their standard. Our sponsor, Sennheiser, makes great high quality mics for a reasonable price - I like the e835 for small venues and the e935 for bigger clubs (both corded). Their new Evolution wireless D-1 is amazing and affordable.

Practice Tips:

• Practice with a metronome - I know, I hate this, too! Knowing the tempo of the song as well as being able to count it, helps your performance immediately. You will be more confident with the song and musicians.
• Go over everything with your musicians, band and team beforehand. Yes, this means the little details - entrances, exits, endings. For example, if you're not sure where to come in (on the downbeat, on the upbeat, etc...) in a practice session, you won't know it onstage, either (and guessing is nerve-wracking!). Also, practice talking to the audience, cueing your musicians, and planning your ad libs before the gig!
• Practice with a keyboard to make sure of pitches, harmonies, melody lines, and feel. Don't guess pitches, melody lines, etc... It's a sure-fire way to sing a song at an audition or performance and make pitch and key mistakes. Every singer needs a keyboard (and even some basic piano) - my second mantra! Casio offers a wide variety of keyboards and digital pianos at every price point. The Privia line includes the award-winning PX-5. I use the Casio Privia PX350, a full 88 key digital piano with a host of great features.  

Casio PX-5

SN Update- Performance 2  - Steel String Guitar Capo from G7th, The Capo Company won a best in show at NAMM!