If you want to give your best singing performance, you need to know how to behave, so here are a few tips to help you out.
Rehearsing
Rehearse with the band. Before you go on stage, have a minimum of one dress rehearsal. Don’t read the lyrics on your last dress rehearsal, sing everything from memory.
Outfit
Make sure you choose a good outfit, because this can determine the outcome of your show. When you practice, be sure to wear the outfit that you plan to wear for your singing performance. It is important to ensure that you are able to move comfortably in your outfit.
Stage Walk
Practice walking to the place you’ll stand on the stage. While one would think walking across a stage would be easy, it’s actually fairly difficult. You want to stop in place but also find your posture as you stop. Do your best to keep your posture as you walk to your chosen position.
Turn the speaker away from you
Singing with a band can be confusing, at least the first time. You’re going to have some trouble hearing yourself if the speakers are turned away. For the first few times you could ask to have a speaker turned towards you. The problem is that bands play loudly, and a speaker can be distracting if you’re not used to it. You need to learn to pick out the instrument that plays the melody line.
Remember to smile
Make sure you smile as you go on stage. A smile will make you appear to be confident, which will boost your performance. Even if you are nervous, you need to make the smile look authentic.
Acknowledgment of the audience
It can be difficult to know when to acknowledge the audience. Singers can’t always sing intimate songs in an intimate locale, but you can imagine yourself in a cozy locale if this helps you with your performance. To get a feel for whether to include the audience as part of your song, watch and learn from the seasoned pros.
Be prepared for distractions
Unlike in rehearsal, a live performance can have plenty of distractions. People can do many things in an audience, such as coughing or even leaving early. Most people are ignorant as to how this can distract a performer, and because you are the performer you are expected to be professional about it. So because you will naturally be distracted at a performance, you will need to stage a few distractions at home to get you ready for the big time. If you have any friends, you can have them try distracting you, and over time you will learn to ignore it.
Watch those hands
Make sure you don’t do anything strange with your hands while you are performing; keep them at your sides if you can. It may not be the most interesting place for them but you’re probably better off erring on the side of calm and still. If you gesture, then make a complete gesture, because anything incomplete or half done will make you look nervous. If you want, you can fold your hands in front of you.
Okay so now you know some live performance basics. To perfect your singing skills for the big occasion, I recommend Brett Mannings Singing Success. Also if you’re looking for guidance about the best techniques to promote you and your band, you’ll definitely want to check out Social Bandmaker.