♬
Hi singers, I'm Justin Stoney
the founder of New York Vocal Coaching
joining you for another episode of Quick Singing Tips.
And even though I'm typically brimming with vocal joy and glory
today I've got to keep it down and be a little more serene.
Why? Because I'm joining you from Hernshead.
Hernshead is my very favorite place for serenity in all of New York City.
It's the perfect oasis right in the heart of the urban hustle and bustle.
Which leads me to today's question from
Lia G. in Birgu, Malta.
Lia writes, "Dear Justin, I'm really into meditation.
Do you think it can help me as a singer?"
What a beautiful question, Lia.
And the answer is, yes.
Meditation is hands-down one of the best practices for singers.
[ Birds chirping ]
[ Bell chimes ]
[ Operatic singing ]
Singers often wonder why they get nervous when they sing.
Well, think about it.
Nervous, nerves, nervous system.
That's right, getting nervous is something that happens
in the nervous system.
It's literally all in the mind.
[ Symphonic music ]
The mind is also where we form our habits of doubt, negativity, and worry.
But what if we could learn to have some control
over how we think and what we think about?
If we did, we'd do a lot better in our singing.
This is where meditation can really help us.
Why don't I get more comfortable.
[ Birds chirp ]
[ Bell chimes, birds chirp ]
There are many kinds of meditation out there.
One type is when we just let our mind be at rest.
To do this you might try sitting in a calm peaceful spot like Hernshead.
Let your eyes close, focus on your breathing.
If a thought comes into your mind, just let it go.
Don't get mad or frustrated by it.
Just gently let it go and get back to your breathing.
This kind of meditation can help a lot in auditions and
performance settings when you might struggle with
nervousness, anxiety, or stage fright.
Rather than let your mind race, race, race,
instead you'll have already practiced keeping your mind
calm through meditation.
Just like you can practice your vocal technique
you can also practice winning the mental game.
[ Birds chirp ]
[ Bell chimes, birds chirp ]
But meditation doesn't have to be about clearing your mind.
It can also be about filling your mind with the right kinds of thoughts.
Perhaps you can meditate on a certain thought for, let's say, five minutes.
You meditate on what it feels like to hit that high note.
Or what it feels like for your vocal dreams to come true.
Maybe you can even meditate on a thought like, "I believe I'm talented",
"I know I'm getting better every day"
"I love the sound of my voice"
Or, "I forgive myself for my imperfections".
There's so many good things to meditate on.
But too often we meditate on the bad thoughts
without even realizing that that's what we're doing.
Look, there's not a singer on this planet that doesn't have
something in their mind that's blocking them from going to the next level.
By keeping your mind clear or focused on the right thoughts
your voice and your performing will have no choice but to get better.
Here are some other ways that you and I can get better.
For voice lessons or Skype lessons with the NYVC staff
visit us at NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
If you'd like a vocal course that you can do at home check out the
Voice Lessons To The World Vocal Course.
This twelve part program takes you on a singing journey from beginner
to master level vocal exercises.
You can find it at VoiceLessonsToTheWorld.com.
Or, if you'd like free vocal tips sent to you each day
sign up at DailyVocalTips.com.
And now, here's Justin with this week's vocal benediction.
Remember, you are not your mind.
Your mind is your servant and not your master.
Don't just let your mind go haywire and ruin your life and your singing.
Nope, it's time to take control.
It's time to breathe.
It's time to look at the mental battle and make the choice to win.
♬