Oh my goodness - so this is it! Maybe your first singing lesson? Don't worry it is not as scary as it seems. Singing is a fantastic form of expression and there is no reason to feel nervous. So first thing's first ...
It is highly important you feel safe within the teaching space.
SAFE SPACE
It is important to recognise that the four walls within which you learn and rehearse are your 'safe space'. Make yourself aware of the layout of the space straight away.
Your teacher is there to help and assist you to overcome any nerves and get the very best out of your voice. This means allowing yourself to make mistakes. Progress can only be achieved when you are willing to take your voice beyond where it has been before. Remember: Sometimes you have to let go of some of the good and go through sounding average in order to achieve something great.
Many singers have not had this creative, safe space when growing up. How many children, when enjoying their own singing, have heard those immortal words from their parents, 'Shut up!' Many people grow up with this continual response to their singing only ever to feel safe when they are singing on their own, where no one can hear or comment.
WATER
It is important to drink lots of water before singing and also to have some on hand in your singing session. The water needs to be at room temperature, as having it too cold can cool your vocal folds and throat.
Your vocal folds are the last thing to receive water so drink as much as you can. Physicians recommend 2 litres / 8 glasses of water per day. When drinking water in a singing session, try to sip it, as it can create wind, or bubbles in your throat. Water is the biggest part of mucus, the slimy substance that's in your eyes, nose, throat, and many other parts of your body that you can't see, like your stomach. Sometimes when you have a cold and your nose is running everywhere, you might wish you had never even heard of mucus. But the truth is, you need it to keep things lubricated and running right in your body. The same goes for saliva. It is made mostly of water, and it keep things lubricated in your mouth and down into your digestive system. So drink as much water as you can!
This advice has been taken from Vocaltutors Teacher Guide This essay first published June 30, 2009 on The Modern Vocalist.com the Internet's #1 community for vocal professionals, voice health practitioners and pro-audio companies worldwide since November 2008.
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