There is a great Clint Eastwood quote regarding over thinking about what you're doing artistically - "never get caught in the paralysis of analysis". So true.
Think of The Beatles singing to 55,000 people at Shea Stadium - a STADIUM full of non-stop screaming girls, a PA system rated at about 1000 watts by today's standards - NO MONITORS and NO SOUNDCHECK. Yet they were able to sing on pitch and nail their harmonies. How?
Easy...it was confidence. (and to a slighter degree muscle memory from years of singing almost every day for months on end)
half the battle of singing on key/pitch is hearing the note a fraction of a millisecond before you sing it. Its like a weightlifter who envisions himself already completing the lift as he grasps the barbell in his hands. Its a mental psych-out.
another great example is Luke Skywalker in the Death Star trench in "Star Wars" - as Luke approaches his target he turns off his computer and trusts his own instinct to fire the shot. He "sees" his action before he makes it and lets his brain tell his muscles what to do. He lets himself "go" and in one fell swoop the Death Star is dust.
Anyone believe Bono is up on stage thinking about his vocals? Nope. He just lets himself go and lets his brain and body connect and guide him. It actually takes practice to be able to let go of the apprehension and doubt but it mostly comes with confidence. Tiger Woods envisions himself making the shot before he swings the golf club and then lets his brain guide his muscles.
Confidence comes from knowing your foundation/technique is sound. Once your technique is sound you can let the music take you - or as athletes call it "get in the zone". "The zone" is a perfect connection between mind and body. Trusting Yourself.
I remember in school my teachers would often say for tests to avoid correcting yourself as "your first answer is the usually right one". Same concept.
I hate to admit I read it or advocate "Dianetics" because I think the rest of Scientology is dangerous, but part of the overall concept of "Dianetics" is silencing the "reactive mind". That part of you that gets "caught in the paralysis of analysis". Instinct is your best ally. Your "little voice". Your "Spider sense".
Singing is all about letting go. Even if you hit a bum note, if the feeling is there and its true, audiences won't even notice. They'll be too engaged in your performance. I have seen many a blues singer hit some questionable notes but the feeling behind it was true, it actually added to the performance.
Let go and your mind and body will connect. When that happens, sharp or flat won't matter. You'll be "in the zone" and oddly enough you'll find yourself singing on pitch.
Its not magic - its trusting in yourself.
Kevin Richards
www.rockthestagenyc.com