I have been asked to sing "Ave Maria" at my sister-in-law's wedding. I am a trained singer who performs often on stage, but I always get very nervous. I'm worried that my emotions will get the better of me at the wedding (who doesn't cry at a wedding?) Last year I sang at my best friend's wedding, and the song was barely audible. I sobbed through two pieces and once I "lost it," I couldn't regain my composure. Although everyone said it was lovely that I was so emotional, I do not want a repeat at my family's wedding. Maybe something has worked for someone in the past, and they can help me out. I am willing to try any little tricks or tips you might have. Thank you so much!
2007-03-19 20:51:55 · 13 answers · asked by foursmithsdownunder 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
As an opera singer I've dealt with this issue many times... either you or somebody else is dying on stage and you've gotta sing right through it! I've been taught mind over matter in those situations... do the crying beforehand, get it out of your system. EVERY TIME you practice the tunes you need to sing at the wedding, IMAGINE that you're at the wedding, and let it all hang out. Cry, sob, blubber, whatever you have to do. After awhile your body will begin to desensitize from it, and you will understand how to UNDO that sort of reaction. At that point, imagine yourself joyfully and beautifully sharing your song with everyone at the wedding. If you prepare your MIND and BODY BEFOREHAND, your emotions won't be up for so much chance and spontaneity, and the wedding atmosphere itself won't come upon you as such a shock. Good luck and let that beautiful voice be heard!!! :o)
2007-03-20 06:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever sung at a funeral? I have had to sing at my grandfather and great-grandmother's funerals. To be able to get through those without losing it was a huge feat. What I did was drink a lot of water (partly so I all I could think about was peeing instead of the situation-- sounds weird I know). The other thing I did was use the music in front of me. This way when you feel like you're welling up inside, focus on the song and stare at the sheet music instead of looking up at the people to whom you are giving such a special gift. At that point focusing in your mind on your singing technique (posture, deep breathing, where your hands are, etc...) will help as well.
Remember that they asked you to sing at their wedding. Music is the best (and cheapest!) gift one can give to their loved ones. Good luck!
2007-03-20 04:11:37 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this works for someone who has to do public speaking so maybe it will work for a singer. They are told that if they are nervous speaking in front of a crowd, that they should picture everyone in the crowd naked & that will take their mind off their nervousness! It's worth a try, better than sobbing thru Ave Maria!
2007-03-19 21:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by luvsit 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just keep ur eyes half closed or look upwards(away from the crowd) & concentrate on ur singing without ur mind wavering to the present scenario. Just before u r asked to sing try spending a few moments with a really jovial friend & listen to his/her jokes/anecdotes so that ur mind is off the wedding sequence.
I'm sure you'll be a great success.
2007-03-19 21:18:33 · answer #4 · answered by pinu 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Singers who frequently sing at funerals, and so on, just don't think about the words or the situation. Just tell yourself you are singing "blah blah blah" and try not to get involved at all in the service. Also don't think about the beauty or emotions of the song. And don't look at the audience, just look at a pew post or the back of the church. Think about going bowling or something else totally off topic until it's your turn.
Also be so well rehearsed that you are an automoton when it comes to this number.
2007-03-20 09:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by kramerdnewf 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I completely check out until time for me to sing. I think about my grocery list, laundry that I have to do, what I am going to have for supper, etc. , only listening enough to know when I am supposed to sing. Afterwards, I can then enjoy the wedding (or pay attention if it is a funeral). If you listen too much, it is extremely hard not to get emotional, especially if that is in your nature, as it is mine.
2007-03-24 13:40:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What made you think that everybody cries at weddings?! I've never cried at a wedding, not even on my own. Because, i guess, i've always been a realist when it comes to weddings. I have no misgivings whatsoever about what i (or the bride & groom) are getting themselves in to. Perhaps realizing that not every bride is a beautiful virgin in love, groom a knight in shinning armour, every wedding a love story with a happy ending would stop the tears. Coz that story is mostly in children's books. Along with monsters, witches and ghosts. Know what i mean?
P.S. how old are you anyway?!
2007-03-19 21:18:32 · answer #7 · answered by Biqo 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
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2017-02-15 16:59:59 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, just have a positive attitude. Enjoy the song which you are singing and just cncentrate on the song.
Don't think about crying or anything else
2007-03-19 21:54:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I get emotional due to sever PMS. My doc. put me on Zoloft for a few days each month in advance of the PMS and I no longer burst into tears. It works for me.
2007-03-19 21:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by D. S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋