Alex Fisher Singing Teaching

As a singing teacher and a performer, I’ve worked with many students who experience a rush of adrenaline before and during performances, I too have felt these effects. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just starting out, understanding adrenaline’s effects on vocal performance can help you harness its energy while avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s explore how adrenaline influences singing and how you can manage it to enhance your performance.

How Adrenaline Affects Singing

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone released in response to excitement, stress, or anxiety. It prepares your body for action by increasing heart rate, boosting energy, and heightening focus. While these effects can be beneficial in some ways, they can also present challenges for singers.Potential Benefits of Adrenaline in Singing

• Increased Energy and Projection – Many singers find that adrenaline enhances their vocal power, allowing for a more dynamic and expressive performance.
• Sharpened Focus – A moderate adrenaline rush can improve concentration, helping singers stay engaged with the music and audience.
• Enhanced Presence – The excitement that comes with an adrenaline surge can make a performance feel more emotionally charged and engaging.

Challenges of Adrenaline in Singing

• Muscle Tension – Too much adrenaline can cause tension in the neck, shoulders, and larynx, restricting vocal freedom.
• Breath Instability – Shallow or erratic breathing patterns may develop, leading to poor breath support and vocal fatigue.
• Time Perception Distortion – Adrenaline can make a singer rush through phrases, affecting tempo and musicality.
• Dry Mouth and Throat – The stress response may reduce saliva production, making articulation and vocal cord lubrication more difficult.

Identifying Your Adrenaline Response

Every singer reacts to adrenaline differently.

To understand your own response, try practicing an energetic song in your own practice routine, perhaps it has a high note towards the end as the climax of the song, or an up-tempo number and as you’re doing so or after, try to think about the following questions:

• Do you feel energized or overwhelmed before a performance?
• Do you experience tension in your throat, shoulders, or jaw?
• Does your breathing feel shallow or rushed?
• Do you tend to speed up the tempo when nervous?
• Do you experience dry mouth or voice fatigue quickly?

By paying attention to these signs, you can begin to recognize your own adrenaline response and take steps to manage it effectively, this can also be achieved by getting someone to listen to you such as a friend or teacher to more accurately pinpoint how your adrenal response is expressed through your body and performance.

Practical Strategies to Manage Adrenaline for Optimal Performance

If you find that adrenaline negatively impacts your singing, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to channel it positively.

1. Controlled Breathing Exercises

• Diaphragmatic breathing – Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly. This helps regulate your breath and calm nerves.
• Box breathing – Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold for four counts. Repeat as needed to steady your breath and heart rate.

2. Physical Warm-Ups

• Stretch your neck, shoulders, and jaw to release tension.
• Do light cardio (e.g., jumping jacks or brisk walking) to circulate excess adrenaline before going on stage.
• Shake out your hands and arms to relieve nervous energy.

3. Mental Preparation and Visualization

• Visualize a successful performance in detail—imagine yourself singing confidently, breathing easily, and engaging with the audience.
• Use positive affirmations such as “I am prepared and excited to sing” or “I trust my voice.”

4. Establish a Pre-Performance Routine

• Create a ritual that signals to your body and mind that you’re ready to perform. This might include deep breathing, a specific vocal warm-up, or grounding exercises like feeling your feet firmly on the floor.

5. Hydration and Vocal Care

• Drink room-temperature water throughout the day to keep your vocal cords hydrated.
• Avoid caffeine or dairy before singing, as these can contribute to dryness or excess mucus.

Final Thoughts

Adrenaline is a natural part of performing, and rather than fighting it, the key is learning how to work with it. By identifying your own responses and implementing calming and grounding techniques, you can transform performance anxiety into focused energy. With practice, you’ll find that adrenaline can actually enhance your singing, making performances more thrilling and expressive.

If you’ve struggled with performance nerves, I encourage you to try some of these techniques and see what works best for you. Singing is not just about technique—it’s about confidence, connection, and expression. By managing adrenaline effectively, you’ll be able to share your voice with greater ease and joy!

References

• LeBorgne, W. D. & Rosenberg, M. D. (2019). The Vocal Athlete: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer. Plural Publishing.
• Sataloff, R. T. (2017). Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care. Plural Publishing.
• Wilson, G. D. (1994). Performance Anxiety. Oxford University Press.