Self-Conscious Singing

As performers, I think we have all experienced the discomfort that comes with self-conscious feelings. For me, in those times I seem to not only be focused on what I’m doing, but I’m also anticipating what other people are thinking about what I’m doing. As a result, I can start to question every decision I make and second guess whether they’re the right choices. That’s the irony of self-consciousness: even though “self” is part of the word, it seems to have just as much to do with how we are thinking about others.

Taking the words at their face value, there really shouldn’t be anything wrong with being “self-conscious.” As singers, we have to be conscious of self so we can make intentional choices with our technique. I talk a lot about choosing a strategy before you sing and then evaluating that strategy and its effectiveness after you sing. If you are not aware of what you are doing, then any success is accidental or haphazard. It may achieve some great results once in a while (and there’s something to be said for getting “out of your head” and just singing) but it isn’t a method for developing a reliable technique.

Sure enough, Merriam-Webster defines “self-conscious” in two ways. The first definition is the one we probably think of most often: “uncomfortably nervous about or embarrassed by what other people think about you.” These are the voices of doubt that inevitably creep into our heads.

But the second definition of “self-conscious” is the one that I prefer: “done in a way that shows an awareness of the effect that is produced : done in a deliberate way.” In other words, it’s merely the act of consciously monitoring your “self.” In this form of self-consciousness, there is no room for anyone else’s criticism—especially the criticism we imagine in our heads that others must be thinking about us, even if they’re not.

One of my mentors introduced me to the phrase, “What you think of me is none of my business.” Sure, I listen to advice and I look for constructive criticism and direction as needed. In the end, however, we all have to make our own choices. In making those choices, if we’re too self-conscious (first definition) and focus on how others may be judging us, it can interfere with being self-conscious (second definition) and allowing our choices to be intentional and entirely our own.

What is your experience with self-conscious singing (both definitions)?

How has your singing been going this week?

Now go practice. 



Drugs, mm-kay

It seems like sometime around three to six weeks into the school year, immune systems are compromised just enough from lack of sleep, the stresses of classes, and the overall demands of college life that people start to get sick. Typically, we don’t think anything about taking medicine for a cold or for a headache, but medications often have side effects, some of which could impact the voice.

One way you can inform yourself about these side effects is at the website for the National Center for Voice and Speech, ncvs.org. Scroll down until you see the “check your meds” tab. Here you can look up medicines by their brand name, drug group, generic name, etc., and it will tell you if there is a specific side effect on the voice.

For instance, many cold or allergy medications have a drying effect on the voice. As the website says, “Dry mucous membranes can result in hoarseness, sore throat, and voice changes. Dry vocal folds may be more prone to injuries such as nodules.”

Headache medicine like ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory. According to the website, when taking this medicine, “Vocal performers particularly should be cautious during periods of strenuous voicing demands due to an increased possibility of vocal fold hemorrhage.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take these medicines if you need to, especially if a physician has recommended them to you. But when you know the side effects, you can act accordingly to benefit your voice. If you take medication that will dry you out, increase your water intake and reduce vocal use. If you take ibuprofen, avoid the strenuous singing that could put you at risk for harm to your voice.

And besides the drugs you may take once in a while, you should also check any medications you take regularly, which could be anything from ADHD meds to oral contraceptives to anti-depressants to acne medications. Check your meds and inform yourself.

Now tell me in the comments how has your practice been going this week.

And then go practice.