Time Management Hacks for Busy Singers
Tis the season to be jolly… Or rather louder, busier and more vocal as you prepare to navigate all your singing and social commitments for the hectic holiday period. For performers, the holiday season often means running from one gig to another, on the phone managing the next gig whilst fitting in time to celebrate with family and friends! So here are a few tips to make your gigging experience a little easier and keep that voice in tip-top condition.
1. Stop, acknowledge and assess your vocal load each day.
Write a daily vocal load list. How many gigs do you have coming up? How long are they? What are your break times? How can you fit some vocal rest into these periods? Pick and choose your call time carefully. Which are the absolutely necessary calls you need to make that day and which ones can wait? The goal here is to preserve that beautiful voice of yours for performance.
2. How will you stay hydrated?
Prepare a hydration bag filled with bottles of water, a portable steam inhaler, a kettle and some herbal tea. Set reminders on your phone throughout the day prompting you to sip. Remember that sufficient hydration for a big day of singing usually starts the day before
3. Pace yourself during gigs.
You don’t have to sing all your big numbers up front or even at all depending on the type of gig. Work out a set list that’s considers all your vocal demands for the day, as well as the type of event you’re performing at.
4. Warm up.
No, read that again: warm up. A great time to start is when you are having your morning shower (the steam will also help), whilst getting ready or making your way into the gig. Put together a vocal warm-up list to follow or record your own warm-up exercises on your phone to go through.
5. Prepare your gig bag the night before.
Make sure you have everything you need ready to go: outfits, jewelry, microphones, sheet music or charts, iPad, charger, makeup etc. Remember that stress can cause dehydration as stress causes your adrenal glands to produce extra cortisol, the stress hormone, and under chronic stress, your adrenal glands can become exhausted, resulting in lower electrolyte levels.
6. Get to the gig with time to spare.
Make sure you are at the venue ahead of time so that you aren’t rushed and you have sufficient time to prepare.
7. Remember to breathe.
Take a moment to stop to reconnect with breathing and your diaphragm before jumping on stage. It will calm your nerves and any racing thoughts.
AUTHOR: ANNA RIZZO-TASSONE