Performance is powerful. It teaches us SO MUCH about ourselves—the more we perform, the more we learn, and the more we grow.
“But, I get so nervous,” you might say.
Yes, that’s normal. And?
“I get butterflies in my stomach, and my voice gets shaky.”
Absolutely, that can happen. And?
“I’m afraid I’ll forget the lyrics.”
It’s possible. And?
“I don’t like feeling nervous.”
There it is! That’s the emotion tied to performance that makes it so challenging. It’s uncomfortable, vulnerable, and risky. But here’s the thing: those feelings are exactly what make performing such a transformative experience.
I’ve been there too. Let me tell you a story…🙈
When I was about 10 years old, I had a performance I’ll never forget. I was in the Sunday School Christmas pageant at our church, playing the role of a shepherd. My big moment came with a solo, “A Lamb for A Lamb.” The audience was packed, the lights were dimmed, and I stepped into the spotlight. But just as I started to sing, I felt a tickle in my throat. I couldn’t believe it—right at that crucial moment! The music began, and there I was, trying to sing while coughing. It was embarrassing, to say the least. But I kept going because, honestly, what else could I do? I sang and coughed my way through the song, and somehow, I made it to the end.
Was it rough? Yes. Was I embarrassed? Definitely. But guess what? I was okay. Nothing catastrophic happened, and I bet no one else even remembers that moment (except maybe my parents).
Each performance is an opportunity to PRACTICE the art of performing. Performance is a skill that requires regular practice—a muscle that needs to be flexed. Every time you perform, you learn something new about yourself, your art, and your confidence grows. 🤍
That shepherd moment taught me to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s going to be okay. No one is going to boo you off the stage or make fun of you. And I learned some valuable tips and tricks for dealing with unexpected hiccups like coughing. 🙃
Here are a few strategies to help you grow through performance experiences:
- Focus on Your Audience: Shift your attention from yourself to your audience. What message do you want to share with them through your music? How do you want them to feel—moved, inspired, challenged? Consider the impact you want to have.
- Perform to 1 Person: Picture one person in your mind that you want to perform for and direct your performance towards that one person.
- Embrace the Butterflies: Accept that nervous energy as fuel to propel you forward. We need that energy to bring life and passion to our performances.
- Practice Performance: Start small. Perform for family members or friends, or video chat with a relative. Build your confidence gradually. Family room concerts are super fun!
- Record Yourself: Watching a recording of your performance can be even more challenging than performing live. Use this as a tool to practice and refine your skills.
Performance unlocks something truly powerful within us. Yes, it’s challenging, but that’s where the magic lies. We’re meant to share our art with others, to connect and inspire within a community. Don’t keep your talent to yourself—SHARE IT, and watch your confidence and passion grow. 💥
This week’s Impact of the Arts interview features Avery Hoile, an inspiring example of how performing can build confidence. Avery is an active member of Donais Studios, and it’s been a joy to watch her grow as an artist over the past four years.
Read her story below!
Keep singing,
xo Andrea “performance is key” Donais
———-
I had a chance to chat with Avery Hoile recently and we discussed her view on how she has been influenced and impacted by the arts in her life.
Avery developed an interest in the arts when she was introduced to dance at three years old, which she continued until she was ten!
She was in her first theater show at age six and she explored theatre with community programs and camps. She started taking singing lessons at Donais Studios in 2020, and is currently taking singing lessons with Andrea as well as singing in RISE Children’s Choir 🙂
Avery was drawn to start taking singing lessons because she had a background in acting and loves musical theatre. Her favourite performance she has ever given was when she sang “I See Stars” from Mean Girls the Musical.
I asked Avery if she could explain how she feels her musical practice has changed her view of herself and how it has shaped her confidence and self-trust. “I’m more confident– before covid I was super shy and didn’t talk much. Now I am more extroverted and I have more confidence in myself after every performance.”
This is so beautifully put – I am so happy to hear that, Avery!
During our interview, I asked Avery how she feels that her involvement with choir, lessons, community theatre and camps have shaped her life in terms of friendships and collaboration skills. She said that since joining choir specifically, she has made quite a few friends, and has been able to bond with those friends through shared experiences within the arts.
There are so many opportunities for socializing and collaboration within the arts, and you get the chance to meet so many different people with different interests and experiences.
Avery says that she always listens to music because she feels it helps her focus and calms her down – her favourite is Taylor Swift!
Above all, Avery explained that her involvement with the arts has guided her to have more trust in herself and has enhanced her confidence, not just in performing, but in life. As a fellow artist, this type of statement warms my heart.
~An interview by Amelia DePiero, Donais Studios