Top 10 Tuesdays – Physical Preparations for an Audition

I’ve always read that the most successful athletics have a ritual that they follow to the letter before every competition.  A ritual that ever changes.  I’ve actually watched Tiger Woods do this when preparing for a put.  One of my goals this year is to develop one of my own rituals before every audition, and in general.  After reading this, I would love  your feedback on what you do!  Today I’m focusing on the physical aspects of preparation.  This is still a work in my process, but I give you my:

Top 10 things (Physical) to do in general and before an audition:

1.  Hydrate.  I am guilty of this myself because I also suffer “nervous bladder,” but it is important to hydrate.  What you are feeling right now as you read this post is a result of what you drank 24 hours ago.  If you start to hydrate a few hours before an audition – that’s great, but you won’t feel the full affects until much too late.  So – 24 hours before an audition, kick up the fluids and cut back on (gulp! ) the coffee.  I KNOW!  Hydration not only helps the vocal folds but the entire body.

2.  Decaf Tea with Lemon and Honey – this works for me, especially during allergy season when my vocal chords are thick.  It also helps break up the phlegm.  Medications for allergies are very drying so use with care.

3.  Here was a big shocker for me – working out the day of the audition.  Working out, for me, actually helped warm up my chords simply because of the increase blood flow, which was a suprise to me.  A light workout will also helpful in releasing body tension and reduce stress.

4.  The breathing exercise that I mention here.  Personally, I’m going to try this throughout the day of the audition and again right before.

5.  Don’t eat spicy foods! – Keep spicey foods out for the 4 hours before an audition if not the whole day.  It increases acid reflux, which can reek havoc on your entire system.

6.  No spirits.  I’m sure we have all heard stories of singers that may have a little something before a performance.  Alcohol is dehydrating, and – just don’t do it.  Now afterwards!….

7.  You may not want to talk too much just before.  For me, I’m a nervous chatter just before an audition and I need to stop doing that.  After you have warmed up, it’s good to give it a rest.  Also, along those lines, whispering, which a lot of people might be doing while they wait for an audition, is like screaming to your chords.

8.  Don’t be afraid of the dumbells.  Contrary to what people might say, singing is athletic.  In more demanding performances, I’ve lost several pounds from not only the running around, which is part of it, but the singing itself.  As you know, it is important to be strong and have a strong core for breathing and holding your body in place for the practice of singing.

9.  Visualize – this is a new thing that I’ve been experimenting with that I never did before.  I will actually sit and visualize the entire audition from start to finish; not only the words and notes but every focal point and acting transition that I will be using, physical gestures, everything.

10.  Don’t be afraid – and go for it!  OK, this isn’t an actual physical item but I’ll hark on attitude until I’m blue in the face.

I would love to hear some of the things you do!