need advice on singing into a microphone

[poetstorm]

Hi! I am in need of some advice from our musically talented members. ^-^

 

This weekend I am supposed to go up on stage and sing the songs from the Peter Pan play while dressed up as the first female actress to play Peter Pan in America, Maude Adams. It’s for a fair and I’m going to pretend to be her all day and answer questions and such. They call it a “Live Character”

 

But here is the thing. I sing in choir but we never use microphones. So I need some tips on how close to get to the mic etc… Whenever I sing karaoke it seems like I get my own voice reverbing back at me and it’s hard to stay on key that way. It really throws me off. Is there anything I can do to avoid that?

 

Any advice would be absolutely wonderful! I’m sooo nervous. :D I have never done anything like this before. :D

[Daruya]

Eat the microphone! All kidding aside, you don't need to put it IN your mouth but put it TO your mouth. Is your voice reverberating because the speakers aren't right in front of you (pointing at you so you can hear yourself)? I'm guessing you won't have earphones in and be hooked up to an Aviom?

[poetstorm]

Thanks Daruya! And here I was thinking it might be better to stand back a bit.

 

No, no headphones for me. I’m going to be singing completely acapella into a typical stand microphone like they use when bands play outdoor stages. I have no clue about speakers as I won’t see the setup til I get there. It’s gonna be nerveracking. :D Any idea how I can avoid that godawful biofeedback screech I’ve heard sometimes too? Thanks for the tips. I can use all I can get. LOL

[Daruya]

To make it easier to hear yourself, you want a speaker pointed toward you - just don't get too close to it or SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH! That's what happens when you get too close to the speaker with the mic.

 

So, speaker pointed toward you and if you're singing to music, keep the music lower in that speaker and have them turn your voice up. But don't get too close to the speaker or you'll get the feedback.

 

Good luck!

[charis sedai]

just relax and be yourself! You do want to hold it close to your mouth, but not close enough so that your mouth touches it. Also, I find it MUCHMUCHMUCH easier to take it OUT of the stand, and use it. It makes it easier, especially as a character! You can move, and look in different directions.

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have FUN. Be confident, and enjoy your time in the spotlight.

[Talmanes]

Well I'm a screamer, so I hold my mic VERY close, and am very loud. :D

 

I have absolutely no singing talent though, but Charis does, so I know she gave you good advice. *nods*

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Well I'm a screamer

 

I'm sorry Tal but that made me think of something totally Green Ajah, AND totally unrelated to singing.

[poetstorm]

LOL :P I think I know what you were thinking. ^-~

 

Thanks for the advice Charis and Tal! I do feel a bit more relaxed about this now. :D

[charis sedai]

*head desk*

 

oh, Rasi...

[Rasheta Ardashir]

*head desk*

 

oh, Rasi...

Hey he said it!

 

LOL :P I think I know what you were thinking. ^-~

 

Of course you did your a sister Green. ;)

[Talmanes]

After all my time with Charis, I suppose I should have known to watch my words around Greens lol.

 

If you need any clarification though, I'd be happy to link you to some of my band's songs. *nods*

[poetstorm]

Sure, my 14 year old loves that type of music so I can show it to him too. ^^

[charis sedai]

now you've done it, Poet...

[Wayward_fool]

Advice?

 

1. Warm up.
   
2. Make full use of the soundcheck ot get used ot the mike. This means know your max vocal volume and min vocal volume and from there figure out how far/near ya need to be to the mike. Make sure ya do this after ya're warmed up.
   
3. Make sure you take deep breaths before you perform. That helps calm you down.
   
4. Don't worry too much about the mike. There usually is a sound engineer around to ensure your voice doesn't go crazy.
   
5. It takes time to get used to the reverb and hearing your own voice sounded back to you. Which is why you should try to sing as much as possible during the mike test to get used to it.
   

Hope that helps.

[Blueberry]

I see you've already gotten plenty of good advice, but good luck and have fun!