As humans we all have a need to be witnessed, to be heard and for our story to be told. The need is so intrinsic that if no one hears what we've got to say we start to feel lonely, isolated and as if we don't matter. Offering your time & attention as a witness to someone in some way, is a great gift that you can bestow on them. As a singing teacher I have realised the importance of giving students my undivided attention. Just by being watched as they sing they are expanding, growing and feeling like they matter.
Sixteen years ago when I was a student at Vocaltech, I had a really bad habit of walking out of the room to go to the loo when my colleagues were mid performance. My best friend pulled me up on it and said that I should wait until they had finished before I went. At the time I didn't see the relevance as it was just 'practice time', I needed a wee and that's the time I chose to go. How narrow minded of me! As someone who has now been mid performance during an audience walk out I know how soul destroying this can be. Even if you're not enjoying the performance please remember that you, for whatever reason, are in the room and honour the performers moment. They have voluntarily put themselves in a position to be witnessed so it must be important to them.
Also, next time you are singing in front of someone remember that this is YOUR time to be witnessed. Own that time. Don't be apologetic about it.
Much Love
Sally xx
Sixteen years ago when I was a student at Vocaltech, I had a really bad habit of walking out of the room to go to the loo when my colleagues were mid performance. My best friend pulled me up on it and said that I should wait until they had finished before I went. At the time I didn't see the relevance as it was just 'practice time', I needed a wee and that's the time I chose to go. How narrow minded of me! As someone who has now been mid performance during an audience walk out I know how soul destroying this can be. Even if you're not enjoying the performance please remember that you, for whatever reason, are in the room and honour the performers moment. They have voluntarily put themselves in a position to be witnessed so it must be important to them.
Also, next time you are singing in front of someone remember that this is YOUR time to be witnessed. Own that time. Don't be apologetic about it.
Much Love
Sally xx
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