This New Year, it’s time to stop holding back. Dr. Santelices breaks down what it really means to believe in yourself and how to crush the barriers standing between you and the spotlight. From mindset shifts to actionable steps, this is your guide to stepping up, standing out, and letting your voice shine like never before. 💥 No more second-guessing. 2025 is your year. Find Your Voice and Own the Stage in 2025!
Let's Make 2025 The Year of CONFIDENCE
How many times have you doubted yourself just moments before stepping onto the stage? Have you ever stopped to think about how much not believing in yourself affects your singing?
Well, I’m here to tell you: your voice, as unique as it is, is enough.
In 2025, I invite you to focus on appreciating and taking care of your voice. It truly is the most unique instrument on Earth—the one that allows us, as humans, to connect through singing despite linguistic differences. Your voice has the power to express sadness and joy, to transmit emotions, and to invite listeners everywhere to reflect or simply find happiness in the moment.
I know stepping on a stage can be nerve-wracking, but I’m here to share some strategies to help you feel proud of your voice and enjoy every moment of your performances.
The Key Lies in Preparation
Being prepared is the most effective way to overcome anxiety before a performance. As one of my professors used to say:
Choose repertoire that you could sing at 4 AM after being abruptly woken up!
In other words, pick music you’ve internalized so well that nothing could stop you from delivering an exceptional performance. Don’t just practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong.
That said, mistakes are part of the process, and they help us grow. But we can work to minimize them, allowing ourselves to truly enjoy our time on stage. Here are some of my favorite preparation tips:
- Fast Recitation: Recite your text at an extremely fast speed—almost like a mantra.
- Create a Story: Build a story around the lyrics so, even in repetitive pieces, you know exactly where you are in the narrative.
- Piano Spot-Checks: Use the piano to work on tricky sections, ensuring they’re solid.
- External Coaching: Work with someone you trust who can provide an outside perspective.
By following these steps, you’ll replace nerves with excitement as you prepare to share the emotions and artistry in each piece with your audience.
Learn to Forgive Yourself
Despite all the preparation, life happens. Maybe you feel a tickle in your throat moments before going on stage, or something beyond your control distracts you. When that happens, remember:
Focus on what you can control.
Don’t waste energy on external factors. You are in control. Your voice has been trained and prepared—it’s ready to respond to you. Use it to express yourself and to share your unique artistry with the people who chose to spend their time listening to you.
Being on stage is a gift, and we should always remember how privileged we are to experience it. Whenever I face challenges, I remind myself:
Sing with the best voice you have today.
That’s the key. Stay present, focus on the moment, and enjoy the journey—not just to become a better singer, but to become a better version of yourself.
I hope these thoughts inspire you to make 2025 the year you step onto the stage with confidence, allowing your voice to shine like never before. As part of this journey, I invite you to explore VOCES Academy’s latest YouTube video, where I demonstrate an exercise to help you master legato—a cornerstone of vocal artistry and an essential element of a well-rounded technique.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year,
Dr. José Miguel Santelices
Founder & Director, VOCESÂ Academy of the Arts