1. Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the music and the less likely you are to get nervous. Make sure you practice singing in front of a mirror or with a friend so that you can get used to the feeling of being in front of an audience.
2. Take deep breaths and relax. When you're nervous, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, which can cause your voice to shake. To counteract this, take some deep breaths and try to relax your body. You can also try doing some yoga or meditation before your audition to help you feel more centered.
3. Focus on the music. When you're singing, try to focus on the music and the message you want to convey. This will help you take your mind off of your nerves and connect with the audience.
4. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay. The most important thing is to keep singing and not let your mistakes get to you. The judges will be more impressed by your confidence and passion than by a few minor mistakes.
5. Be proud of yourself. No matter what happens, be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there and auditioning for a solo. You've already accomplished something great, and you should be proud of that.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful specifically when singing in front of a choir teacher:
- Make sure your music is well-prepared. This includes knowing the music well enough to sing it without having to look at the notes, and practicing your dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.
- Pay attention to your posture and breathing. Stand up straight and tall, and breathe from your diaphragm. This will help you project your voice and sing with good tone.
- Make eye contact with your choir teacher. This will help you connect with them and show them that you're engaged in the performance.
- Smile and have fun! Singing is a great way to express yourself, so relax and enjoy the experience.