Mic Handling & Gestures

Vocal Performance Tips: Mic Handling & Gestures

- The Bowersox Institute of Music

It's no surprise that vocal performance questions concerning mic handling and gestures top the list for most vocal students. Nervous anxiety over vocal performances can be a major issue for many singers. Uncertainties about holding the mic and what to do with that awkward loose hand only add to the concern. Professional vocal trainer Steve Bowersox offers several simple suggestions to help ease this apprehension.

Mic Handling

1. Avoid blocking the mouth. As a beginner, set it on your chin slightly below the mouth. As you progress, move it away from your chin. This provides for a clearer line of sight and prevents P's from popping.

2. Don't stand behind the mic stand as you sing unless you're in a group or need to use both your hands. This prevents a communication barrier and gives you freedom to move.

3. Rehearse with a mic in front of a mirror to become comfortable and natural. Practice gestures and plan movements using the mic as a prop. Try to keep the mic on the up stage side.

4. A small amount of mic movement is fine, but nothing distracting. This keeps the sound consistent and helps the audio personnel. The audience should not notice the mic. Their attention should be on you, and your message.

5. Don't put a "death grip" on the mic. This is very distracting and doesn't communicate confidence. Keep the hand activity on the mic to a minimum.

Gestures

1. Keep hands and posture comfortable and confident. Don't block line of sight with the hands.

2. Be sure to understand the culture so as to not make any offensive gestures.

3. Feel free to move and look in different directions. Establish an invisible stage or set and be consistent in direction and staging.

4. Video a rehearsal and/or practice in front of a mirror.

- Adapted from the Vocal Aerobics Study Guide produced by the Bowersox Institute of Music

For more great vocal tips and training from Steve Bowersox check out his Vocal Aerobics Course: Vocal Aerobics 4: Enunciation And Performance