How to Know Where to Stand When Singing Into a Microphone on Stage

Knowing where to stand when singing into a microphone on stage is a foundational skill that will add confidence and professionalism to your show. Making sure the mic is at the right height, with your monitor below-- and that the equipment is disinfected so that you can sing without worry-- is pretty much all you need.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wipe off the microphone with a disinfectant towelette before using it, if it isn't your personal mic. You'll likely need to be very close to the microphone once the amps are on, especially if you have a band, in order for the mic to pick you up properly. Make sure the towel isn't wet, as that could ruin the mic. Prepackaged towelettes that are slightly damp that work fine.

2. Stand in front of your monitor and extend the microphone over it. This way you can hear yourself and sing into the mic all in the same spot.

3. Do a sound check with the sound engineer. If the microphone isn't picking up your voice, don't be afraid to let your lips touch the mic while singing. After all, this is why you wiped it with disinfectant in the first place. If you do need to be this close, make sure to make your consonants softer so as not to cause popping sounds.

4. Find the exact position where your voice sounds the best and don't move from it. Moving a few inches to the front, back or sideways will change the levels you just worked to set. Work out your nerves through your voice, not your body. If this is still difficult, picture yourself in the shower singing and stay under the spray of the faucet. As a general rule, dynamic singers should stand about a foot away from the microphone and less dynamic singers should be very close (four to six inches away).

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your chest lifted and maintain proper breath support. Adjust the microphone's height and position so that you aren't hunched over or reaching for it.