Let’s be real for a second: singing can feel like standing naked in front of a crowd…with a fog machine…in the middle of an emotional monsoon. 😅
If you’re neurodivergent (hello, ADHD fam, autistic artists, and perfectionist powerhouse vocalists 👋), that vulnerability hits extra hard.
But here’s the good news — confidence isn’t some mystical gift you’re born with. It’s something you build, often one awkward high note at a time.
So, let’s walk through 15 ways to feel more confident when you sing, whether you’re rocking a mic on stage or belting in the shower.
😬 “Why Do I Freak Out When I Sing?”
You might be asking yourself, “How do I stop being so nervous when I’m singing?”
Well my friend, even Beyoncé started somewhere.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous and have stage fright when we sing, especially us with neurodivergent, overstimulated, squirrel brains.
And because singing is vulnerable, your nervous system is just trying to keep you safe!
Before we dig into the game-changing tips:
🌬️ Take a deep breath
👣 Feel your feet on the floor
🧠 And tell your brain: “Hey, we’re safe. We’re just making beautiful noise.”
How to Sing Confidently: Neurodivergent Edition
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1. Practice Like It’s a Ritual, Not a Chore
We know. Shocking advice.
But the more you sing, the more your brain goes, “Hey, maybe I don’t suck after all.”
So, make time and show up for your voice like you would for a friend.
Set up your cozy practice zone with some warm tea and a flickering candle. Put on your comfiest, least distracting clothes.
Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for progress.
Soon, you’ll become more familiar with your voice, your range, and your vocal control.
Pro tip: be sure to track your wins and “meh” moments in a voice journal, so you can keep track of how far you’ve come.
2. Warm Up That Voicebox, Baby
Athletes don’t step out onto the field and perform their best without warming up first. Singers are no different.
Remember, your voice is a muscle, so don’t throw your vocal cords into the deep end either.
Think of warming up as stretching your soul before you emotionally undress in public.
Doing vocal warm-up exercises can help prepare your voice and increase your confidence before singing.
You’ll soon make the connection that having a warmed-up voice gives you the freedom to hit the more powerful notes and showcase your showstopping vocal range.
3. Vocal Lessons = XP Points for Your Voice
A vocal coach can provide valuable feedback and help you advance your singing technique, which can in turn boost your confidence.
Don’t want to commit to a weekly lesson with a coach who calls you “darling”? Can’t afford lessons?
No problem!
YouTube is overflowing with helpful vocal nerds whose energy matches yours.
We highly recommend Cheryl Porter — she’s like if joy and vocal technique had a baby.
It doesn’t hurt that she’s also the #1 vocal coach in the world!
4. Record Yourself (Even If It Makes You Cringe)
Yes, your voice sounds different on recordings. No, the FBI isn’t changing it.
Even if you’re shocked and think, “Do I really sound like that?!”, you’ll soon get comfortable with the sound of your voice by recording.
Plus, recording your singing can help you identify areas of improvement and track your progress over time.
5. Sing in Front of Safe Humans (or Pets)
Whether it’s your partner, best friend, or the dog who thinks you’re already famous, singing in front of someone you trust helps rewire your fear response.
The more you practice singing in front of others, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
Not ready for humans? Pretend you’re on tour…for your houseplants. 🌱
It’s okay to start small. The goal is to prove to your brain, “We didn’t die. We can do this again.”
6. Ask for Feedback From People Who Won’t Destroy You
Thinking about receiving feedback might make you want to curl up inside yourself.
But getting feedback from a trusted friend or vocal coach is a good thing.
As intimidating as it is, constructive criticism can help you improve your skills — which ultimately builds your confidence.
So, find someone who’ll tell you the truth and remind you that you have a gift.
Find someone who can be honest and kind. Like:
✅ “Here’s what you did well”
✅ “Here’s what we can tweak”
❌ “You’re a terrible goblin and should never sing again” (We’re blocking that energy.)
7. Study Your Faves
Who are your favorite artists? Study them for inspiration — not imitation.
Study their music style, their vocal range, and their stage presence.
Take notes on what moves you and then infuse it with your magic.
Remember, you’re not supposed to sound like Billie Eilish. She’s already doing that.
You’re here to steal their confidence, not their identity.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to see which ones fit your unique sound the best.
8. Speak Confidence Into Existence
Whether good or bad, our brain believes the words we tell ourselves, and that’s why it’s especially important to speak words of confidence into your world.
Positive affirmations are an incredible way to sing more confidently.
Affirmations for singers:
🎤 My voice is strong and powerful.
🎤 I sing with emotion, power, and truth.
🎤 Even when I’m nervous, I still show up.
Try adding positive affirmations into your daily life, and ramp up their frequency leading up to your singing and performing.
9. Visualize the Performance of Your Dreams
Just like speaking positive affirmations, visualizing yourself not only being confident but feeling confident can make an incredible difference in how you view yourself and your voice.
Imagine yourself singing to a sold out arena, performing confidently and successfully.
From the sound of your voice to the audience’s reaction, try to visualize every detail of this experience.
Close your eyes. Picture the lights. The crowd. The chills.
You don’t need to book Madison Square Garden (yet). Just feel what it’s like to own your voice.
10. Unblock Your Throat Chakra
Chakras are energy centers arranged vertically along the core of the body that impact us emotionally and physically.
When your throat chakra (Vishuddha) is blocked, it can be difficult to express your full vocal range, and your voice might be prone to cracking.
If your throat feels tight when singing, try warming up your voice, humming, or saying what you really want to say out loud. (Therapist optional.)
Pro tip: These throat chakra affirmations can make a world of a difference in how free your voice feels.
11. Spotlight Your Strengths
Everyone possesses their own unique singing style and strengths.
What makes you stand out?
Maybe your tone is buttery smooth. Maybe your lyrics hit like poetry. Maybe you bring ALL the feels.
Zoom in on what makes you you, and build from there.
These are your secret weapons.
12. Improv Like Nobody’s Judging
Make up songs about your pets. Sing your grocery list. Turn anxious thoughts into a ballad.
It’s silly, yes — but surprisingly freeing.
Improvisation boosts confidence and helps you trust your instincts.
Plus, laughing helps loosen tension in your voice and brain.
Make a game out of it:
This one is really fun to do in a group setting.
Each person takes turns coming up with a line in a song and singing it back to each other, until you’ve created at least one verse and the chorus.
When you sing the thoughtful (or outrageous!) lyrics over and over, you can feel more powerful in your voice and stage presence.
13. Treat Your Body Like a Premium Instrument
Your body is your instrument, so it’s important to take care of it.
Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, be physically active, and sleep more than four hours.
Taking care of your body is not only a sign of nourishing yourself, it’s also a sign that you and your goals are important to you.
14. Believe in Yourself, Even If Your Anxiety Doesn’t
Yes, outside validation is important, but at the end of the day, believing in yourself comes down to you.
Confidence is like a stubborn plant — water it with patience, not perfectionism.
Start before you feel ready. And keep showing up.
You’re building that much needed trust with yourself.
And hey, if no one has told you this yet: you’re already doing better than you think.
15. Seriously…Have Fun
The world doesn’t need another polished, robotic singer.
It needs you — full of quirks, feels, and fire.
So, let loose, laugh off the off-notes, and enjoy the ride.
Joy is the secret ingredient to a confident performance.
Don’t let it get lost in the pressure to be perfect.
Don’t take yourself too seriously, and remember to enjoy the process.
TL;DR:
You don’t have to feel fearless to be confident.
You just need to show up, be real, and sing like only you can.
