michelle,
i agree with your observation that 'normal' breathing goes out the
window when someone starts 'trying to sing'. if you meant to imply that
'normal' breathing is not a method, i have to disagree with you. it is a
method and i think it is the best method (while some might argue that point,
it is certainly the easiest method and one that most potential students are
closest to already mastering).
in dealing with nervousness, one has to figure out exactly what makes
a student nervous. it is nearly universally accepted that being unprepared
is a guarantee for being nervous (although, sometimes, it can be very
exciting, it is not a drug i'd like to be addicted to). it is also
universally accepted that biting off more than one can chew is also a recipe
for nervousness. while it is assumed that expectations of success can
heighten the nervousness, it is a consideration that is often swept under the
rug. 'expecting to be mediocre' is a possible solution. that way, if
something wonderful happens, it is a delightful surprise rather than just a
relief. and, if things turn out to be mediocre, well then, that's what the
plan was in the first place.
being nervous about breathing is to expect it to do things it doesn't.
if we can show a student that the act of singing uses a certain amount of
breath, in a certain way and, the student sees for himself/herself how that
works, they'd be idiots to try anything else.
i'm still amazed by how much more nervous singers get by the thought
of performing than they do about the ride to the theater (you can die in a
car. you can only make an ass of yourself on the stage).
mike
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