Notice → Redirect Attention Drill
The Notice→Redirect Attention Drill is designed to strengthen attentional control by practicing one of the core skills of mindfulness: recognizing when attention has wandered and intentionally returning it to the present moment. Rather than striving for uninterrupted focus, the objective is to repeatedly notice distractions without judgment and gently redirect attention to a chosen attentional anchor.
What is attentional control?
Attentional control is the ability to intentionally direct and sustain your focus while noticing when your mind has wandered. Rather than eliminating distractions, it involves recognizing them and gently returning your attention to what is most relevant in the present moment.
Why it matters for singers
Singing demands attention to many competing sources of information, including technique, expression, text, character, collaboration, and audience engagement. Under pressure, attention often shifts toward self-evaluation or future outcomes. Strengthening attentional control helps singers remain present with the task at hand, supporting more consistent performance, greater expressive freedom, and improved recovery from mistakes.
How to do the drill
Choose an attentional anchor. Select a single, concrete aspect of your experience to return to whenever you notice your attention wandering. Effective attentional targets are based on observable sensations or musical intentions rather than evaluations of performance.
Begin singing.
Notice when attention drifts. Remain nonjudgmental.
Redirect attention back to attentional anchor.
Repeat.
Sample Attentional Anchors
The sensation of inhalation expanding the torso
The continuity of exhalation on phonation
Contact between feet and the floor
Singing to one imagined “other” or listener
The music’s harmonic movement
Vibratory sensations in the body
Applications
Practice
Lessons
Rehearsals
Performance