Yep.
More than one and you get an inflated impression of how well you're playing. Mind you, that goes for the audience as well.
- Thread starter Melissa
- Start date
Yep.
More than one and you get an inflated impression of how well you're playing. Mind you, that goes for the audience as well.
adouglas
Well-known member
Drinking gives you an inflated impression of how well the audience is playing? You sure that's just alcohol you're consuming?
Adwex
Well-known member
Long story short.....I was absolutely petrified my first time. I don't think anything you do, or anything we say is going to prevent you from being nervous and scared. It's just something you have to get over. Think of it like I did, as a personal challenge that you are going to face, period. Just focus on the songs and go through them in your head before you go up, try to block everything else out. Hate to say it, but you're gonna be nervous, no way around it. Just focus! Nothing else matters.
By my 4th time, I couldn't wait to get up there. Once you're confident, you'll be anxious to go.
Adam
By my 4th time, I couldn't wait to get up there. Once you're confident, you'll be anxious to go.
Adam
Jimmyb
Well-known member
OK, I'll play...
Make sure your gear works and don't make any last minute changes (I decided once to re-string my guitar 10 minutes before we were due to start. It got messy)
Everyone will want to enjoy themselves, so they'll be on your side from the start.
Smile, enjoy what you're doing. If you make a mistake, shrug it off.
I'll definitely agree with the advice that if you play something wrong once, play it again. I've done it for years!
Make sure your gear works and don't make any last minute changes (I decided once to re-string my guitar 10 minutes before we were due to start. It got messy)
Everyone will want to enjoy themselves, so they'll be on your side from the start.
Smile, enjoy what you're doing. If you make a mistake, shrug it off.
I'll definitely agree with the advice that if you play something wrong once, play it again. I've done it for years!
Dr. Nick
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum, Melissa! Good to have you onboard.
There's a lot of good advice in this thread...I would stress the importance of not acknowledging your mistakes--the audience rarely notices, and I've actually had people ask me "what were you apologizing about? We didn't hear anything bad!"
Long, long ago, when I first started gigging, I would be terrified, not face the audience and basically try to make myself as small as possible!
My breakthrough moment came many years ago playing at a club called "Tulagi's" in Boulder, CO., a pretty good-sized club that would get a huge crowd. (I think it is still there) I was nervous and worried (as usual), until I actually looked out in the audience halfway through the night and saw an ocean of people dancing, heads bobbing in time (and a solid line of sorority girls gazing at us from right in front of the stage! ) And then it dawned on me: I am making this happen! ME!!!, These people are grooving to my bassline! Ever since then, I've been alot more at ease on stage, even when it is just a god-awful trainwreck! I just shake my head and smile…after all, you are the one on stage, not them! Most of the audience wishes they had the talent and courage to get up there and play—you are the one that is actually doing it!
These days, I have no problem...I'll get up on any stage at any time and make a complete fool out of myself! It doesn't bother me at all..I mean, like, what's the worst that could happen? Are they going to shoot me?
As an added benefit, I find that playing all those gigs (especially the “trainwrecks”) has really helped me in my job, in which I often have to speak to large groups…I figure if I can survive those gigs, I can survive a 20 minute presentation to 2,000 people!
So hold your head up high and go for it! Once you get over the initial nervousness, you’ll be fine, and you’ll realize that’s there’s nothing to worry about! (and if all else fails, remember the root-five is your friend! )
Good luck!
There's a lot of good advice in this thread...I would stress the importance of not acknowledging your mistakes--the audience rarely notices, and I've actually had people ask me "what were you apologizing about? We didn't hear anything bad!"
Long, long ago, when I first started gigging, I would be terrified, not face the audience and basically try to make myself as small as possible!
My breakthrough moment came many years ago playing at a club called "Tulagi's" in Boulder, CO., a pretty good-sized club that would get a huge crowd. (I think it is still there) I was nervous and worried (as usual), until I actually looked out in the audience halfway through the night and saw an ocean of people dancing, heads bobbing in time (and a solid line of sorority girls gazing at us from right in front of the stage!
) And then it dawned on me: I am making this happen! ME!!!, These people are grooving to my bassline! Ever since then, I've been alot more at ease on stage, even when it is just a god-awful trainwreck! I just shake my head and smile…after all, you are the one on stage, not them! Most of the audience wishes they had the talent and courage to get up there and play—you are the one that is actually doing it!These days, I have no problem...I'll get up on any stage at any time and make a complete fool out of myself! It doesn't bother me at all..I mean, like, what's the worst that could happen? Are they going to shoot me?
As an added benefit, I find that playing all those gigs (especially the “trainwrecks”) has really helped me in my job, in which I often have to speak to large groups…I figure if I can survive those gigs, I can survive a 20 minute presentation to 2,000 people!
So hold your head up high and go for it! Once you get over the initial nervousness, you’ll be fine, and you’ll realize that’s there’s nothing to worry about! (and if all else fails, remember the root-five is your friend!
)Good luck!
yup, just like anything else, it gets easier the more you do it. still, once in awhile you get to do something new and get to feel that old nervous feeling all over again... usually not quite so bad, tho.
i find that the more prepared i am, the less nervous i get. i know i kick ass now but it took me a long time to get here. open mics can be a good way to get your first stage exposure.
Melissa
Well-known member
Belated response now that my internet connection isn't on the fritz.
I never thought that playing live would be less nerve-wracking that sitting in my lessons or just practicing in general. Thanks for all the input. Since the most I'd ever done is perform in competition settings I didn't realize how much more relaxing just playing for an audience would be.
Can't wait to do it again!
I jumped the age limit fence a loooong time ago. :lol:
Thanks, Dr. Nick! That is exactly what happened to me. Nervous when I got up there to get set up, but once I looked out and saw people bobbing their heads and really enjoying the music it didn't really matter any more, but that didn't stop me from being glad I came over prepared, just in case.Welcome to the forum, Melissa! Good to have you onboard.
I was nervous and worried (as usual), until I actually looked out in the audience halfway through the night and saw an ocean of people dancing, heads bobbing in time (and a solid line of sorority girls gazing at us from right in front of the stage!
I never thought that playing live would be less nerve-wracking that sitting in my lessons or just practicing in general. Thanks for all the input. Since the most I'd ever done is perform in competition settings I didn't realize how much more relaxing just playing for an audience would be.
Can't wait to do it again!
roballanson
Well-known member
I'll definitely agree with the advice that if you play something wrong once, play it again. I've done it for years!
Man I disagree....perhaps in rehearsal but never go back live....always carry on.
(if I read this wrong I apologies....)
roballanson
Well-known member
Yeaqh glad the first went ok.....and good to hear you want more, there is nothing more fun than a room of people jumping to your basslines...
strummer
Enormous Member
Just a quick question for all of you who play live.
My instructor has been trying to get me to play in more public venues for a couple of months now and, well, frankly it scares the hell out of me. Apparently I no longer get the option and my excuse of being new at this isn't working anymore.
I was just wondering how you all dealt with playing in front of a lot of people for the first time and does it get easier with time?
Thanks!
really knowing the music you are going to play is good. Confidence shines through on stage.
Find a cute guy in the audience, and play for him. Works for me (with a girl, duh)
That said, I still (after +25 years on stages, mostly small ones) get real nervous, but as soon as we´re off on the first song I enjoy myself tremendously.
Dr. Nick
Well-known member
Thanks, Dr. Nick! That is exactly what happened to me. Nervous when I got up there to get set up, but once I looked out and saw people bobbing their heads and really enjoying the music it didn't really matter any more, but that didn't stop me from being glad I came over prepared, just in case.
Glad to hear it went well, Melissa! Audience appreciation is always gratifying! Now your a veteran!
Ole Man Blues
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2006
- Messages
- 482
I started playing guitar in 1963. Had my 1st gig in 1966 at age 15 in our School auditorium in front of 400 students and teachers, my peers. We had a drummer, lead guitar and me, I played rymthm guitar and sang, no backup voices just me. Baptised with fire, thrown into fire face first. I was scared, but I wanted to play live music more than the fears I faced.
Our Asst principal liked our music and gave me supporting words of encourgement. I don't remember exactly what he said but it was something like make em beg for more, give em all ya got. We were part of a musical show that our music teacher put on and were scheduled to play 2 songs, but we were such a hit with everyone we played 2 songs and 2 encore songs. When I got home that night the phone did not stop ringing till after midnite, Girls calling . The next day in school I was treated with a lot more respect from the kids and teachers. We were called to parties, dances or whenever music was needed.
I never was nervous again till a few years ago when we played a hugh Church in St Louis Michigan with about 4,000 in attendance. But I was ok after the music got started and began concentrating on the job at hand and not on the crowd.
The moral to the story..........you've done it, you're hooked, now go have fun girl.....
OMB
Our Asst principal liked our music and gave me supporting words of encourgement. I don't remember exactly what he said but it was something like make em beg for more, give em all ya got. We were part of a musical show that our music teacher put on and were scheduled to play 2 songs, but we were such a hit with everyone we played 2 songs and 2 encore songs. When I got home that night the phone did not stop ringing till after midnite, Girls calling
. The next day in school I was treated with a lot more respect from the kids and teachers. We were called to parties, dances or whenever music was needed.I never was nervous again till a few years ago when we played a hugh Church in St Louis Michigan with about 4,000 in attendance. But I was ok after the music got started and began concentrating on the job at hand and not on the crowd.
The moral to the story..........you've done it, you're hooked, now go have fun girl.....
OMB
Caca de Kick
Well-known member
See that's was fun wasn't it? It just becomes second nature.
I always tell people; 'my worst night on stage is still better than my best day at work'.
Melissa
Well-known member
Thanks! Apparently I was "impressive " so I'm taking that as a good sign.
Now if only school wasn't in the way.
That is a great story, OMB.
Now looking back on it I don't know what I was so afraid of.
I can see that!
Motojunkie
Well-known member
Glad to hear that everything went well!
So, what songs are you playing? Covers or originals? Style of music?
So, what songs are you playing? Covers or originals? Style of music?
Melissa
Well-known member
Literally a bit of everything, classical to rock. I've been sticking with covers from The Beatles, Barenaked Ladies, Rush, matchbox twenty, Queen, and Led Zeppelin. I get to play Bach this weekend. I've only been playing, literally, a few months, so my list is a bit limited still.
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bovinehost
Administrator
Beatles?
Barenaked Ladies?
We are now officially friends.
Jack
Barenaked Ladies?
We are now officially friends.
Jack
brooklynfall
Well-known member
I've found (and this has served me well for many many gigs) that a shot of Jack DIRECTLY before going on stage does wonders for my background vocals AND my stage presence. I loosen up just the right amount! Vocals too - who would have thought it? But the alcohol does something, no joke ...
