JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Weekly Topic #111--Your performance skills

I'm a sweater too, Mike. I liked to dance. It was hard for me to stand still. By learning not to jump around so much, I sweated less and I missed fewer notes. My other biggest problem was turning my back on the audience. If I looked up and someone was smiling at me, Blang! I lost concentration. I began to stand to the right of the drummer where I could watch the drummer without my back being to the audience. I also was a mike eater. As I began to (be forced to) sing, I was so timid I was afraid to sing out. I'm still working on that one. Especially making eye contact.
I've also had complaints from drummers that I turn my bass down. Now I turn it up and go loud or soft using my hands instead of the volume knob.

The only thing that has given me more confidence is the feedback from more experienced musicians that tell me I'm good. I've found the only way to be a better performer is to perform. I learn something new everytime I get up there. It's like playing sports in that sometimes you have to forget about the people looking at you and just play with the guys. I think too much, I get tight, my hands cramp up and Blang! Never take the stage without warming up and stretching those muscles! I've learned the audience wants you to do well and sound good. Nobody is out there waiting for me to play the wrong note except me.