michael1966
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My main instrument is: Circa (John Slobod) OM or a Martin OM-28 Marquis.
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Post by michael1966 on Jan 9, 2016 19:01:40 GMT
I am considering playing my first solo open-mic this coming Thursday. I find the thought very scary! I wonder if any of you have advice for dealing with stage nerves, especially for a virgin solo performer Yours, in terror and trepidation, Mike
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Post by scorpiodog on Jan 9, 2016 19:49:47 GMT
Ah. Terror and trepidation. I know them well.
First off, make sure that what you're going to play is so well rehearsed that you can almost do it in your sleep. Rehearse your set in the exact order you'll play it and, as far as you can, put yourself into the playing situation you'll encounter at the open mic. So if you're going to play standing up practice standing up. If you're singing then sing into a mic in your practice. If you'll be playing with a music stand, practice with a music stand, not with your words/chords/music on a chair.
Rehearse this way a lot. You cannot prepare yourself too well.
Make sure you check and double check everything you'll need with you in very good time before you leave the house. Then, when you set off you'll have nothing to worry about except the event. Be particularly certain that anything battery operated has fresh batteries and take spares as well.
Put new strings on your guitar now, and play the guitar until they are at their optimum quality. Of course, if you like the sound of new strings, put them on just before the event.
When you get to the venue be chatty and friendly to everybody, even if you don't feel like it. It's absolutely fine to admit how scared you are. Everybody will understand and sympathise. If there's a sound engineer, make a point of talking to him and ask his name. Use his name when you talk to him. He's going to be in control of making you sound as good as possible, so be sure he understands what sound you're after and that he likes you!
Don't drink alcohol before you perform.
Make sure your instrument is in tune before you get to the stage and check again just before you start your performance.
Enjoy yourself and smile while you're playing. Your enjoyment will be infectious and your audience will enjoy it all the more.
If you're properly prepared, you won't have time for nerves during the performance, so the worst it gets is just before your performance starts. When you've finished you'll have an enormous buzz and that will make you want to do it again... And again... And again.
Break a leg, Mike. Please be sure to tell us how it goes.
Have a ball.
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Jan 9, 2016 21:21:41 GMT
I am considering playing my first solo open-mic this coming Thursday. I find the thought very scary! I wonder if any of you have advice for dealing with stage nerves, especially for a virgin solo performer Yours, in terror and trepidation, Mike I understand what you are going through - I have over the last few weeks (3 occasions) started taking my guitar to singers nights (take turns around the room - very informal in your own seat) at my local folk club and found it very nerve racking despite it being a very friendly atmosphere. I think I put pressure on myself but most of the others make mistakes i.e. forget words or chords and honestly nobody really cares as long as you have ago. In view of this I have been trying to think it's just a bit a fun and so far it has gone ok - no major cock ups and I intend to carry on trying. Everyone says the more you do it the easier it gets - that remains to be seen. Not sure what your open-mic is but Pauls advice above seems very good for a more formal get up on stage type of thing so I just wanted to wish you luck Cheers Phil
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 9, 2016 22:34:10 GMT
Good news there Phil - stick at it - it does get less scary....a little anyway! Mike - don't just consider it - make your mind up now that you will do it! All the very best to you. And, you won't get better advice than paul offered in the first response to your post! Keith
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Post by lavaman on Jan 9, 2016 23:04:36 GMT
The only thing I would add to scorpiodog's excellent advice is when you go onto the stage, take your time, and don't rush. Look at the audience, say hello, check your in tune, and start slowly. Keep calm take a deep breath and don't rush.
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jan 10, 2016 13:35:13 GMT
Don't believe a word of the encouraging stuff you are being told! this is reality of first attempt in public, solo.
--practice for a week; can do all 3 three songs in my sleep, backwards, no lyric sheet needed --dog thinks it's great, doesn't leave the room --turn up an hour early at the club --take guitar into toilet; tune up; final practice; hear a few people snigger while you're locked in stall 3 for 40 mins --ready to go; final pee; no need to shake, as hands are already doing that --go into the room; there's at least 10 people there! help --room fills up 40 people (most look like they're players --help they've all got great guitars not like my old thing; they must be pros? --bloo*y hell those first 2 acts were good; they actually told a joke or two. And one of them had an iPad attached to his mic stand; was he looking up the football scores? --is it my turn yet? Oh no he's calling my name and telling them I'm a newbie as well, as if I'm not nervous enough --make my way onto the little stage, take lyric sheets with me as comfort blankets. --that da*n light is bright can hardly see --the intro I'd rehearsed has gone totally, still, mumble a bit and better get started. --why's it gone so quiet? --can't remember the first da*n line; how does it start? --glance at lyric sheet; bu**er and Bu**er, forgot the specs, can hardly see the it --da*n, it says capo on 3 and I've left the capo on the toilet cistern; bet some bu**er's nicked it; I'll just have to try and groan a bit a few keys lower --well just about got through the first verse but missed out at least 4 chords somewhere; chorus should be better 'cos everyone knows it --why am I singing twice as fast as I should? --getting into the swing and they're all joining in; to drown me out?? --The old boys seem to like it but the ladies are struggling to sing in a contralto key --next verse; why are some of them singing different words? --Da*n and triple da*n, I've skipped to the last verse and missed 2 out. --Never mind, I'll pretend its 'my version'..... --Thank god that's the first one over, only 2 to go .........
And at the end I'm a quivering wreck; I bet I've lost about 3 pounds as the sweat is running down my back. I've never played so badly before; even the dog would leave the room; I'll never do it again!
Hang on, they're all applauding!!! Must be a sympathy round? But no, as I walk back a couple of people whisper 'well done' and 'look forward to hearing you next time'.
A few drinks later and I'm hoping someone doesn't turn up so I can do an encore; or on second thoughts .......
Message is; you're not on your own; everyone wants you to succeed and they will admire your courage even if you muck things up a bit. Give it a go and you'll enjoy it afterwards!
Wish I could follow my own advice!!!!!!!
Good luck
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Post by scorpiodog on Jan 10, 2016 13:55:43 GMT
Oh, FFJ. This stuff's all supposed to stay secret, only to be discussed with others who've lost their performing virginity!
Mike, don't believe a word of it. Well, OK. One or two words you can believe. Actually, more than one or two. Everything except the dog bit, really.
But everybody who's ever performed has encountered problems. My pet one is the two left hand syndrome. Even now 8 or 9 years after I started playing out, I cock it up with appalling regularity. But that smile I mentioned earlier will carry you through. That and the encouragement you'll get from everybody who's gone through it (probably most of the audience) and the rest won't even notice whether you make mistakes.
It's all worth it for the buzz!
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Wild Violet
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Post by Wild Violet on Jan 10, 2016 14:53:13 GMT
I drank 5 pints. I wouldn't recommend using my method. It took a long time before I was able to perform without a drink first...
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 10, 2016 15:32:06 GMT
Great post FFJ!
K
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michael1966
Strummer
Posts: 21
My main instrument is: Circa (John Slobod) OM or a Martin OM-28 Marquis.
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Post by michael1966 on Jan 11, 2016 8:47:18 GMT
Thanks everyone. That's some really comprehensive advice from scorpiodog, thank you. And thank you FFJ for your take on the reality of things - brilliant!
Mike
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Post by andyhowell on Jan 13, 2016 7:55:18 GMT
Don't drink alcohol until after. Choose songs well within your comfort zone. Take your time getting there — check your tuning when you get up to the mic, a good thing this but also a chance to take a breath. Be aware of the tendency to start playing too quickly (as you have to finish!). Talk to the audience, at least tell them about the song and what it means to you (more good breaths).
And then when it's after ....
... resolve to do it again very soon!
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Post by geddarby on Jan 13, 2016 11:43:17 GMT
Fatfinger forgot to mention the trembling left leg.
Ged
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stringdriventhing
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Post by stringdriventhing on Jan 13, 2016 11:54:58 GMT
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jan 13, 2016 13:08:46 GMT
Fatfinger forgot to mention the trembling left leg. Ged And the fact that some begger on just before you pinches the song you've been practising and does it miles better than you!
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Post by geddarby on Jan 13, 2016 13:16:23 GMT
Despite having experienced all these trials and tribulations I once played a set and when I had finished someone said to me you sounded like Frank Stokes.
I couldn't find a doorway wide enough to get my head through after that.
Ged.
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