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04 Nov 05 - 01:56 PM (#1597443) Subject: How do I perform what I learned? From: chico This is another one of those performance question threads. I finally have my solo guitar and voice down but I haven't performed before ANYONE. It seems weird to not let anyone else listen to what I've done, like writing something and not letting anyone read it. So what do I do? How do I find perfomance venues? ( I work for free of course)? For example an old folks' home. How do I set up a performance there? What if it is a disaster? |
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04 Nov 05 - 02:04 PM (#1597451) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: wysiwyg For an old folks' home, just go in, sit in the day room, open the case, ask anyone present if they mind of you play and sing, and then just play for yourself. Ignore the people completely till you feel OK about noticing that they are there. They'll set the tone-- just respond. Soon you will either have an audience or an empty room. If you have an audience, an activities director will come by soon to see when you can come back. Start there, and you'll learn what you need to learn, about keeping an audience's attention. When you get good enough to gig elsewhere-- don't forget those folks waiting for that nice young man to come back. A Sunday afternoon is a good time to do this, when there are family members visiting as well. Other times are mid-morning (they nap after an early lunch), or while the dinner is being set up and people are being brought down for supper or congregating on their own. ~S~ |
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04 Nov 05 - 02:04 PM (#1597452) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Clinton Hammond Start by attending open mics and open stages at coffee houses and folk clubs and such... get yer 3 songs in, and enjoy watching others... It'll also give you a chance to get used to singing into a mic... and working a crowd... all things equally important to singing and playing guitar... I donno where you are, but Windsor Folk Culbs open stage is tonight.... www.windsorfolk.org And I host an Open Mic every Monday night @ the Kildare House in Windsor Ontario... I'd wager you'd be welcome to take part in either :-) |
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04 Nov 05 - 02:17 PM (#1597465) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Cluin Good advice so far. Also, try busking for honing your performance chops. Gives you a good idea of what people like to hear from you and what type of stuff you are good at performing. Be warned, it may not always be the kind of stuff you like to play or sing, though... |
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04 Nov 05 - 02:54 PM (#1597496) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: katlaughing Also, call the volunteer coordinator at retirement/old folks homes and hospices to offer your services. That's what I did and the staff as well as the residents seemed to really enjoy it. I just sat in the big *living* room at the hospice and played my dulcimer as if I was playing to myself at home. It felt wonderful and was well-received. I am working myself up to Clinton's suggestion, now.:-) I'm going to go scope out a few before I put myself up there, though. |
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04 Nov 05 - 02:56 PM (#1597497) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Clinton Hammond Come on out to mine KL! |
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04 Nov 05 - 08:26 PM (#1597705) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace chico Where are you? City/town? If town, what cities are you near? Lets get specific. Name a place and folks will likely direct you to open mics, people who could and would enjoy having your services--and especially at that price. Kids wards in hospitals, old age places, schools, neighbourhood centres. |
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04 Nov 05 - 08:31 PM (#1597707) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Maryrrf Busking can be kind of intimidating for a beginner. I think the idea of volunteering at retirement homes, etc. is a good idea. It is usually a friendly environment and the residents are very appreciative (assuming they're still fairly alert). |
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04 Nov 05 - 08:57 PM (#1597722) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: number 6 Clinton's advice is good ... also check out for any jam sessions .. there's gotta be some of these in your community .. if you don't know, go to some local music stores and find out ... I'm sure they will more than helpful to provide some guidance. sIx |
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04 Nov 05 - 10:00 PM (#1597763) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Bobert Got some goood news and some bad news, chico, and they both the same... ...yer jus' gonna have to do it, so get over it... Don't matter if it's an open mic 'er the Kennedy Center, ya' jus' gotta say to yerseff, "Hey, they don't arrest ya' 'er nuthin' sop jus' have some fun... even if you are terrorized... Don't pick nuthin' that you are havin' troublw with but pick stuff you could do in yer sleep and you will be fine... And, fir gosh sakes don'tr start yer set with "Ahhhh, I'm a bit nervous..." No, try something like, "I ain't done this too much but guess what??? I'm lookin' forward to sharin' my music with you all..." Once you get into yer set yer fine.... Trust me, yer fine... Bobert |
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04 Nov 05 - 10:10 PM (#1597771) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Cluin The main thing to remember is, Chico, don't be discouraged. Boy, am I dating myself. Hope I don't go blind. Seriously, never be daunted in public. (another dated quote, but a good one) |
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04 Nov 05 - 10:12 PM (#1597774) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace Yer gonna have good days and bad days. May the former outnumber the latter. |
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04 Nov 05 - 11:01 PM (#1597803) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Gypsy Another good place.......public parks. You can still play for yourself, and small children usually love to dance to live music. I really endorse the rest home thing......anything we can do for our elders is good. |
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04 Nov 05 - 11:25 PM (#1597815) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Cluin Another good thing about the open mic nights is the contacts you'll make there. Other musicians to jam with, maybe form a group and perform with. Means lots more learning, enjoyment, encouragement. I made some good friends at open mic nights (including Clinton Hammond) and it made me wish I started earlier. |
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04 Nov 05 - 11:46 PM (#1597822) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Clinton Hammond " Seriously, never be daunted in public." ... and if you are, go away like a cat! -Hemmingway- LOL |
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04 Nov 05 - 11:49 PM (#1597824) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Gurney Hospitals are good, but only the maternity ward. If you try surgical the patients will tell you to go away and multiply. |
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04 Nov 05 - 11:50 PM (#1597825) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace Is the "go away and multiply" anything like "sex and travel"? |
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05 Nov 05 - 01:56 AM (#1597854) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: GUEST,.gargoyle
The times are turning hard and the weather cold.
Why ????? Steal professional's subterranian profit
...,,,,,,
Practice over the four darkest months and emerge from your crysalyze with a tune, a voice, and a sales pitch.
Winter, flu, poor nutrition, inadequate food and clothing.... If you don't emerge at the end of winter - any bone looks like another in the masive pit in Paris. |
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05 Nov 05 - 09:15 AM (#1597988) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: MuddleC Chico, go someplace where they already 'do' music, open mike, sessision, folkclub..... wait until you hear someone who's worse than you.... then jump in and take part.... hell, if they let him/her play/sing and didn't throw anything....... you're gonna be ok!! the first step up to the 'spotlight' is always the worst.... it gets easier the more times you try... if you need the words or music still, so what... take a music stand but enjoy what you are doing best of regards |
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05 Nov 05 - 09:49 AM (#1597996) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Ferrara Bobert gave you very good advice, Chico, when he said to start by performing "stuff you could do in your sleep." Don't try to display your most impressive new stuff in the beginning. If you're nervous about the piece as well as about performing, you're bound to flub it. Start with the tried and true. Maybe before you do any of these performing things, you could practice performing for a few friends. (This is less risky for a musician than, say, a brain surgeon.) I am assuming you haven't done this because you say you haven't performed for ANYONE. So order some pizza, and invite a couple of friends over, with the agreed-on agenda of playing for them for half an hour to an hour. Get feedback if you have the nerve, otherwise just use it as a learning experience. Once you've performed for a small group of people, you will have a few "seasoned" songs in the sense that you know you have performed these in public and nobody threw tomatoes. For me that has always been a confidence builder. |
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05 Nov 05 - 10:07 AM (#1598002) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: GUEST,leeneia How about your family and friends? My first and greatest audience consisted of nieces and nephews. No matter what you do, they will love it. |
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05 Nov 05 - 10:48 AM (#1598020) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: katlaughing Thanks, CH, it's a bit of a travel at the moment, though! I'd love to! |
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05 Nov 05 - 11:27 AM (#1598029) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Leadfingers If you want to start performing 'Folk', the EASY option is to do it in UK or Eire ,as there are a LOT of places you can just turn up and 'Do a Spot' in front of an audience . If you are US based , I know its a lot harder finding ANYTHING that remotely resembles the UK Folk Club Scene . Best of luck , anyway ! |
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05 Nov 05 - 11:54 AM (#1598042) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Hand-Pulled Boy Playing at an old people's home is a good start but the novelty will soon wear off when you realise you're not getting any applause because they're all deaf! Open mic sessions are the logical place to play as you will gain the experience of being plugged-in and learning microphone technique. On stage it will sound totally different to anything you've done before as you probably won't be able to hear yourself properly, especially without stage monitors. But it's all valuable experience and you will learn to enjoy your new found frienships as well. Good luck. |
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05 Nov 05 - 11:59 AM (#1598046) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Bert Never forget that YOU are the best there is. They are very lucky to get to hear you. You are the greatest. Ok, now that you are in the right frame of mind - go for it. You might want to check out an open mike first before you go marching in there with your guitar in hand. They might not sing your kind of stuff. And one time I turned up for an open mike at a bar and no other performers showed up, so I had to sing for the whole evening. |
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05 Nov 05 - 04:49 PM (#1598241) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Tootler How about your family and friends? My first and greatest audience consisted of nieces and nephews. No matter what you do, they will love it. Or hate it :-) "Oh no! Dad's at it again!" |
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05 Nov 05 - 04:54 PM (#1598245) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace BUT, the kids never ask for "Melancholy Baby". |
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05 Nov 05 - 05:08 PM (#1598269) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Clinton Hammond "No matter what you do, they will love it" That's hardly useful feedback.... If I wanted that level of feedback, I'd only ever play for my mom... |
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05 Nov 05 - 06:59 PM (#1598352) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Goose Gander Friends and family, backyard BBQs, small parties and get-togethers. Several things might happen: Everyone leaves the room (good, because it makes you strong); folks politely listen, then ask you to play _________ (fill in the blanks); people sing along, harmonize, grab instruments (best of all). No matter what happens, have fun. |
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05 Nov 05 - 07:22 PM (#1598371) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: GUEST How do I perform what I learned? With pride, son, with pride. |
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05 Nov 05 - 07:31 PM (#1598377) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: katlaughing Sit out on your front step/porch/sidewalk and play for the neighbourhood. I do that, sometimes. Folks smile and wave as they go by..it's still an intimate-play-for-myself practice thing, but I know they are hearing it and enjoying it, too. Leadfingers, too true! I've called every music store etc I can find here and NO jam sessions to be found. My next hope is open mic nights. I don't want to do adverts with my home phone, so...*sigh*. All I really wanna do is have fun playing with other folks. kat |
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05 Nov 05 - 07:46 PM (#1598386) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: hilda fish I often find myself in various parts of the world invited to speak in my particular areas of expertise - I make a point of singing a relevant song at the start because I think it's important .... oh, for a lot of reasons. However I don't consider that 'performing' as the song itself is not the point, my thoughts and research in my areas of expertise are. Recently I thought I would overcome fearful performance anxiety and that very vexing question that you have raised, how do you start, by attending a session in someones home and giving it a go. I had my songs ready to go. I was gonna do it!! I passed the first circle as I thought it better to let the session get into gear a bit. However, after the first circle everyone just started doing their own songs, including a couple of choirs who really got into it. My chance was lost! The lesson is, and as everyone else is saying, just get in at ANY opportunity, and do it. One important point has been raised which is the one about doing stuff for free. Do that only where you are not doing a musician out of a job. If you dither, as I did, you'll lose the opportunity and that's one less experience and one less round of confidence you have. |
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06 Nov 05 - 08:47 AM (#1598598) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: JennyO Which reminds me hilda - I wonder when the next pablo sessions are? Haven't heard anything lately from Tom. Next time, if you look like you're gonna miss your turn on the first round, I'll give you a bit of a shove :-) Jenny |
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06 Nov 05 - 09:07 AM (#1598606) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: number 6 "If you want to start performing 'Folk', the EASY option is to do it in UK or Eire ,as there are a LOT of places you can just turn up and 'Do a Spot' in front of an audience ." Leadfingers ... here in Canada we call them Open Mics ... becoming more and more popular. "I've called every music store etc I can find here and NO jam sessions to be found." It's the opposite here in Saint John ... music stores (ok all 4 of them) are more than just music stores, they also promote and communicate what is happeining, and who has what going on in the music community ... but then again I find this more of a Canadian Maritime characteristic .. not so true I found when living Tornoto. sIx |
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06 Nov 05 - 09:57 AM (#1598624) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Richard Bridge Morris sides usually have a bit of a drink and a sing after dancing - and I know they exist in the USA and may be easier to find - someone at such a drink/sing may know of a session that is not advertised, or there may even be a magazine that lists such sessions. Similar possibility with shanty singers. Alternatively approximate your location here and see what the power of the mudcat can find! |
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07 Nov 05 - 07:56 AM (#1599237) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Nick Some excellent advice above. Definitely agree never to pass first time round on a singaround as it gets harder the longer you leave it. I only started singing a couple of years ago after the best part of 50 years of being too nervous to do it in public. I thought I'd comment on your "What if it is a disaster?" question. After I had been singing a bit for a while in our local singaround I decided to go and try and play elsewhere and went to a club near Whitby. Came the end of the evening I decided to give it a go. Unmitigated disaster would be an understatement. Firstly I had probably had too much to drink. Secondly I picked a song that I didn't know well enough. I then forgot most of the words. Then forgot most of the guitar part. Then lost the plot totally and gave up - probably feeling as acutely embarrassed as I could feel in front of a bunch of strangers. But I'm still alive and still sing and in a strange way always look back on that as a huge turning point. People were very sweet about it - noone laughed (outwardly at least :)!), people were supportive and I realised the next day that however bad that was I had survived it and it couldn't be that bad ever again. And it hasn't been. I'm even quite calm when I forget the first line to songs which is a new knack that I seem recently to specialise in. These days I still get nervous but try to sing as early as possible in the evening as I can and then thoroughly enjoy myself. I hope you do too. Good luck. PS "It seems weird to not let anyone else listen to what I've done, like writing something and not letting anyone read it." Is this a bit like the tree falling in the forest and noone hearing it thing? Or the associated one of 'If a man speaks and there is no woman round to hear him is he still wrong?' |
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10 Nov 05 - 12:40 AM (#1601173) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Bert Kat, you could try to start a club in your area. Invite a few friends along for a singalong and take it from there. Nick, You're right, I've found people to be very supportive of new singers. We can all remember our first time with similar horror. And I hate to say this but you might never get over being nervous, I sure haven't, even after 80 shows on Mudcat Radio. |
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10 Nov 05 - 01:10 AM (#1601183) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace I have been working on two songs, starting again with guitar after lotsa years. The guitar is coming back fast, but my voice is terrible. That will take lots of time. However, the songs will cover some of that mostly because they are the best things I've ever written. I dread singing for people now. DREAD it. I never had this difficulty before, but man it's strange. Having said that, I know I have to undergo an 'education' again to do with the stage, the audience and the singer (that's me). I somehow think the work will payoff somehow--even if only in an 'artistic' sense. Nervous? Friggin' right. Too nervous? My momma didn't raise me to be no quitter. All THAT aside, I don't know if I'll enjoy my first few times on stage, but it's the price ya gotta pay. |
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10 Nov 05 - 12:31 PM (#1601549) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Dave Wynn Bert..you beat me to it. We needed a folk club in my home town and so we started one. 23 years and some grey hairs ago. Still running and I still play there. Do it KatL if there aint none you need one. Spot the Dog |
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10 Nov 05 - 03:28 PM (#1601632) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: GUEST,Marion Hi Chico. I've played in many nursing homes, sometimes as a volunteer and sometimes as a paid gig, and I think it's a great way to get some confidence performing. WYSIWYG said: For an old folks' home, just go in, sit in the day room, open the case, ask anyone present if they mind of you play and sing, and then just play for yourself. Maybe you could get away with that in a small town. I wouldn't recommend it in a city. Nursing homes aren't public space - they're people's homes, and vulnerable people at that. Many will have security staff/policies to prevent random people from strolling in. And even if they don't, it's questionable manners to invite yourself in, even if you know your intentions are honourable. A better way would be to call and ask for the activities director and make an appointment. If you've got a lot of stage fright, maybe you could arrange to be a "strolling" performer instead of doing a concert. What you would do is spend a shorter time in several different locations within the facility. That way you're playing for smaller audiences and don't need to mess around with sound systems. The only problem is that it can be a bit of a tease if you spend too short a time in each location. By the time people hear that you're there and come out, you're gone. I also think that busking is a lot of fun. I know that many people find it intimidating; others, like me, have less stage fright busking because I know that no matter how bad I screw up, in five minutes everybody who heard it will be gone. You know yourself best, so consider if you think you'd enjoy this. You may find it psychologically easier (though probably less profitable) to start in a park rather than a busy street corner. Others have suggested playing on front porches or park benches. I think these are also great ideas - you can get used to the fact that other people can hear you without the stress of having them pay you their full attention. Good luck Chico, and let us know how it goes. Marion |
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10 Nov 05 - 06:46 PM (#1601779) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Bert Peace, don't worry about a terrible voice. Louis Armstrong had an awful voice but could still make a soung sound great. Go for it. |
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10 Nov 05 - 07:21 PM (#1601811) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: The Fooles Troupe Practice, practice, practice! |
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11 Nov 05 - 06:15 PM (#1602668) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Ferrara Marion's suggestions about being a "strolling player" in nursing homes reminded me of something. When I was in high school, I had a year of home tutoring because I had rheumatic fever. Once I was well again, my mom said, "Rita, do you remember how it cheered you up when other students came to visit you? Let's do something to pass that on." So, she phoned the Red Cross to see whether musical hospital visits would be welcome. They arranged to wheel a piano from ward to ward at various hospitals in the area. Later, my sister played accordion (very well, I might add) which was more portable. We took half a dozen of our high school friends, and we led sing-alongs on the wards. We usually started with real old chestnuts like "I've Been Working on the Railroad," and I can't remember what else we played and sang, but there was almost always participation and happy smiles. I have no idea whether this can still be done, or whether the Red Cross is an appropriate place to make inquiries. I also don't know whether we'd have been nearly so popular if we hadn't all been high school girls in our best dresses :-) but it was a very rewarding activity. Rita |
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18 Nov 05 - 03:09 PM (#1608348) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: katlaughing Well, here goes. I've been asked to play at one of the local stores, as a holiday offering. Whatever I want to play on my dulcimer for two hours with a couple of breaks. It will be different than the hospice, I know. Retail is not one of my favs, but the owners of the store are pretty neat and laid-back as are their customers, so it should be fun. Best of all, I'll be free to play improv which is one of my fav. things to do with the dulcimer. Now, I don't have a thing to wear! Have to find something! kat |
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18 Nov 05 - 08:15 PM (#1608574) Subject: RE: How do I perform what I learned? From: Peace So, where IS ol' Chico? |