Feeling at ease on stage is something all performing musicians should strive for. Here are a few points that can go a long way to making you feel comfortable while performing live…
Play live as much as possible – This one is obvious. The more you play out the easier it will become to perform in front of an audience. Don’t expect to be perfectly at ease the first time you play live.
Practice on a daily basis – If you don’t practice regularly, you will find that playing your instrument becomes more strenuous (for lack of a better term). All sought after musicians have one thing in common – they practice. Regular practice ensures that you can perform at your highest possible level at any given time.
Stay healthy – This doesn’t only account for the way you feel, but your appearance too. Many people in show business know and understand this point. Exercise, a healthy diet and daily multivitamins can be a huge asset to performing live.
Look after your image – It’s not called “show business” for no reason. You should strive to present yourself in the best possible way when performing in front of people. There is a saying that says “if you’re looking good, you’re feeling good”. This is 100% true!
Maintain your equipment – Have you ever wondered why professional guitarists employ a guitar technician? This is because maintenance on their instruments is usually a lot of work, especially if you play out regularly. Be sure to keep your gear in good condition with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Sound is important – Onstage monitoring can make or break your performance. Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t hear yourself on stage? If you have, then you know that it doesn’t make live performances a walk in the park. A good sound engineer can be a huge asset to any performing musician.