Building my performance confidence

[Muffinhead]

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I would like to try busking, but I was afraid that I would be too nervous to pull it off. Well tonight my wife and I went to a kareoke bar. It was my wife who encouraged me to go and do this because she knew I was apprehensive about busking.

Well, much to my surprise, I nailed both songs I sang. I did Take Me Home Country Road and The Sweetest Thing. They are two songs that I love to sing.

I was nervous, but once I started singing I was so into the songs I totally forgot about being nervous.

Now I know that I can do the same thing with a guitar in my hands.

BTW,the applause was such a turn on.

[JanVigne]

"BTW,the applause was such a turn on."




Ted Cruz, my Texas senator, agrees.


Good luck with your adventure.

[craigj]

Originally Posted by Muffinhead

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I would like to try busking, but I was afraid that I would be too nervous to pull it off. Well tonight my wife and I went to a kareoke bar. It was my wife who encouraged me to go and do this because she knew I was apprehensive about busking.

Well, much to my surprise, I nailed both songs I sang. I did Take Me Home Country Road and The Sweetest Thing. They are two songs that I love to sing.

I was nervous, but once I started singing I was so into the songs I totally forgot about being nervous.

Now I know that I can do the same thing with a guitar in my hands.

BTW,the applause was such a turn on.

I use a digital recorder and listen close to the playback for where I need to work on the vocals. Your voice sounds so different outside your own head.

[Muffinhead]

Originally Posted by JanVigne

"BTW,the applause was such a turn on."

Ted Cruz, my Texas senator, agrees.

I don't know what that means, but thanks for the comment.

[JanVigne]

Playing to the crowd is either a talent or a tactic.

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by Muffinhead

. They are two songs that I love to sing.

I was nervous, but once I started singing I was so into the songs I totally forgot about being nervous.

The only way to truly lose performance anxiety is to completely surrender to the song. You have just experienced this. Congratulations.

Steve

[pf400]

So true Steve, completely surrender to the song. I take that as meaning "take control of yourself, forget everything around you and dedicate yourself to the song". If I start worrying or stressing over the presence of the audience, my posture, my facial expressions, my mistakes, etc, my hands just don't respond the way they normally would in practice.

Also, give yourself a break by doing a very easy song or piece...really helps you to relax and have fun.

[oldhippiegal]

Originally Posted by El Conquistador

The only way to truly lose performance anxiety is to completely surrender to the song. You have just experienced this. Congratulations.

Steve

Truer words....