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stage presence
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NormanKliman
Posts: 1143
Joined: Sep. 1 2007
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RE: stage presence (in reply to at_leo_87)
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Think of people who you enjoy listening to when they speak, and think of other people who you don't enjoy listening to. Politicians, teachers, people at work... Why do you like listening to some but not to others? Flamenco has some serious moments, but it's a good idea to keep things open and friendly with your body language and facial expression. Hey, as if you were having a good time... I contend that most people get bored with solo guitar, even a long falseta when there's cante, baile, etc. I'm not defending that kind of reaction but I think it's the truth. So it's probably a good idea to be expressive when you play, to give people something to watch while they listen. Personally, I don't like to see guitarists grimace too much: eyes shut tight, clenched jaw, baring teeth, as if something horrible were happening! In that sense, Antonio Moya and Diego de Morón are very different onstage.
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Date Apr. 19 2010 23:12:34
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guitarristamadrid
Posts: 133
Joined: Jan. 27 2010
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RE: stage presence (in reply to at_leo_87)
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**** yeah Leo, I'm glad you brought this up. Stage presence is 50 percent of your show. Why? Cause the music is one way of expressing your personality, and your stage presence is the other way. And as an artist, you better damn well use every means available to you. And Deniz, you are right for calling out Jesus on his mopey, eyes on the floor style. Bless his heart, he's a great player, but what the hell, Entri has more presence when he tunes the guitar. Several times when I brought friends by to see Jesus play, they almost didn't believe me that he was a well known flamenco artist. So stage presence. People want it. Give it to them
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Date Apr. 20 2010 5:18:11
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srshea
Posts: 833
Joined: Oct. 29 2006
From: Olympia, WA in the Great Pacific Northwest
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RE: stage presence (in reply to at_leo_87)
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Well, what whatever a performer’s natural expressive demeanor happens to be is for the best, I think. If you’re extroverted and outgoing, great. If you feel more comfortable staring at your shoes, fine. There’s always an element of “acting” in even the most naturalistic type of performance, but I think that it still needs to be an accurate reflection of your personality, and trying to push your performance style too far towards a persona that is not genuinely yours is going to come off badly. Best to be yourself and let more and more of yourself come out as you develop your skill and confidence. One key concept that far too many people don’t have a grasp on is that the level of extra-musical expression you indulge in should be commensurate with your ability to actually back it up with your playing. There are few things more embarrassing than seeing a low level amateur musician hacking their way through a performance, making all kind of pompous “guitar faces”, dramatically shaking their heads, and so on. Think of all the youtube vids of guys playing terribly while making love to the camera with their best (or worst) “maestro” face. Yikes. Yer hands gotta be able to cash the check your face writes. In a flamenco context I think a real no nonsense approach is best. Let the singers and dancers do all the emoting. The accompanist should be more neutral and just hold everything down. I always think of guys like Cepero and Moraito being ideal in this regard. Supremely confident without being arrogant; a mild relaxed smile; an overall good-natured vibe; delivering the goods, gettin’ the job done.
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Date Apr. 20 2010 12:30:59
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at_leo_87
Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A
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RE: stage presence (in reply to KMMI77)
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great replies! thanks for chiming in, everyone! quote:
At the prettiest girls. do you have a specific technique? ie. wink, blow a kiss, rip shirt open to reveal masculine chest and shoulder hair? quote:
I contend that most people get bored with solo guitar, even a long falseta when there's cante, baile, etc. I'm not defending that kind of reaction but I think it's the truth. So it's probably a good idea to be expressive when you play, to give people something to watch while they listen. i'm starting to find that out for myself. nobody cares about my cool falsetas they just want to see the colorful polka dots. quote:
Someone made the comment a while ago that if you went to see a dentist and a nervous looking sweaty guy limply shook your hand and then started talking about the fact that he still learning and wasn't as good as some other dentists....you would probably run a mile. i think it was the white suit man who said that. excellent tips, pim! i especially like the one about enjoying the applause. i always dart off the stage like a squirrel. quote:
Jingle told me that he always used to carry, safety pins, a small travel kit with miniature scissors, needle and thread, super glue (crazy glue),hair pins, aspirin and tampons in his guitar case in case a dancer ever came up with an excuse for not being able to go on stage... oh my, what would my girlfriend say if she saw a tampon in my gig bag. great tip though, i'm going to start carrying these items. quote:
Starting: I like to start with Tarantas because it's dramatic, it's something I can play so gives me a bit of confidence, and because it's free it's easier to cover up any mistakes it's my weapon of choice as an opener as well! save that tricky bulerias mess for later. quote:
So stage presence. People want it. Give it to them yes sir! quote:
why should they change their "personality" then ? that would be fake ! and i think also the audience would notice that its fake or not very authentic and that the performer doesn't feel comfortable with what he is doing. well, i guess that's true. but personalities change and develop. if the shy, reserved ones try being a little more open on stage, they might grow to like it and their personality might naturally develop in that direction. quote:
I have to control myself to not make very dumb faces wihle playing, and not shaking around the guitar too much... you have to worry about that too? i have to be careful not to flare my nostrils when i play. and the worse, is when i drool on my guitar by accident. quote:
Is stage presence so important? well maybe not for fellow guitarists who know how to listen but for a general audience, i think they need something to keep their attention more. quote:
I would add what Jim Opfer told me last year (and found it imperative a detail): you need to hear yourself playing, so make sure any amplification is set accordingly. YES! nothing can be more of a buzzkill! either horrible sound or just not being able to hear yourself. have you bought your new amp yet? quote:
One key concept that far too many people don’t have a grasp on is that the level of extra-musical expression you indulge in should be commensurate with your ability to actually back it up with your playing. now you've made me self-conscious. can't i just fake it until i make it? but yes, i agree. i'm getting sick of all those constipated, diaper rash looks on youtube. quote:
After thinking about it the next day I guess I would say if you are relaxed and enjoying the whole experience the "duende" just seems to take over and everyone gets into it. We got a standing ovation which surpised me and afterwards people came up to us and complimented the performance. I have to say that the blood rushed to my ego Sat night!! congratulations on your successful performance, sig! 300 is a lot of people!
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Date Apr. 21 2010 15:06:43
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