Mark2 -> RE: What does it take to busk? (May 1 2019 23:09:31)
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Mariano Cordoba told me study the music to 200%. Same reason Andy pointed out, but if you lose 50%, you still play at 150. He said 100% isn't nearly enough. Sounds a bit absurd until you are playing solo in front of an audience. I started doing gigs when I was 16, 44 years ago. I didn't play solo until I started studying flamenco in about 1983. First public gig was an open mike, probably in about '84, and I was so nervous my leg started shaking. I don't know how I managed to finish the tune. Taking Mariano's advice to heart, five years later I did a solo gig at a sold out hall of about 1,200 people, including record execs and famous musicians. I remember it was nerve wracking but I played close to the level of my ability at that time. It remains one of the highlights of forty years of performing. Nothing rids stage fright like performing. Do it enough, and it becomes relatively easy, unless something goes wrong, which will also happen from time to time. I've never played in the street for tips. I know a great player though, a really top level musician, who had no qualms doing it on occasion. Personally I felt if I couldn't get a paying gig, I'd stay home and practice till I could. Since I rarely gig these days, if I had an opportunity to perform solo in front of a large audience, or a small one with better players in it, it would be difficult. Not sure I'd do it. quote:
ORIGINAL: Andy Culpepper #1 suggestion I would make is to just practice, practice, practice until you know the material so thoroughly that having some nerves won't throw you off too much. If you lose 25% of your playing ability when playing in front of people, starting at 75% isn't doing yourself any favors. You want to start at 100%, and at 75% percent people will still think it's fine. Gradually over time maybe you get up to 90% or better, and at a certain point, having an audience may even bring more out of you and make your playing better. #2 is general advice for fear and anxiety. Spend some time sitting down and visualizing the worst case scenario. Really walk yourself through the horrible shame and embarrassment of failing in front of everyone, where your brain turns to mush and your fingers flail uselessly at the strings. Then take a deep breath, look around, and notice that life goes on, just as it would if that actually happened. Also start a meditation practice. There is no problem that involves thoughts or thinking that can't be cured by meditation IMO.
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