Advice for a new performer?

First thing I'd suggest is copious quantities of a suitable relaxant like Jack Daniels -- just kidding.

Seriously, one thing you can do is think of the stage as a self-contained environment. Since you're the drummer, you don't need to focus on the audience like you would if you were a lead singer, for example. In an environment like a coffee house, people aren't expecting pyrotechnics and gimmickry, they just want to listen to some good music. They'll be entertained by seeing you enjoying yourself. So lay back and focus on the band and before you know it, you'll be 'in the groove.'

Have fun!

Well, like Charlie jokingly suggested, if you're the type of person who can handle a belt of JD and not have it impair your playing abilities, it can help relax you. His advice about "tuning out" the audience is great too.

Be mindful of physiological stressors - take slow, deep breaths for a few minutes before you go onstage and your body will reward you. Mentally, stay in the moment while you're playing. That's one of my downfalls, I'm always thinking about the next pedal I need to click or the next solo and I forget where I am in the song. And most importantly, remember you're there to have fun, so HAVE FUN!!

Stage fright is all in the mind. I've performed rock live for 30+ years (none in bars) and never suffered from a bout. My secret- Knowing the crowd is there for you, not against you. And jazz audiences are some of the nicest ever.

Hi mate

I have only one advice for you.
Dont drink . My friend was the beginner and he was so drunk that he fell of the sage .

bluntforcetrauma said:

Stage fright is all in the mind. I've performed rock live for 30+ years (none in bars) and never suffered from a bout. My secret- Knowing the crowd is there for you, not against you. And jazz audiences are some of the nicest ever.

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Excellent advice.

As for stage fright, it's funny how it does or doesn't affect people. The first time I was on stage, I was eight years old and scared to death. My two younger brothers and I were singing Irish songs for St. Patrick's day, accompanied on piano by our mother. I just closed my eyes and hollered my head off and the audience seemed to like it. So by the time I was in my first band at fourteen, I'd been in front of audiences for what seemed like forever and really never felt nervous on stage as a result.

However, I once played in a band with another guitarist who was absolutely brilliant and had a rep around town as the player. Our styles complemented each other, but he was by far my superior in every way you could measure talent. Yet before every gig, he would throw up. He once told me he really envied the way I seemed so comfortable in front of an audience. Funny because though I loved him like a brother, his talent intimidated the hell out of me and whenever we were on stage, I felt like I was in his shadow.

JacobWorld said:

I have only one advice for you.
Dont drink . My friend was the beginner and he was so drunk that he fell of the sage .

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The problem with drinking before you play is that it can become a habit, thus, you will soon find that you are only able to play after a stiff drink or two. So i'd advise against it.

In terms of advice. Every time you practice, be it with your band or by yourself, you want to imagine that you are playing in front of people. Really project yourself there, hear the crowd, see the groupies flashing you, smell the smoke, feel the rumble of the crowd.

Picture all scenarios, little coffee shops were everyone is ignoring you, small bars were they just can't get enough, small gigs in which you have a heckler or two who keep razzing you about a mistake you made, and the giant amphitheater stage where you are rocking out like the Rolling Stones (in their heyday).

In all these scenarios picture yourself into the moment, into your music, having fun, feeling calm, etc.

Then, when you do happen to be on stage, it will not feel like the first time. Everything is about habit and training. train yourself with everything you do, and you will be able to handle anything.

Good luck, and keep at it.

Mel...

All good advice.

The more you play out, the more comfortable you'll be. The better prepared you are, the better you know the tunes, the more comfortable you'll be.

And don't try too hard. An audience tends to make you want to play better, which is a good thing, but if you can just relax and not try to impress everyone you'll be fine.

Brushes are fun to play. I'll bet you have a ball.

MeowGirl stay cool calm and collected--and make sure to get drunk enough but not too much--I knew a girl who use to perform and too drunk meant cowboy boots and a prom dress--it was scarey

If at all possible, get into the venue (or somewhere like it) before the gig. If you've played there before, it's a little less intimidating.

But I think the best thing you can do is just get into the music. Don't think about yourself in front of an audience--think about giving the audience an opportunity to hear this great stuff you've been doing. Think about how awesome it is that you get to play this at least one more time. Even if you're not especially fond of the charts, psych yourself out.

And if you screw up, it's jazz and no one will be out for your blood. Jazz bands seldom fall apart. Is it a full jazz group, or a combo?