Re: Performance question
- From: frank <fpirrione@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:03:49 GMT
On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:07:49 -0700, Chris Dunkle wrote:
I have been playing guitar most of my life, and performing in various
venues most of that time, albeit never professionally. While I do (or
at least claim to) play primarily for fun, I love to play for other
people. I have videotaped my duo numerous times, and watched the
videos carefully to see how I could improve my performance.
Unfortunately, I am not a "natural performer"; and even though I am
perfectly comfortable talking to the audience, when I look at a tape
of that, I look awkward and stiff. Pretty much the same for my
performing.
My question for you folks: What should I do to make my singing and
playing less painful to watch? Are there classes one can take? Great
teachers? Or should I just stick to recording studios where no one has
to watch me while I look incompetent.
Mind you, I am not a great singer or guitarist, I just love music. I
am moderately good at what I do.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions, you folks are great!
Chris
Lotta answers to this Chris, but practice makes perfect is one. Watching
tapes, as you not is both revealing and instructive.
If you have an introverted personality you'll struggle against that to be
"natural" but it can be overcome at least to a degree.
Another approach is to leave out the stuff you're not comfortable with and
just perform. I'm sure some chatter from performers who most folks like
would be detested by others.
Man, I'm mining cliches in my mind and most aren't worth offering, but "be
yourself" is probably a good one.
I don't know if anyone would call me "Mr. Entertainment" other than
perhaps dear old Mom, but my son and a friend came over Sunday afternoon
to work out. The friend realized he left something in his office on
campus a relatively long bike ride away. It was a gorgeous day so I
suggested we treat the ride as our workout and all headed off.
Passing the Student Union I spotted a band playing blues outside with a
small but nice audience, so I sent the guys off to the building where the
office was while I sat down to listen and relax. Someone got up from the
crowd and started playing the second keyboard that was set up. I walked
over to the guy he was sitting next to and learned it was a sort of "open
mike" thing - actually a university sponsored Jam Club. Very cool!
Well, about a half-hour later after I had turned their 12-bar blues jam
into my singing "Drifting And Drifting," and after I had played the piano
and organ keyboards and the lead player's de-tuned Strat my son and his
friend returned, and were not at ALL surprised to see me up on "stage,
having a blast." A very gratifying and warm round of applause followed.
What's relevant in this who-gives-a-shit story is contained in three
(para)phrases: "not exactly Mr. Entertainer, "son and friend not
surprised to see me singing and playing," and "having a blast."
What more can I say?
Have fun Chris, and keep on making music whenever and wherever you can!
Frank
--
"Life isn't a spectator sport" - Jackie Robinson
.
- References:
- Performance question
- From: Chris Dunkle
- Performance question
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