[ARC454]

After a long time of talking to people and posting on criagslist, it appears as thought I am close to my first gig. I've been invited to a "jam" on Saturday as a tryout for a group to see if I can hack it. The only apprehension I have is that very same question is, can I, in fact, hack it? I mean, I know the material they plan to cover very well, and I know I can play it. Anyone have some wisdom beyond just shaking the nerves and playing the darn horn to help with the first gig jitters? I'm super excited to finally be taking my playing to a paying level; it's cool do be good enough for people to pay to hear me, and the cash is very, very needed.

 

[ekdowlin]

Congratulations on your first gig! It will be exciting and nerve racking. Just try to relax and think before you play. The more you gig, the more confident you will become. Good luck and keep playing!

 

[Rich Maraday]

You will be fine...Just do it...Your ready...

 

[Grumps]

Focus on your sound, don't step on vocals and when other instruments solo, don't play.

 

[Harvey]

Top tier players, those who get the gigs whether they're large venues or small town, are the ones who overcome their apprehensions to playing in front of the audience. Alot of it has to do with having the right attitude. We all make mistakes. It's how we handle those mistakes that matters. Whether it's on the business end or the playing end, it comes down to how you address the concern. And when I refer to top tier players, it's important to remember that there are top tier fish even in the small pond, so to speak. These are the folks who get asked back.

If you work well with the group you're likely to get the gigs even though you may know better players. It's a matter of respecting who you're playing with but it's also a matter of respecting others who are fellow musicians who haven't gotten or taken the gigs in which you're included.

Above all, stay loose. Gigs don't generally go the way we expect them to go lol. If you're too locked in on something, playing "right" or focussing too much on one thing out of several for example, it may show up in your overall performance. The bad moments in a gig are just as fleeting as the good moments. It's what you focus on that sort of influences what people remember about your performance.

Best to you,
Harv

 

[rleitch]

Focus on your sound, don't step on vocals and when other instruments solo, don't play.

+1

also...bring all your own gear, mic, stand, cable, etc.

 

[Dr G]

Anyone have some wisdom beyond just shaking the nerves and playing the darn horn to help with the first gig jitters?

Don't worry about what others will think - be in the moment and enjoy the experience.

If that doesn't work for you, wear dark pants. :mrgreen:

Be well.