Playing for Others

• Pick tunes that you feel confident playing

  • "Easy" tunes are fine to share

  • If playing more the one song, mix up fast and slow, different keys, etc.

  • Remember - you aren’t trying to empress anyone - you are instead sharing the joy of playing music

• Practice for Sharing

  • Practice the whole set as you plan to play it

  • Practice what you will say before and/or after each tune

  • With each tune:

    • Play it straight through

    • Practice how to keep playing if you make a mistake

    • Don't stop or make a face when you make a mistake - just keep playing

• Just Before Sharing

  • Relax 

  • Take several deep breaths

  • Lower your shoulders from your ears

  • Remind yourself you are here to share your music 

  • Ask the muse of music to help you share and/or say a prayer for help sharing your music

• When you are Sharing

  • Smile 

  • Sit up straight

  • Laugh at your mistakes and keep playing

  • Let the joy of your music be seen, felt and heard by your audience!

• After Sharing 

  • Accept the applause

  • Be sure to listen for all the positive comments

  • Give yourself time to feel the joy 

• Handling Disappointment or Negative comments/feelings

  • If you feel it didn't go as well as it might, see that as an opportunity to improve, learn and grow

  • If others say negative things - Consider the source - would you care what they said on any other matter?

  • Find the positive in any negative comment. For example "You got a few notes wrong" could be responded to with "Thanks for listening so carefully. I know I got a few notes wrong but I also got hundreds of notes right!"

Look for another chance to share the gift of your music!