“Audiences want to hear music, not monologues.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 177 One of the most effective ways for us to connect with audiences is to speak engagingly yet briefly about the music we perform. Problem is, lots of musicians neglect to prepare the...
“If there’s a central tenet of showmanship, it’s this: Project; don’t reflect.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 179 Showmanship – or show-womanship – doesn’t equate with flamboyance; it comes from being who you are, but more so....
“All musicians should be able to address audiences confidently.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 176 Speaking from the stage can powerfully enhance audience-performer rapport, provided that we musicians polish our public speaking skills. Here are six public...
“A concert may end when the applause fades, but your artistic work and your responsibilities as a performer are far from complete.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 196 As you exit the stage at the end of a performance, how do you typically feel? Then, when you interact with...
“You must start well, and you must end well. What is in the middle is not so important because no one is listening then.” –Maurice Chevalier, singer & actor The Musician’s Way, p. 180 I chuckle every time I read Chevalier’s words, but they...
“To be on stage is to be in charge.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 179 Take a moment to recall the stage presence of some memorable soloists: Don’t they convey authenticity and enjoyment? Authenticity and enjoyment are common features of commanding performers, so it...
