Have you finally found a band that you are compatible with? Are you a solo artist that hears everything finally coming together? In either case if you've gotten the chance to play a live show or gig, chances are your first emotion was exhilaration, followed by anxiety about how you will perform. Let's get you back to that exhilarated feeling!
You're probably thinking, "I've got butterflies in my stomach. I'm a ball of nerves! What if I make a mistake? How can I play a live show?" Well, let's get the first question out of the way right now. The odds are really good that you will make a few mistakes in your first show. Most people do. The questions you need to ask yourself are one, will anyone notice? And two, if they do notice it, will anyone remember that mistake when we hit the big scene? As long as you stay focused on your goals, neither of these questions will be relevant. Remember to write down the reasons why you're doing this! Are you doing it to entertain friends? Do you have something to share with the world? If you do, you must train your mind to remember that the world wants to hear it.
One thing you can do to minimize your chances of making a mistake is to practice your part! Practice over, and over, and over again, until you feel that you can play it without thinking. This is more important than most guitarists understand. Guitar practice, as with any performance rehearsal, is necessary to make sure things will go smoothly once you are on the stage.
You can also train your mind to think positively by reciting certain positive phrases over and over again. Phrases like, "I can achieve anything I desire" or "I will get on the stage and feel good about myself. People want to hear me play" will always increase your confidence and help quell that butterfly feeling in your gut. This particular technique has positive effects on practice as well. Because you know you can achieve anything, you will do what it takes to get there. Practice will come naturally because you know that's the most important aspect of doing well on the stage.
Set aside a certain amount of time to practice each and every day until your show. This does not include time just spent practicing with the band. You need some time to practice alone as well. You should be able to hear the band in your mind playing along with you. Remember, that you are a superstar! Keep reciting those positive phrases and practicing. Pretty soon you're going to realize that you're no longer nervous about being onstage...well, maybe you'll be a little nervous, but not about making a mistake! You'll know you're going to get out there and kick some tail.
Again, train your mind so that you CAN do what it takes. You have the power to succeed. It all depends on you, and on how badly you want to be in the spotlight. Let the world hear what it has been missing! We'll all appreciate it, and we'll appreciate you for giving it all you've got! Remember, when, not if, but WHEN you put everything you have into your passion, it will pay you back 100 times what you've put into it. If performance is important to you, you will do this.
Now go break a leg!
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