The
Tao of Performance
I
played this great just before we got on line for my lesson.
I
have such performance anxiety.
What
if I forget the chords?
What
if I forget the lyrics?
If Stu MaGuru had a dollar for every time he heard these words, he
wouldn’t be able to close his wallet!
This brings up The Tao (way or path) of Performance. Performing
means different things to different people. Playing one’s lesson for the
teacher…playing at an open-mic night…playing at a dive bar…or even in stadiums. Most
people feel what they perceive as fear when they think of performing. In particular, the fear that they may embarrass themselves.
Yes, even I, MaGuru, have experienced this trepidation, as well.
Of course, the more one does anything, the better and more comfortable
they become at it. My partner in love and music, Atlanta Janna (AKA Ms. Guru)
reframed this issue in a very constructive way. She said to me once that for her, being nervous felt physically very much like being excited. When
she experiences those feelings associated with fear, she thinks, "I'm
excited to be playing!" So, the adrenaline of fear transforms into the
adrenaline of excitement, and she uses that to energize her performances.
MaGuru thinks that is brilliant! Say to yourself, "I am
excited, not nervous." Just saying the words will make you smile. No
fear, just excitement. If you do miss a chord, keep on playing! No one will
notice or remember at the end of the song. If you forget the lyrics, make
something up or make a joke about it. It's fun for the audience.
Speaking of exciting – Ms. Guru and I had the great pleasure of
seeing a fantastic ukulele performer this past weekend. "Danielle Ate The Sandwich" (not her real name…well, Danielle is.) performed at The UKE Republic outside of Atlanta. MaGuru and Atlanta Janna were captivated by
this delightful and extremely talented performer. Danielle was funny, self-deprecating,
witty with the audience, and this woman can sing! Terrific original
material, a very good ukulele player, and did I mention she can sing? Danielle
has surely experienced nervousness around performing, but not on this night. Or, at
least it wasn't apparent to MaGuru.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich was the most enjoyable performance I’ve
seen in a very long time. She will be performing soon in the following
cities. If possible, go see her, or look for her in the future. She has a new CD – Terrible Dinner Guest. Terrific.
9.23 - Washington, DC
9.24 - Philadelphia, PA
9.27 - Hamden, CT
9.28 - Altoona, PA
9.29 - Columbus, OH
10.1 - Milwaukee, WI
