Re: [Harp-L] Stage Presence

["G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>]

Intimacy.

You are having a conversation/party/relationship/sex with the  
audience. Be open to them like each is your best friend and confidant.  
Give them a chance to connect with who you are not just what you are  
playing.

Commit 150% to your performance. Do not slack off and fiddle around.

Give your attention to the other players. Remember you are having an  
even more intense relationship with them than with the audience. Give  
the audience a chance to be in on that relationship by enjoying it  
openly.

Have command of your material and instrument.

Don't watch yourself play.

Be in celebration of this golden opportunity to have an audience.

If all that sounds scary then you are not alone. Intimacy with a room  
full of strangers can terrify anyone.
It's ok to have butterflies. Just make them fly in formation.


Gary Popenoe

On Feb 24, 2008, at 10:32 PM, Rick <rickmccallen2000@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> For those just starting to play out in public, have someone video  
> record your performance. My wife video recorded some of my first  
> gigs and I didn't realize how bad my stage presence was until I  
> watched the recordings. I had the habit of looking down while I was  
> playing, but that wasn't where the audience was. Also, If there was  
> a break in the song where I didn't play, I would just stand  
> motionless, both physical and music wise. Can anyone else comment on  
> the importance of  good stage presence ?
>
>         Rick in TX.
>
>
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