[Harp-L] stage presence

[drori hammer <drori_hammer@xxxxxxxxx>]

Great thread!
  This is  a  very important part of live music that some musicians tend to neglect. Some people have a naturally flamboyant or out going personality, and itcomes easier for them. Others (like myself) need to work at it, but the essence of it is still something that comes naturally: You have to have fun. Watch the great performers (from any musical genre), those with great stage prescense - Springsteen , Bono, James Cotton, Junior Wells, just as random examples - and you'll see they all look like they're having the time of their life. I love to play music, so the secret is just to let that show, audiences love to see a performer who is having fun. It makes them feel their witnessing a genuine show of emotion, which is the magic of any art.
  Also, I try to look my best when I play: clean-shaven flashy clothes, good shoes. It dos'nt matter what your style is, as long as YOU feel like you look your best, your audience feels that commitment, and YOU feel like you're giving your best, and that always shows through.
  And lastly, I think it IS important to react to the music around you. When you are'nt playing, pay attention to the soloist or vocalist, give them your attention and reaction. Musicians react to bandmates reactions, and audiences like to see that kind of interaction. 
  This is just my personal feeling and experience - 
  Hammer


Dov Hammer 
www.dovhammer.com 
  www.myspace.com/cgthehammer 
  www.myspace.com/dovhammer

       
---------------------------------
Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.