Re: [Harp-L] Charisma on stage

It's helps to have some ego. It helps to be good looking or cute. It also helps to be funny looking or different looking. There doesn't seem to be any shade of grey here. Average homely people (like me) are at a disadvantage.

With some people long hair seems to fit (especially if it is moving), with others short hair. (Depends on the face). Some people use what I like to call gimmicks. A 'signature' hat, sunglasses, vest, etc. In extreme cases, outlandish make-up.

It helps to be hungry because that will give you the 'make it or starve' impetus. It also helps to be independently well off. That way you can endure the 'dry' spells and stand up there secure in the knowledge that you WILL eat this week. Being financially in the middle doesn't seem to work.

It helps to have the gift of gab or be so confident, that you can shrug off adversities. It helps to have a thick skin.

smo-joe

On Feb 27, 2008, at 8:30 AM, Robert Bonfiglio wrote:

There are those people who just have it!

Isaac Stern once said about Lambert Orkis, his piano accompanist - "great musician, but lacked the audacity to be a soloist." And there it is. Your personality on stage, what you project, how it's seen by the audience - all very nebulous this charisma thing, but it's there none the less.

Some things can be learned, but will they appear real or fake? If you can figure out how to be yourself and be attractive, that's great. If not, maybe some play acting is possible, you know, pretend to be a character in a play with a certain charismatic personality as opposed to yourself. Otherwise, a sideman or accompanist is not such a bad life.

Harmonically yours,

Robert Bonfiglio
http://www.robertbonfiglio.com


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