[Harp-L] Setting the Tempo

[Elizabeth Hess <TrackHarpL@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

One of my big goals this year is to build a vocal repertoire, because if I can lead a whole set (at the open mic jam where I play harp), then I'm not at the mercy of songs that other people pick.

It's going pretty well, but one of the things where there's tremendous room for improvement is in giving the count.  In that adrenaline-filled moment, when the very first, "A-one....  a-two...." seals the fate of the song's tempo, I get it wrong at least as often as I get it right.  The song begins, and in addition to the thrill of wondering whether I'll remember all the lyrics and sing with good intonation is the realization, "Oh, this is WAY too slow!  Rats!"  (Or, less often, too fast.)

Can any of you suggest any mental "tricks" that work?  (Any trick that works more than twice is a method....)

Thanks in advance.

Elizabeth H. (aka "Tin Lizzie")