Hold Your Nose, and Jump In!
I am not a big risk-taker: you will not see me bungee jumping or skydiving. Heck, I have never tried down-hill skiing, roller blading, or surfing. Yet, I have taken big risks in my life and in my career. At the time, I am not confident - I am terrified! But I tell myself: just hold your nose and jump in! And so far, every risk has led to some success, fulfillment, or new ideas/ventures to try. Being courageous does NOT mean having no fear. It means feeling the fear, and doing it anyway. Hold your nose and jump in!
If you want your life to be rich and interesting, this approach is important, and is VITAL to performers. The more frequently you take risks in everyday life (asking that person for a date, applying for a big grant, reaching out to a well-known artist for advice) the braver you will become on-stage in performances or auditions. You will take that chance at a slightly different interpretation, you will allow the adrenaline to fuel even more passion in your playing or singing, you will try new embellishments or riffs.
I am NOT suggesting that performers take risks without preparation.
We need to do the work: the practicing, the memorizing, the analyzing, the character development. We need our technique to be fine-tuned and our preparation solid: this enables us to take risks while feeling the joy of creation.
As I discuss in my latest book, The Empowered Performer, this is where frequent performing in low-stakes settings is essential. If you are in school and your teacher or department does not provide regular studio classes and recitals, create your own support group. Talk with friends and classmates about it, find a hall you can use and set up your schedule. You could chip in to pay an accompanist, or if you have the skills, take turns accompanying each other.
If you are not in school, you can still form a performance support group. Talk with others who study music performance, or find a community online. If you have the space, invite a group in. Otherwise, see if your public library or your place of worship or a local community center that can allow you to use a meeting place. Maybe it could be a monthly event followed by a meal.
Giving each other supportive feedback is so helpful, and can prepare you for taking more risks in bigger performances.
If you’d like to take your performing to the next level, attend the workshop I am putting on tomorrow at 6pm at Capital University (it’s free!) and build your confidence for the next risk you’re taking in your future!