Week in Review - 16 June 2015

Live Performance ... Practice Makes Perfect!

Watching Fleetwood Mac perform at the Isle of Wight Festival last Sunday made me want to be a better performer. I clearly saw the subtle difference between performing and just singing as Stevie Nicks embodied every note she sang. The same is to be said about the difference between musicians who are just focused on getting the notes right, and those who are channeling that music from that deep place that's hard to define, but unmistakably felt when experienced. Watching Lindsey Buckingham play guitar was an absolute revelation. You don't get to that level of perfection without practice. At one point I was brought to tears because standing in the middle of thousands of fans, what he was feeling translated to me and I reacted.

When I'm performance coaching, I am always saying to my students that they need to know their songs inside and out, and know what it is their singing about no matter if they are singing originals or covers. Being in a function band myself and basically singing the same set of songs at each show, I have to fine meaning in what I'm singing so that I can communicate that to my audience. If I don't believe or feel what I'm singing, how can I expect my audience to? I think it's easier to get to performing and not just singing or playing if you practice and focus on being your absolute best at every performance whether it's for just a few or a few thousand.

I recently watched an interview with Kenny G who stated that he practices for 3-hours every day. I was so inspired by that. The next day I started scheduling practice time everyday. I confess that some days I don't follow through, but I am practicing more than I was and I will get to the point where it's consistent everyday. Even with the few practices sessions I've put in, I can see an improvement in my shows. Case in point, leading up to my appearance as Simply, Tina Turner on the ElectroLove 80's stage at the IOW Festival, I practiced a few times and when I was on stage with my band, the performance felt easy and I felt in complete control because I felt confident with what I was doing because I really knew the show.

If you are a performer, I encourage you to get better at what you do by practicing. I love this quote:

"I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit."- Martha Graham

According to Martha Graham the idea of practice can be applied to anything in life, even living. I add my encourage to her sentiment to strive to be your absolute best when you stand in front of your next audience. I believe being fully prepared will open you up to the flow that happens when you are able to connect on a spiritual level with the music. You will feel, and more importantly, your audience will feel it!

Please join in the conversation by letting me know what you think of the post. You may even have some tips that will help us all be better at what we do. I look forward to hearing and sharing your thoughts.

Gloria