Insecurity and the stage

There's one thing coming across the radar I would love to make a couple of points about. It's the bane of the newbie musician. 

I don't miss the insanity of the perfection trap. That crippling fear of making a mistake during a gig, You know the feeling, I am guessing? I had it so bad that I would throw up before shows and get so panicked that I would blow it. 

You know what fixed that? Screwing up royally... making a train wreck of the song and realizing that I would live through it. That tomorrow would still come. It WASN'T the end of the world... (well, not yet, anyway) :) 

That, and remembering two key things. 

Number one: I am the best person for the job at the moment. I know that song, and while others may play worlds better than me, (and they do!) I am the one in the driver's seat. I have the opportunity to shine IF I can keep my focus. 

Number two: Most people can't tell when you have made a mistake. They may be able to tell you that something was off, but probably can't pinpoint that it was you. Unless you are playing for a crowd of musicians. 

I do have a unique style. I may be surrounded by kids that can outplay me with 1.95 hands tied behind their backs, again, BUT, I have something unique and special to add to whatever gig I am doing. Plus, whoever I am playing with picked me. Or, was stuck with me - in which case this point is moot. 

There is one more important point to this post. BE TEACHABLE! 

I have taken note that time and time again, "the greats" - you know, the musicians that excel and play the most? The ones that stand the test of time.  They are most often pretty humble people. It seems the better the player, the more humble they are. 

Except, probably in my case. :P 

But seriously, every great player I have ever geeked at and drooled over is usually a pretty approachable encouraging example.

If you have stumbled across this little inconspicuous blog amongst the tidal waves of others, I hope it gives you a bit of encouragement. Keep practicing; keep giving away what you have and you will get back even more  ;) 

God bless! 

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