When we perform, we are making a statement to the audience. The difference between performers, however, comes from the level of consciousness we have about the statement being made.

When you take the stage and you make music on your instrument, you are participating in an act of communication and expression. How do you know what to say? How do you say it?

Fortunately, with a little bit of planning, your performances can be authentic and can truly communicate with your audience.

First of all you must ask yourself the important questions. You need to take a strong look at your values, your beliefs, and your convictions? What are the beliefs that make you…well, you? This is why deeply religious people may feel incredibly confident about singing religious music. The act of performing is directly related to their beliefs.

Think about one adjective that sums you up. Whoa. I know this one is a biggie. But bear with me for just a moment. Think of the words you might associate with major performing artists: Lady Gaga = acceptance, Adele = soul, Buddy Jewell = Nostalgia, Jason Mraz = playful. Do you see how the game works? Each of these artists has clearly defined what I call their artist message.  Once you have determined this, then you can move forward with the planning phase.

Get in touch with you inner second-grader and make an idea map. I do this all the time for Tuxedo Revolt Projects.  Put your artist message in a circle at the center of a piece of paper, then start drawing spokes from it and connecting it to performance related ideas. For example if your artist message was “Children” then your spokes might include: 1. kids concerts, 2. composing a song to go with  a children’s book, 3. Kids guest conducting at the next concert…. the list goes on. This is where you start to brainstorm and collect ideas that are meaningful to you and what you believe as an artist.

Consider the “how”.  Once you have selected the theme for your next performance project (that relates to your artist message), You can start refining the “how” of how to get your message across to your audience. There are so many ways of doing this and it is the best part. You can be subtle, or you can be neon billboard obvious. But, what is most important is that you have a message to say.

By taking the time to think through this process, you are much more likely to give a performance where the message is clear and well stated. And remember, never ever waste an opportunity to share your music and your message with others.

Until next time,

J-MB

 

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