Advice on playing in public for first time by Sherry Chapman

Most people are scared silly the first time they go on stage and that's okay, "butterflies" aren't bad; however, some advice on playing in public:

1. Take a deep breath and then remember to breathe as you play (holding your breath will make your face turn red then blue and then you'll fall off the stage.) (smile)

2. CONCENTRATE on what you're picking, try to forget all those people standing or sitting out there listening to you (yeah, that's easy for you to say).

3. Don't let it bother you if you happen to miss a note or two, just keep playing. Probably no one will notice but you.

4. Know the music you're going to play and know it well so you don't have to even think about what you're going to play.

5. Try to relax, remember, people are there to hear you and your group play and they will be pleased and will applaude. Most people are NOT musicians and so anyone who can play an instrument sounds good to them and they won't know you've never been on stage before (unless you tell them) and they'll think you're great.

6. Finally, if you're really scared, try thinking of the audience sitting there in their underwear -- that should give you a laugh and help quell the butterflies.

Keep on Pickin'
Angie's Banjo.com