Sometimes performing can be a songwriter's biggest fear. You have to stand on a stage and let people into your brain and your life and your stories like never before. Here are some exercises for the beginner performer to help you get out of your comfort zone.
1. Seek out a venue. Start an internet search of writer rounds in your area. List 3 places that are on the smaller size and list 3 that are goal venues for the future. Having the goal venues written down can help you prepare over time. The smaller venues are where you learn your comfort zone. This is where you solidify a home base of fans and test out your originals along with covers.
2. Make social media pages to invite fans to your shows. Around Nashville, venues want to know your social media numbers upon booking because they want to know you will bring them business. If you have a couple thousand people watching your everyday life on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram, there is a better chance of being booked because they know you have a group of fans already.
3. Practice everywhere! Go to flea markets, restaurants, open mics and everything in between to get comfortable playing in front of crowds. Make sure you go places that are filled with people other than your family and friends so you will get good feedback and make new connections. Sometimes being uncomfortable is the only thing that helps you to grow!
4. Host some house parties. House parties and dinner parties are great places to showcase your originals without fear of judgement from strangers. It also is a great time to receive helpful feedback and enjoy time with friends and family. Sometimes the ones we love most can help us with our dreams the most because they know exactly what we want to make of them.