Overview

Play Confidently: Quiet Your Inner Critic offers practical strategies for building performance confidence. Music students and seasoned performers alike will enjoy this inspiring book that takes a holistic approach to building confidence as a performer. It utilizes various techniques to help anyone have a better performance experience. It will help musicians of any ability or style, from new musicians who are afraid to play publicly to seasoned performers who are struggling with burnout.

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9780578429076

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Confidence draws people to you. Arrogance pushes them away. Part of the adventure of being a musician isn't knowing what's going to happen but staying confident that it's going to work out. Your external environment plays a big role in fueling, or fighting, your anxieties. Do what you need to in order to tune out the noise of the world and create a daily environment that inspires and nurtures your creativity. Our inner critic is so ingrained in us that many people are often unaware that they're putting up barriers or talking themselves out of great opportunities. We need to rebuild self-confidence. But before we can do that, we have to discover the root cause of our fears. Take it from me; failure in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's the fear of failure that trips us up. High self-esteem is the foundation for self-confidence. Self-confidence is situational and fleeting, while self-esteem remains consistent through up and down times. Being accountable starts with accepting ourselves. This means accepting our capabilities and limitations with your current level as a musician. When you get into the habit of accepting your limitations, the painful feeling begins to dissipate, and you no longer feel the need to cover them up. Forgive yourself for your past mistakes and know that it's okay to continue to make them. The greatest musicians make them all the time. A physiological tool if you're feeling anxious or off is to psych yourself up. Get your mind away from the cycle of fear by getting in front of your inner critic. The audience is the reason you're getting paid. You owe it to them to bring your best musician and stage self and give them their money's worth. As long as you're striving, you're growing. So, stay open and take advantage of every forward-moving opportunity as much as you can. Remember that the great musicians are willing to do what the average person won't. You can accomplish far more than you think. You don't play music because the world needs another musician. You play music because you love it. Get in the driver's seat. Don't be a passenger in your own life. You can't hit a target you can't see. And, your chances to hit that target are only as good as your aim, or plan. Most people are prone to choosing the path of least resistance. They want the success without the pain of working for it. The irony is that slowing down is actually the fastest way to learn. Memorizing, which is essentially short-term recall, is okay, but muscle memory stays with you longer. After that night, my self-confidence eventually became so shaken that I stepped away from music altogether. In fact, I stopped playing for eight years. So, what really has the power to shake us? For most musicians, it's the rules, the environment, the dream suckers, and the awareness. It's important to understand and learn theory, without letting it drain you of all the reasons you started to play in the first place. If they like it, that's great. If they don't, then move on. You're not for everyone, and everyone isn't for you.

Author Information

CC, whose real is name Sheryl Wilson, is a professional bassist who inspires other musicians to improve their playing confidence. Like many musicians, CC's journey began as a childhood dream of becoming a rock star, 'playing' John Mellencamp songs on a tennis racquet 'guitar.' Inspired by the complex bass lines in songs by Iron Maiden and Rush, CC began learning to play the bass guitar at the age of 12. From learning heavy metal songs by ear to playing fun gigs with teen bands, CC's life revolved around music. CC went on to play bass in the U.S. Navy Band San Diego and has over 12 years of professional experience performing Jazz, Top 40 Pop, and Latin music. She is a highly sought-after musician in the Washington, D.C. metro area, where she currently resides.

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