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Playing in front of others – more than a 'small win'
I just want to say that I can play the guitar. I’m not great, but I can hold my own (on some songs, anyway). I wanted to share with you that I did my first VOM last week. I played a song that I know inside and out. Well, guess what ….. I choked. I couldn’t play that stupid song for nothing. My breathing started speeding up, I could feel my hands start to get a little shaky. I’d start over and over and again, a couple of notes into it and my brain froze. I swear, I started over 15 times, it was awful. But, I carried though, I finished the song. I just wanted to let all of you know that, yep, that first step is hard. I’m sure my 2nd VOM will go a little smoother (I certainly hope so). Just keep in mind everyone has been there. Take the leap you might surprise yourself.
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22 Replies
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Good for you for playing in front of people. I haven’t yet got the courage up to do the same. It’s amazing how as soon as someone is watching or listening it all goes out the window.
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I think it was high time that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. And….. playing in front of people, was definitely out of my comfort zone.
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Oh boy, do I know the feeling! I too want very much to join in on the VOM nights but so far have hesitated because I fear that stage fright moment. Which is weird since I will happily get up and sing karaoke in front of a hundred people. My guitar playing has not caught up to my singing yet, though. I have recently played a few songs in front of smaller groups so I’m confident the moment will come.
Anyway, congrats to you on taking the plunge! No doubt it will be far less stressful next time. I know the JMG community is an extremely welcoming and encouraging one.
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Thanks @GerryB56 , Oh, if you play in front of people you’ll do fine at a VOM. I was first up so there wasn’t a big audience yet. I really think this is what I have to do to get better. I’ll give it another go.
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Congratulations for taking that step and keeping at it to finish it. That is courage. Way to go!
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Thanks @Philb . I have to practice up for another one, Hopefully I make it all the way through.
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A great win @Cadgirl ! It was great to hear and see you play. You did very well! Congrats!
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thanks @Kitman. 🙂
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WOW– that is cool.
I’m right there with ya on the playing ability- (I think…… well, actually…… hope)
But……. I have yet to play in my first VOM.
The middle part of your post scared the beegeebers outta me— but the last part made me feel a bit better………. but I don’t think I have the coconuts for that yet.
But…….. reading your post was a GREAT inspiration indeed!
Thank you- I think playing in front of someone else besides my wifey- (the poor thing)…😕- would be a HUGE thing. I’ll get there……..
Thanks again for sharing.
theoldcoach
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@the-old-coach , I will do it again. I’ll practice up more. But, I just the freeze in front of the headlight feeling. EGADs. You’ll do fine, and if doesn’t go as well as you thought, you’ll just do it again. But, at least go and watch other people playing. It’s well worth it.
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You are fearless…………. and I am envious………..
I’ll get there– and your original post– and these responses in here– will help!
theoldcoach
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oh I like that…. I am fearless. 🙂
Thanks, you’ll get there. It’s all for fun.
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Congratulations for your perseverance. You are spot on! Not a small win at all ….. a very very big win. The physical response is real for many and for took some time and repetition for me to where I could settle down a bit. (and I still get nervous).
It is so interesting to me as adults our fear of failure in front of our peers often mounts as years pass. I look at small children who seemed to have this unbridled capacity to try almost anything. They sing when they feel like singing. They dance when the music moves them. It is so wonderful to see. So cheers to you for taking the leap. And cheers to the TAC family who are all together in the quest of learning and growing one step at a time !
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I guess we grow into our insecurities, because kids will do anything (ha ha ha). The VOM was still fun. I still can’t believe that I froze up like that. But, i guess it happens. I missed the VOM last Sunday. I was looking forward to going to it, but something came up. I get to one this week thou. Thanks for your response
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Congrats for getting up there and for sticking with it! Huge win.
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Thanks @KayMesser , it was something I have been wanting to do, so i’m glad I did it and i will do it again. Hopefully with better results.
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Great step. Congratulations and a validation of the value of leaving your comfort zone.
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Cadgirl, all I can say is you have a wonderful opportunity to practice through that issue in the VOM’s It was the same way for me when I first started playing in front of others at the TAC vom’s and I continued playing their as I continue today. And now I am overly relaxed, enough so that I played in front of 150 people in a live performance at a variety show on Saturday. So keep showing up and play for each VOM you can garner the courage todo so. I guarantee it will get better for you.
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So very proud of you, and yes it gets easier. Even seasoned players have moments like that. Keep at it!!
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Congratulations!!! Huge win getting that first time out of the way and even bigger for sticking to it – major win right there! I’m brand new to all of this but so excited that I plan on having my first day one day! 😀
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Hey Cadgirl, I am impressed and inspired. That has been a goal of mine for over a year now. It is scary. Congratulation on accomplishing a very hard thing to do. Keep it up.
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That is great @cadgirl. I just can’t work myself up to that yet. I recorded myself playing a song I know well the other day and I was shocked at how bad it sounded and how many mistakes I made once the camera started rolling, so I can’t imagine doing what you did with the VOM.
Congrats
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