How to Sound your Best

even if you are just a beginner

Musicians can sound great at any skill level

Play only the music you have mastered

Too many musicians try to show off the latest skill they have learned. You may have done quite well in practice but that little bit (or maybe a lot) of tension brought on by playing for an audience will interfere with those skills that you really have not fully mastered. Stick with what you know well and perform with complete confidence.

Play your instrument with passion

Focus on the message of your music. It will accomplish several things

1. You will have less time to be nervous
2. You will "connect" with the audience
3. The music will sound more alive

People will "connect" with your passion and really feel it right along with you. This is where a truly wonderful musical experience begins. There are so many things you can do with muscial expression; it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to enrich someone's life.  A good musical performance involves you giving of yourself on a level much deeper than merely playing the notes.

Play a good instrument

Get the best instrument your budget will allow. If you go for a cheap starter instrument you will get something that:

•  looks plain
•  has poor tone
•  is not durable
•  has poor playability

  Look for good tone. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the sound full and rich compared to other similiar instruments?
2. Are there noises such as key clicks, squeeks, buzzing or rattles?
3. Can it be properly tuned and does it hold its tune?
4. Is the pitch of the notes correct? (A competent player could help determine this)

 Ease of play is important to the beginner as well as the seasoned player. A poor quality instrument will only magnify your learning difficulties.

Have your instrument professionally serviced.  A competent instrument technician can deal with many defects and increase playability and tone quality. This will give your playing an easy boost and you didn't even have to practice! 

Have fun making music

Your emotional state comes out when you sing or play. People will know if you are tense or shy and they will also notice when you are relaxed and happy about what you are doing. Alright, some music is pretty serious and has a somber, heavy feel. Can you enjoy creating the exact mood intended? I hope you can.