Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 1/15/2009

Question
HI Wanda,

Thanks for taking the time to look at this.

I'm looking for some idea's. Basically I'm a singer, I have an awesome guitarist, that I've been working with for a while now, we've been doing higher class restaurants, where basically they just want some nice background music. Which is ok, but not very gratifying (they might as well just play a cd!)

This year,  I have the opportunity of working in some hotels, where there's a stage,and lights... and they will want more of a 'show'.. which is far more my cup of tea!

However, I'm a little bit confused, as to where to go with it, from an 'entertainment' prospective. firstly because it's 'acoustic' music,just guitar and vocals...and secondly because I'm not so good at off the cuff 'banter' which is something i desperately want  to improve, i don't think its a confidence issue... give me some lines, and I'll happily deliver them, i just struggle finding those lines. I lecture now, in singing technique, and have no worries speaking to an audience... I guess because there is some purpose to what I am saying

I need some sort of direction, Some idea's as to what I can incorporate into my show,how I can get my audience involved...and engaged,how i can speak to them naturally... what can i say to them...how to stage it... etc etc

be a musician... and an entertainer. hope that makes sense, any idea's comments, websites... anything you can help me with would be very much appreciated xx


Answer
Hi Anna...And thanks for writing.

It's really good to hear that you are putting yourself out there.  That is the number one question that people have when they are trying to make something of a career - how do you do it?  Well, the truth is that you just do it and it evolves from there.  

So you've got a head start on many people.  Good for you.

As for your banter or talking to your audience (entertainment), I think that the first thing you want to do is figure out what it is that you want to represent to your audience.  Why is it that you are there doing this?  Do you want to share about your life?  Do you want to talk about your day?  Do you want to share all that is funny?  Does your banter change with each show?  Do you have audience participation?  

A script is actually not a bad idea or at least an outline for you.  I think it would help you in the beginning to get used to talking with your audience.  I have seen artists that have been doing it for a long time with a music stand on the stage with them and pages of chord charts or script right there to support them.  

Even if you just had recipe card size notes - something to help your brain move quicker.  

Does that help you?

Wanda
www.kaizenworks.org