Returning to the stage - After Music School

2013,  a cold breeze found its way backstage.  The band on stage was electric.  Water in hand, dancers stretching and going through their last minute warmup routines, managers and production assistance pacing the 14x14 tent, my make shift comfort zone.  From Rock to Soca, from lead singer to backup singer?  A whirl wind of thoughts, a tornado of questions ripping apart my desire to be on stage -  my desire.

Music school was a harsh reality. It came at a time when I truly needed it.  Many musicians still work the self thought route and find confidence in their years of experience.  I lost it.  

Why go to school, when I have natural talent?
Gone are those days when its just natural talent.  

1. Its all about what you are selling?
2. Is it marketable,
   
3. Is it relevant and self sustainable?  
4. Its a business!

Musicians have to be business managers, psychologists, lawyer, artist, lover, fighter and the greatest of all the PERFORMER...
How can one be all of these and perform.  One thing I can say is that school gives you the necessary techniques and tools in less time than it would in the real world. 

Why Perform?
Many musicians are not equipped to deal with the anxiety and responsibility that the stage provides - I surly wasn't ready. After performing for eight years prior - I developed major confident issues riddled with anxiety and writers block.   I could not perform, I could not perform, I could not be me.

The 'product' is not just your recorded music.  your performance at the end of the day will be your sole advert.  To be set apart from your peers and to build that much needed fan base a well thought of performance is key. 

Today?
Three years later, music school completed.  I return to the stage - oh how I missed you.