Performance Opportunities for Violinists & Beyond

We’ve all seen musicians who take to the streets and try their hand at busking, but we especially love this idea from the viral video masterminds at cdza – a human jukebox!

Performing in a public place (for a non-captive audience, no less) takes perseverance and a thick skin; you never know who your audience will be, and what they will think of you. Depending on where you are, there also may be a lot of competition, so putting on an entertaining show – like the guys in the video did – is essential.

Sound scary? It can be. But getting out there and performing for others is an invaluable strategy for getting used to your instrument, overcoming stage fright and learning how to create a connection with your audience. If busking on the streets isn’t your style, however, there are other ways to get performance experience. Consider the following:

– Perform at senior homes, hospitals, or extended care centers
– Join a community orchestra
– Teach music lessons (to siblings, friends, anyone!), or volunteer to help with school music programs
– Put on a concert for family and friends at your next holiday get-together
– Perform at open mic nights at cafes, restaurants and other venues

The most important  thing to remember is that these opportunities don’t usually just fall in your lap – you’ll need to seek them out! Brushing up on your performance chops will help you become a better musician, and the more you perform, the easier it will become.