There’s a reason the MaJoVTA Tagline is:

“Real. Solid. Vocal Training That Works … When You Do.”

It’s because, as Mark Twain famously said: “Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.”

Sure – live performance can be fear-inducing and stress-y. But it is the heartbeat of any singer’s journey.

Performing live on stage is a space where skill meets vulnerability, and your artistry takes on new dimensions. Yes, we train, rehearse and record – these are crucial parts of a singer’s life. But the live stage offers the most profound growth.

This this growth happens at both the artistic and personal level. In this two-part series, we’ll look at how you can develop through the experience of performing live.

First – Artistic Growth:

1. You Learn to Connect with the Audience

One of the most significant lessons musicians can learn from live performances is how to connect with an audience. When you’re in front of a crowd, the energy is electric, and the stakes feel higher. This teaches you the importance of reading the room, responding to the mood of the crowd, and adjusting your performance accordingly. Over time, musicians develop an intuitive understanding of how to engage their audience. This connection transforms the performance from a mere technical display into an emotional exchange, where both the artist and the audience can share the music.

2. You Learn to Improvise and Be Spontaneous

No two live performances are ever the same. Even the best-prepared musicians encounter unexpected moments, whether it’s a change in tempo, an unexpected note, or an unplanned interaction with the audience. Live performances are a masterclass in improvisation and spontaneity. Musicians learn to think on their feet, adapt to the environment, and make quick decisions that enhance performance. These moments of improvisation can lead to new artistic discoveries and can be a powerful way to develop as an artist.

Singers who embrace these unscripted moments often find a sense of freedom in their craft. Rather than being confined to a rigid set of rules or expectations, they become more fluid, more open to experimentation. In turn, this can bring a new level of excitement and innovation into their music.

3. You Build Confidence Through Vulnerability

Performing live is an act of vulnerability. Every note, every chord, every beat reflects the artist’s internal world. The fear of judgment or the pressure of perfection is always present. But through facing this vulnerability, musicians build confidence in themselves and their craft. The more they perform, the more they realize that mistakes are not the end of the world; they are simply part of the process.

Live shows teach musicians to embrace imperfections, to understand that they are human, and that these small imperfections are often what make their performances unique and authentic. This mindset shifts from anxiety to a place of confidence where singers are comfortable expressing themselves fully, flaws and all. This confidence doesn’t just translate to live performances but carries over into their personal and professional lives.

4. You Grow Through Feedback

When you’re performing in front of a live audience, the feedback is instant. Applause, cheers, and even silence can be valuable learning tools for any musician. Positive feedback boosts confidence, while less enthusiastic reactions offer a chance for self-reflection. Musicians learn how to improve by paying attention to audience reactions and adjusting their performance on the fly.

Feedback isn’t just limited to the crowd, either. Fellow singers, sound engineers, and even critics provide valuable insights that help musicians improve both technically and artistically. With each performance, you learn how to integrate constructive feedback into your next performance, moving forward toward continuous improvement.

Next week: The personal growth we can get from live performances.

See you soon in the room.

M