Gah, talent shows.

[Jay..]

Basicly me and my friend are doing our own song and are auditioning for the talent show, and they let us know if we got thru.so im singing and playing guitar and my friends playing drums, im not a brilliant singer. But while peforming for the judges, any advice?

[MilkMan12]

I dont know what kind of setting you are in. But when auditioning for stuff or trying to look good for judges, adults, or teachers I dress respectfuly and appropriately. It doesnt change my playing or style, but I make sure I look good and match the setting I am in. Whenever I play stuff at my school like in recitals or special concerts I dress really nice and teachers take that as a sign of respect and acknowledge you a lot more.

[AcousticShred]

Make eye contact with them at least for a little while. Greet them and thank them when you are done.

[socialmisfit]

dress accordingly. you say its a school; talent show, with judges... so because there are judges, i'd dress nice. maybe like a plain button up shirt or something and nice pants. then just be relaxed. practise your routine and everything you're going to do, ahead of time so when you get up there, you have a plan and can just do what you need to. also, bring a cloth or something to wipe your hands with. they'll sweat before you go on if you're a bit nervous, and you'll want to wipe them off so you're not slipping up on the strings. show that you're enjoying it. (body movement, facial expression, guitar faces, etc) thats about it...git er' done! hehe good luck :D

[Tingly]

Practice so that you have the song(s) absolutely down. Make sure all technical and equipment issues are totally eliminated. Smile. Try to look like you are glad to be there. Be relaxed, but, even if you are not asked, at least be PREPARED to answer simple questions like: "What song are you going to do? Who wrote it? When was it written? What is it about? Why did you pick that one? Why should we pick you? Tell us something about yourself. How long have you been playing? How long have you been together?"

Do not constantly look at your fretboard. Again, smile. Make eye contact. Consider a performance in itself, for a small audience, not an audition. Move appropriately to the music, to the extent you can, and that you are comfortable. If you are going to do something wild, like a back flip off the amp, make sure you practice it to the point that you can do it in your sleep. Use any nervousness to increase your energy level, and put enthusiasm and a professional gloss on your performance. Whatever you do, do NOT be distracted once you start. Stay focussed. People may dance or clap along, or smile, or even just ignore you, or be writing something. Someone may interrupt you, or make a loud noise. Also very distracting: you may be playing BETTER than you expected! Still, keep your mind on what you are doing, until that last note! Smile again. Bow slightly and say, "Thank you," if it seems appropriate.

'Good luck.

'Kill 'em!

[Lazero]

It doesn't matter if you win or not. Don't ever let anyone judge your music with distaste.

[Vintage Picker]

"Make eye contact with them at least for a little while. Greet them and thank them when you are done." Absolutely essential. You need to make them feel like you're playing just for them. Don't overdo it, but if they think you recognize their importance and you play well....you'll be yards ahead of your competition.

[Lazy Bee]

If you can write a modulation in your song do it. Judges love big lifts at the end of a performance.

[Livetorock]

I don't like the whole dressing up idea. Your band needs a trade mark look. You can't dress up in complete formal for one show then turn up to the next dressed like nirvana. If you really wanna get noticed you needa stand out, your band needs the attitude of the music your playing.

[Lazy Bee]

I don't like the whole dressing up idea. Your band needs a trade mark look. You can't dress up in complete formal for one show then turn up to the next dressed like nirvana. If you really wanna get noticed you needa stand out, your band needs the attitude of the music your playing.

Godd point and I agree. represent what you're all about. If the judges dont like it or get it....eh so what!!

[Hobolad]

Unless the majority of the judges are cool teachers, I'd stear clear of songs that swear or are about drugs or anything, don't want to end up unplugged :hmmm: Although that would increase your popularity with the kids...