Vulnerability

Being a musician is difficult.

I’m not talking about the long practice hours, the crowded job market, or even clients asking you to do a gig for free because it would be “great exposure.”

When I perform, I am constantly fighting with my brain on stage. “What if I miss a note? What if I’m not in tune? What if the audience doesn’t like it?” What if.. What if.. What if..

All of these thoughts take me out of the present moment and out of the music I am creating, which negatively impacts the quality of the performance.

Musicians are not alone in this struggle. It also happens in the minds of anyone who stands in front of people and creates a product. Public speakers, visual artists, dancers, the list goes on.

So why does this happen? Why is it that I step out on stage and instantly feel my insecurities at the forefront of my mind?

The answer: Vulnerability.

A lot of people might think the answer to that question would be something like fear, anxiety, or self-doubt. But what if all of these different emotions stem from our vulnerabilities as a human being?

When we put ourselves in the spotlight, we create a product that is very personal to us. You portray your thoughts and feelings to the audience, which lets the audience into your mind. Through your music, you try to take your listeners on an emotional roller coaster, but to do that, you have to open a window to your soul.

Scary.

I have no answer for how to make performing easier for us.

However, there are resources that can help. Books, coaches, friends. Find medias that both interest you and work for you, and then try out some different things until you find something that helps.

I am not a psychologist, so I can’t  tell you how to fix it. This post is merely to raise awareness of a problem that a lot of artists have, and to tell you that you are not alone.

So, instead of speculating on a solution, I’m just going to share a video with you.

This video is from a TED Talk by Brené Brown who has done a ton of research on the subject of vulnerability, and her popularity as a speaker has exploded in the past few years. Brown has become a viral sensation, and for good reason.

I hope this is helpful for someone out there. I know it has been for me.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Brené Brown, you can visit her webpage or find her on social media.

Good luck to you on your musical journey.

Happy practicing.