This week, David Heringer’s challenge to put Tom’s Live Music Method to the test brings him to All Roads Lead to the Stage DVD 3: Get the Show on the Road. David is about to tackle another important topic: understanding your audience.
So many of us musicians only surround ourselves with musicians, work with musicians, play with musicians and only ever think about things the way a musician does. This can be great for creating music, but not so great for understanding your audience.
Think about it. How many of your musician friends regularly come to your shows? Buy your merch? Or give other musicians constructive, positive feedback?
I have a strong suspicion that your answer will be a resounding “None of them!” or “Very few!” So why are you creating your show based on what musicians think is cool?
This is one of the most difficult shifts an artist can make; David will have to stop thinking like a musician and start thinking like an audience member. Watch this video and see if he’ll get the picture…
David is starting to grasp the difference between his perception of himself and the way the audience perceives him. This new knowledge will give him the ability to have more confidence and true humility onstage.
David says his “biggest disconnect between (him) and (his) audience” is his self consciousness. He finds himself closing his eyes when he sings, because it feels like he’s giving more. But what does the audience see if that’s all he does the entire set? The audience won’t feel a part of the show; he’s closing them off from his music and his message.
Tom teaches that 97% of the audience loves you, wants you to do well. They are there to be captured and engaged, to experience moments and to have their lives changed. The other 3% is comprised of musicians and people that won’t like you no matter what you do. So why focus on the wants and demands of the 3% when you can be yourself and win over 97%?
That knowledge is so empowering! 97% of your audience wants to like you. Understanding this concept is one of the biggest reasons that I fought to work with Tom and his team. It made me think about shows in a completely new way, and I continue to be excited to share it with artists everyday.
Knowing that you CAN “win” is the first step. The next step is learning HOW to do it!
That’s where our SOON TO BE RELEASED Academy of Live Music Online Course comes in. In this brand new course you will be guided through 22 specially designed classes by a certified Tom Jackson Live Music Method Teacher.
You’ll have the ability to learn at your own pace by woodshedding the techniques at home and then meeting with your teacher for validation, encouragement and feedback.
Are you ready to take the next step and prepare yourself to work with a Live Music Producer? I hope so, because we can’t wait to help you get there!
Tom Jackson
Tom is uniquely talented and skilled at transforming an artist's live show into a magical experience for the audience; helping artists at every level create a live show that is engaging and memorable, teaching them to exceed their audiences' expectations and to create fans for life. Tom has taught indie and major artists of every genre. He has worked with Taylor Swift, Le Crae, Home Free, The Tenors, Shawn Mendes, The Band Perry, Francesca Battistelli, Jars of Clay, & many more. Tom also teaches at colleges, conferences and events worldwide.
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