Mastering the Stage: Essential Gigging Advice for Musicians

Practice a lot before you even take the stage.
Rehearse to the point that you don’t have to think anymore.
Memorize your lyrics and be off-book. Most people don’t want to see you reading from your phone, iPad, or notebook.
Warm up before the show to get your muscles and voice ready.
Take a moment to meditate and center yourself and your bandmates before going on stage.

Promotion and Etiquette

Promote the show well in advance. Post about it on social media, text your friends, and invite them.
Don’t ask for a ton of guest list spots unless you’re not getting paid, or you have sold a significant amount of tickets.

Performance Tips

Less talk, more rock. The audience came to hear your music, not extended banter.
Know that the audience will reflect your energy. Give the crowd what you want them to give back to you.
Stay connected to your bandmates on stage. The audience can feel the connection, and they can feel the disconnect.
If you make a tiny mistake or forget lyrics, keep playing. Don’t stop the show.

Stage and Equipment Management

Tune your guitar before your set starts, and tune again if it goes out of tune during the performance.
Mute your guitar when you’re tuning on stage.
Do a soundcheck and mic-check. Ensure everything works, including all cables, amps, instruments, and pedals.
Bring extra instrument cables, strings, and a string winder so you can change a broken string quickly on stage.
Check the battery in your guitar and have extras handy.
Have a set list that every band member can see, and secure it to the stage for outdoor concerts.
Take a picture of or use tape to mark your amp/EQ settings to avoid mid-show surprises.
Use strap locks to save your set and your guitar.
Have water to drink on stage (that is sealed and won’t spill on equipment).

Professionalism and Respect

Be on time to your load-in.
Set up quickly, break down quickly. Get your gear off the stage promptly, so the next band can set up.
Don’t pack up your instruments or get something from the stage when another artist is performing.
Come for the opening acts, stay for the closing acts. Stay for the entire show if possible.
Never give one of your band members the “glare” if they hit the wrong note or make a mistake. They know what they did; they don’t need you making them feel worse.
Respect the other people on stage and offstage. You’re all there to do your job.
Be kind to everyone—the sound person, the venue staff, the promoters, and the other bands. Say “please” and “thank you.”
Thank the sound person. They’re an essential part of your performance.
Don’t perform high or drunk. People paid to see you perform at your best; save the partying for after your set.
Don’t trash the venue, the stage, or the backstage. Clean up your mess!

Audience Engagement

Visit with your fans at the merch table or in the crowd post-show. They came to see you, so take the time to engage with them.
Remind the audience who you are and when they can see you perform next. Plug your upcoming shows!
If you can, give the touring band the door money. They probably need it more than you.
Don’t leave your music equipment unattended or in the van/car. Keep an eye on your gear to prevent theft.

Vocal Care

The worst thing for your voice is talking over a crowd. If you’re a singer, be protective of your voice before and after shows, and in the van.

Final Thoughts

The only responsibility you have when you are standing up there is to be honest to yourself. Everything else follows.
HAVE FUN!