As the coordinator of a number of regular shows and “booked” open mic events in the area (presently the Glasshouse Musos at Beerwah Hotel and Muzika at Maleny RSL), a colleague recently asked me if we had considered dedicating the first hour of our events to beginners. This got me wondering whether budding musicians are aware of the range of local events that are available for the novice musician. If someone is not very experienced and a little nervous, but still wants to play, then there are events that are set up for them.
I did a quick search online and found Jamnet which promotes open access or open mic events and their host Jon Brown is very supportive. That’s a place to start, and I found the Coast Acoustics Music Club which originated on the Gold Coast but now has regular sessions here on the “Sunny” Coast. At their get-togethers I understand people sit around a table and share charts and songs. Google goldcoastacoustics.com.au and then Upcoming Events and go on their email list.
For the beginner my feeling is they are best sharing with others at their level building their confidence and skills together. They can form duos and trios and share the different talents they “put on the table’. One may be a reasonable singer, another better on the guitar, another harmony vocal or hand percussion. After a period of rehearsing, they’ll probably be ready to perform before an audience if that is one of their aims, and that will be the right time to look for an open mic event. Another successful approach is to join a group under the guidance of a teacher or leader.
There are many choirs, ukulele and djembe groups who do just this and they can be found online. Most of them give public performances as well. For the novice who is dedicated to solo performing and song writing they might join a group such as the Songwriters Roundtable coordinated by Mira.
They are a particularly active group who meet regularly both via Zoom and in person and can be contacted through songwritersroundtable.com.
The tried-and-true method for a beginner is to work with a mentor who will guide them toward their goal of improving as an artist and performing on stage. The mentor will assist them with their weaknesses but also help them find ways to show off their strengths as an artist. Every artist is good in some areas and weak in others. To be successful as a musician requires so many different talents. No one has all of them, so part of working with a teacher is to help them identify where they need to put in most work.
Do have a fantastic and musical month.
Michael has a recording studio in Peachester. If you would like to find out more contact him on 0419 026 895 or E: mwhitick@bigpond.net.au
Glasshouse Musos at Beerwah Hotel: second Tuesday of the month, 6 – 9pm http://www.facebook.com/groups/musosclub/
Muzika, Maleny at Maleny RSL: first Thursday of the month 6.30 – 9pm https://www.facebook.com/MuzikaMaleny/
