The Journey of The First Performance: Reflections and Memories of Musicians

From an early age, many musicians establish their first performances, which can be a mix of excitement and nervousness. Here are some recollections from various musicians detailing their initial forays into the world of live performances, from choir to professional gigs.

The Early Beginnings

For many, the journey to becoming a musician starts in childhood. In the early days, young musicians often take on various roles within their communities, such as singing in church choirs or playing instruments in symphony orchestras. By age 14, Robert (pseudonym) had already taken his musical talents to the next level by playing in a brass band and a military band. His earliest experiences were in a church choir, where he began singing at the age of 9 or 10, and by age 11, he was already playing the piano.

From about 13 I was a church organist, and from about 14, I was involved in two symphony orchestras, a brass band, and a military band. These early years laid the foundation for what would become a 48-year career as a professional musician.

The First Branding and Exposure

These early performances were often casual and fun. At a house party, Robert and his fellow musicians had a blast performing. They received their first payment, which was a small but important step towards professionalism. Initially, his career was driven by love for music and the joy of performing, regardless of the financial rewards. Over time, he built a diverse career, performing in various settings from churches to clubs.

Another musician's first performance was in a local theater group in Hollywood, which put on three mini-dramas. The group needed background music and sound effects, and by chance, Robert was hired to create this. He improvised music according to the director's specifications, which were later used in the plays. He received a payment of 5 dollars per show, although he was stiffed once, which turned out to be an early and memorable experience in the business world.

Nervousness and Challenges

There are also times when the first performance can be challenging. One memorable experience came when Robert played for the first time at a Catholic Church. The audience was particularly highly critical, and they started throwing coins as a joke. Unsurprisingly, the musicians scrambled to pick up the coins, while the performers probably deserved the harsh criticism. Another instance was his performance in the school gym during lunchtime. This was a unique setting, with the audience using their phone flashlights to light the space. Despite the nervousness, the performance was memorable and exciting.

His first live performance with a duo, The Bliss Machine, at a club was another nervous experience. The excitement of the music eventually overshadowed the initial nervousness. His partner in the duo helped reassure him, and the performance went smoothly.

It was in 8th grade in the gymnasium during lunch hour. I played my red Gibson Melody Maker with dual humbuckers, and still have it. I also played drums in the high school band. My band teacher, Mr. Armstrong, announced during class that I had made a fool of myself. Well, in the years since then, this ‘foolish’ little teenager has performed all over the Midwest and even played with Grand Ole Opry members and headlined local clubs and festivals. The journey from a student to a professional musician is one filled with struggles and triumphs.

Reflecting on these experiences, these musicians and many others like them sometimes wish to go back and relive these memorable moments all over again. The journey of the first performance is a rite of passage, and it lays the groundwork for a life in music. Whether it's a choir, a school performance, or a club gig, every first performance is a step towards a successful and fulfilling musical career.

In conclusion, the first performance not only marks the beginning of a musician's journey but also sets the tone for future experiences. Each performance, whether it's a song in a choir at the age of 11 or a live performance in a local club, is a stepping stone towards becoming a professional musician. It is through these early experiences that musicians grow and develop their skills, eventually leading to a successful and fulfilling career in the music industry.