If My russian music theory teacher tells me to do 4 chapters on intervals, would it sound arrogant to say that perfect 4 chapters is too many? (lolololol music theory joke!)

seriously, is it nerve racking to go on stage the first few times? (as in, am I gonna forget all of the lyrics and puke)
    
    
    

Got any advice on singing in front of group for the first time?? I'm gonna be singing in front of my church youth group in a few weeks and I'm really nervous...

Thanks in advance

Oh! Number four reminded me of something else... Got any tips on ways to warm up my voice?

And number five is definetely helpful. ^_^
    

That would be cool. I would love to see some video's.

Singing scales is what all my worship team vocalist, some who are professionally trained, like to do. If you don't know scales and don't have a piano player to help you out then sing a few songs that don't have a big range to start with and then as your voice gets warmed up, sing louder and higher.
    

    I will attempt to be the old guy.

Do you play an instrument? if not, I'll upload a track to my purevolume page soon, of what the C scale is (the C scale is the easiest scale to sing.

What can help me perform without hesitation in front of an audience? No matter what I'm doing - singing or playing an instrument, I I always get really nervous and it messes me up... Any tips?

6.) Don't worry about it. Everything is meaningless. See: Ecclesiastes. Most people will not notice if you mess up, nor does it matter if they do. It's not important what they think of you.

Woo!

7.) If it's praise and worship, simply worship. If it's not, just have fun/entertain yourself (meaning get into the music).

Great additions guys, thanks for helping out.

A couple of thoughts for you. First of all, make sure you approach leading worship in the right frame of mind. Your job as a worship leader is to lead God's people closer to Him through the music. Many come to church with distractions and burdens that keep them from connecting with God. Any music, irregardless of genre, purpose has to be to help people put aside those distractions and begin to worship and draw close to him. It has to be inviting, comforting and speak lyrics that people can relate to.

Next, understand that certain genre's of music don't translate to congregational worship settings. Remember, in your church you have people from 8 to 80. I love rocking out to Red with my youth group band but when we lead worship for the congregation, we play music that the vast majority of the congregation like and are comfortable with (Lincoln Brewster, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp etc.) Music can be a distraction if used the wrong way and that is the last thing we want to do.

I would suggest working with your pastor/youth pastor on finding a time you and your band can play that reaches your target audience. Do you have a special youth group coming up or a special event that could use a live band? In that setting, the music you and your band mates are writing could have a tremendous impact.

Finally, I just want to encourage you in what you are doing. Reaching people through song is an amazing ministry. Just seek God in all that you do, have a humble heart and serve Him as He calls you and God WILL use you and your talents.

    ^^ true. but does your church have a youth group? maybe he'll let you start small.
    
EDIT**** oooops... i didnt read the persons response who posted before glory til now.. and i just pretty much said what they said except without so many details. haha my bad :S

Lol are you kidding me?! Haha good try though.

Thanks btw.

Ok thanks. I actually set up a Wed night where our band is going to play in our youth group...
    

I fine it difficult to have stage presence while I'm singing, but I feel i do ok while im just playing, which i prefer to do.

O.K., I have a question of another sort.
I am an avid song writer and I like to think that they are pretty good,(most of them sound like a bethany dillon type song).
My question to you is, "Can I make money writing songs, and how?"
I am very interested in the music biz and would appreciate any advice you have. THANX

Sorry, this thread went kind of dead so I haven't checked it in awhile.

Yes, you can make money as a songwriter. In fact, I would say the odds are better of seeing a paycheck as a songwriter then as a musician trying to break into the music biz.

The first thing you need to do is get all your songs copyrighted. Do this BEFORE you send them out to anybody. There is lots of good information on how to copyright songs on the internet and all you need is a simple recording of the song to apply for one.

Next, you will need to get a decent demo of your song. If you can't sing, find someone who can. If your guitar playing has rough spots, call in reinforcements etc.

Lots of people have home studios these days so if you are serious about this you might set up a simple Cubase or Pro Tools computer work station at your house so you can record your songs. It's not that expensive, especially if you already own a computer with a USB port.

Many people are tempted to put a full CD together and shop it around but truth be known, most record labels will listen to 30 seconds of the first song and throw it in the trash can. So in other words, hit them with your best song. Record your very best song and that song only. Then send it out and see what kind of feedback you get.

Good luck!

Hey, Thanx for all the good advice on song writing.
I do believe that I do have local studio in town, so I'm gonna work on my best song, get with my musician friends, and give it my best shot!
Just one more thing, who should I send my song out to exactly?
Thanx once again.

what are some good careers involving music?(aside from being a musician. that ones kinda obvious)

Here are a few:
Tour Manager
Band Manager
Merch Manager (usually for bigger bands)Promoter
Songwriter
You have to know the right people to get one of these jobs though. Networking is not only essential for bands, but for anyone looking to get into the music industry.



I would look at other bands' riders for ideas. Are you going on tour? Or is this for random shows?