Sunday, October 30, 2011

Can You Over-rehearse?

Lots has been written about insufficient rehearsing. There are plenty of mus the topiicians who have performed a lot more than I have - but strangely I can find little information onc of over-rehearsal. So, here are a few things I've learned about myself and the problem of over-rehearsing, as a solo act:
  • Over-rehearsing can become an excuse for not rehearsing enough, as in "I don't want the emotion to be sucked out my performance." That's fertile ground for insufficient practice.
  • That last gig where everyone loved you and your self confidence went through the roof? Don't be lulled into a false sense of security and think you can rehearse less for the next gig.
  • Don't confuse over-rehearsing with proper preparation. Proper preparation means knowing your material cold so you can perform it with all its nuances - eyes closed. This is a huge challenge for musicians who must hold down a regular non-musical job while trying to find opportunities when time and energy for rehearsal, align.
  • Know what you're going to say to bridge from one tune to the next - but keep it short. This takes more preparation - and rehearsal - than you might think. Just as in songwriting, it's much easier to speak long than to focus on your message and speak short. Your audience came to hear your music, not a long winded explanation of how a particular song came to be, populated with plenty of "uhs" and "ums." If a song has a compelling story behind it, keep it compelling - and short. Otherwise, let the song do your story-telling work for you.
  • When you're rehearsing in your home, you likely have everything you need spread out around you: instruments, capos, picks, etc. But stages in live music venues are often small and crowded with mic stands, cables, and gear. Don't forget o rehearse instrument changes, inviting guest musicians to join you, etc. If it's a new-to-you venue, work out some "what-if" scenarios for you and your gear.
  • The only time I have felt over-rehearsed is when I have done a particular song so often that it's lost its appeal and passion in rehearsal and in performance. Give that song a rest for a while and come back to it when it feels fresh again. If it's a great song, it will feel fresh again.
  • Warming up off-stage just before your performance can be important but is not always necessary if you have your material down cold. I may or may not warm up before hand, depending on how comfortable I am with a particular venue/audience. Not practicing at all on the day of the gig can help keep me on my toes, keep my material fresh, and creates a sense of eagerness and anticipation that gets through to your audience.
So what do you think? Is there a point at which you can feel over-rehearsed?