Overcoming Stage Fright

August 2010

There I was – 18-year-old me – waiting to take the stage for the first time with Christian rock band, Southbound Fearing. Only three months prior, I was waiting to walk across a much different stage to receive my high school diploma. Now, I found myself in a small town in southwestern Ohio, ready to play my first music festival!

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Although I had invested many hours practicing, every single day, it felt like nothing could prepare me for my first big show. It was much different than playing with the little band I was formerly in with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. And this was WAY different than playing in church!

It was hot outside on the day of the festival, but I was sweating for a different reason. As I was trying to mentally prepare myself for the show, I became so nervous that I broke out in a cold sweat! Then, before the band came together to pray, I felt my sinuses drying up, and I could not believe it when my nose suddenly started to bleed!  

Throughout my childhood, I experienced many severe nosebleeds. On at least two occasions, my mom had to rush and pick me up from school when those nosebleeds became uncontrollable. Also, I remember one time – on our way to a Toledo Mud Hens baseball game with my family – I got such a bad nosebleed that my parents stopped at a nearby fire station and had the paramedics smother me with icepacks!

At the music festival, I had no icepacks, only tissues. If this wasn’t stressful enough, right before our band was introduced, a woman shared a testimony about her brother who died from a drug overdose. Then, I go onstage with tissues shoved up my nose, looking like I had a drug problem of my own. I shook my head at the irony and played our entire set looking that way. Fortunately, I was able to press on and play through.

I share all of this because I have come to learn that fear can be absolutely crippling. Especially for the believers reading this, I say you must choose faith over fear. Whenever you take the stage, you can do so with confidence and still have humility. Because “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

The best way to gain confidence and overcome any sort of stage fright is through solid preparation. A huge error artists make is not being fully prepared when they take the stage. Don’t be that artist! Equal to lack of preparedness is onstage or artistic deception, which I addressed in a previous blog. 

You can beat stage fright, overcome your fear and live out your calling. And you can start today! Connect with our team as we’d love to walk alongside you in this process of creating a great live show! I might even be able to help you with a nosebleed!

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FAQs

1. What is Purpose Live, and how can it transform my performance?

Purpose Live is your creative partner in crafting unforgettable onstage moments. Whether you're a music artist or a worship team, we go beyond typical live show production to help you connect deeply with your audience.

If you’ve ever:

• Doubted your ability to command the stage
• Struggled with stage fright
• Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion

We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.

2. Why should I work with Purpose Live?

Because we don’t just teach you how to perform; we show you how to connect.

If you’ve:

• Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
• Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
• Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood

We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.

3. What makes Purpose Live different from other performance coaching services?

We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you unforgettable.

It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.

No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.

If you’ve ever:

• Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
• Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music

We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.

4. What are your prices/fees?

Our services are as flexible as they are comprehensive. Pricing depends on the scope of your project, but we work with artists at every stage of their journey and are committed to making budgets work.

Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.

5. If I sing and play well, isn’t that enough?

Singing and playing well are vital—but they’re just the beginning.

Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:

• Make your audience feel seen and connected
• Turn your songs into stories that resonate
• Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends

We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.

6. Why do you adjust song arrangements for live shows?

Because what works in the studio doesn’t always translate on stage.

Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.

We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.

Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.

Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.

7. How can Purpose Live elevate my live show?

Imagine stepping on stage without fear or hesitation—knowing exactly how to:

• Connect with your audience
• Leave them wanting more
• Deliver a show that inspires and stands out

At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:

• Crafting an unforgettable setlist
• Honing your stage presence
• Advancing your shows
• Creating clear and professional riders
• Designing stage plots for smooth setups

Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.

8. How can I get started with Purpose Live’s services?

It’s simple to take the first step toward creating your dream performance:

• Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
• Share your vision and challenges.
• Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.

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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!