Preparation Meets Opportunity - Pt. 1
I went to bed so discouraged that night. That phrase my dad told me played over and over again in my head…
On more than one occasion, my dad told me that two things have to happen for me to have a career in music or to succeed in anything in life – preparation has to meet opportunity.
He told me, some people spend their entire lives preparing but never get an opportunity. Others get an opportunity, but they aren’t prepared. I was afraid the second scenario fit me a few years ago.
In May 2014, after I submitted my video audition to Bread of Stone and had a two-hour phone conversation with the lead singer, Ben, the band invited me to Sioux City, Iowa, to audition in person. I wrote a little about my audition in a previous blog post (Auditions - Pt. 1) and the three-step process I recommend for artists to follow when looking for new band members.
I would LIKE to say that I blew them away in my audition. I would LIKE to say I came in, and my drumming was so lit that I was the bomb.com, or something. However, the only real bomb was that I BOMBED the audition!
Rest assured, I prepared as much as I could, but I got lost playing to the pre-recorded rehearsal. I sat on my drum throne sweating bullets, thinking about how the guys sat in a separate studio control room watching my playing on a screen, probably scrutinizing my timing. I could only imagine the words exchanged amongst all of them when I inadvertently started blending together different parts to their various songs that I had tried to memorize. I focused so hard on getting everything perfect that I forgot how to just play music!
I was awake for well over 24 hours that day, with having my twelve-hour car trip, followed by my nightmare of an audition. I went to bed so discouraged that night. The phrase that my dad told me played over and over again in my head. I thought that second part of his axiom applied to me – I had been given this opportunity, but I just wasn’t prepared.
Somehow, by the grace of God, the band guys saw something in my heart that led them to believe that I was the right guy. It just goes to show that I didn’t get here because of my own strength and abilities. I did everything I could. I had drummed as much as I physically could drum, every day. But it still wasn’t enough. I remember TobyMac’s former drummer once said, “If we do everything that we can, God will do everything that we can’t.” Only God could take the musical failures of my audition and make me a hired drummer for the band for nearly seven years now and counting!
Are you preparing yourself today for what is to come? I encourage you to.
You should be preparing individually as musicians and collectively as a group. Don’t wait for your “big break” to start working on your live performance! You need to be constantly cultivating it.
In what ways are you working to improve your live performance or maybe another specific vocation? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Join our Purpose Subscribers to be notified FIRST about new blog posts, video releases and other exciting performance tips!
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!
For more great resources, visit my FREE DOWNLOADS page!
Purpose Live
Equipping and empowering singers and musicians to genuinely connect with their audience.