Preparation Meets Opportunity - Pt. 2
“You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can always change your approach to them.”
In my last post, I talked about the saying my dad would often tell me that two things have to happen to succeed in music or in anything in life – preparation has to meet opportunity. He would tell me that some people spend their entire lives preparing but never get an opportunity. Others get an opportunity, but they aren’t prepared. I shared my personal story of me being in that second group of people by getting an opportunity but feeling unprepared as I bombed my audition for Bread of Stone. The truth is, I was prepared. My dad later reminded me that I had been preparing for that audition for the majority of my life; I just wasn’t fluid with the specific material of that band on that day.
In that circumstance, I am the exception; not the rule. In most instances, bands won’t “reward” your terrible audition with giving you the gig. Who makes a team after failing the tryout? Yet, that’s my story because of what the Lord did.
Today, I want to talk about the first group of people – the ones who spend their lifetime preparing but never get the opportunity (or never create an opportunity for themselves if capable of doing so). This makes me think of Nashville. In any restaurant you go to or retail store you visit, the workers there are likely to be a music lover. Perhaps they are a phenomenal singer or an extremely talented musician. The city and its outskirts is full of “undiscovered” talent. Many of these people move to the Music City in hopes to land a music career. In the meantime, they take a day job to make ends meet. Many end up working right in front of Music Row, but their big break is never realized…or maybe just not in the way they thought it would be.
I love the quote, “You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can always change your approach to them.” A friend of mine, who is also a drummer, has wanted so badly, for a long time, to have a full-time music career. Even after he started playing for a very well-known artist, he still always had his good 9 to 5 job. Ever since I’ve known him, he’s just wanted to solely do music, but when COVID-19 hit the globe, he still had his reliable job, while many other musicians were forced to stop working.
I don’t think success in the world’s standards should ever be the ultimate goal, but success is what you make it out to be. Each of us defines it differently. People often think just because they only share their music in small clubs or are just a part of a local church worship team that they aren’t a musical success. I think if you are able to share your talent on any platform, big or small, or maybe even just write songs and share them with close family or friends, you are a success on the musical journey YOU’VE been given! May you be encouraged and keep pressing on in all of your musical endeavors no matter where you’re at right now!
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.
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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!
Purpose Live
Equipping and empowering singers and musicians to genuinely connect with their audience.