Lessons from the Stage: How Performing Live Builds Confidence

There’s nothing quite like the rush of stepping onto a stage. The lights hit your face, the audience leans in, and for a few minutes — or a few hours — you’re at the centre of it all. Whether you’re a musician, actor, speaker, or anyone who’s ever faced a crowd, you know that performing live is a test of nerves, skill, and heart.

But beyond the applause (or the occasional awkward silence), the stage teaches powerful lessons, especially about confidence. As someone who speaks to crowds regularly, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build. And live performance is one of the best training grounds.

Here’s how.

You Learn to Embrace Imperfection

No live performance goes exactly as planned. Strings break. Mics fail. You forget the lyrics. Someone in the crowd heckles. The beauty of live shows is that they’re unpredictable, and that’s where confidence starts to grow.

Performing live teaches you to let go of perfectionism. You stop fearing mistakes because you realize: The show must (and can) go on. You learn to adapt, recover, and even laugh at yourself. That resilience becomes a quiet, unshakable confidence that stays with you long after the final chord.

You Get Comfortable in the Spotlight

For many, public speaking or performing is a top fear. But the more you do it, the more natural it feels. Each time you step on stage, you desensitize yourself to the fear of being seen and judged.

Over time, you stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on the experience you’re creating. The nerves don’t disappear completely, but they transform. What once felt like anxiety begins to feel like energy, excitement, and purpose. That’s confidence in action.

You Develop Real Presence

Performing live requires you to be fully present. You can’t worry about that email you forgot to send or what’s for dinner. The audience is right there, and they feel your energy.

Learning to be present on stage helps you:
– Read a room
– Adjust your delivery in real time
– Stay grounded, no matter what’s happening

That ability to tune into the moment builds confidence, not just in performance, but in meetings, interviews, and everyday interactions.

You Build Connection Through Vulnerability

There’s something deeply vulnerable about sharing your art, your voice, or even just your ideas in front of others. And vulnerability is at the core of confidence. It says: This is me. I’m showing up, even though I know I could fail. And that’s okay.

Performing live helps you own that space. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to show up fully as yourself in all areas of life.

You Discover Your Inner Strength

There’s a special kind of strength that comes from pushing through fear, doubt, or shaky first notes, and coming out the other side. Every time you get on stage, you’re proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

That proof builds a kind of confidence that no compliment or external validation ever could. It’s earned, and it’s yours to keep.

The Stage as a Teacher

Confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s built in moments — moments when you choose to show up, speak up, and try again. Performing live fast-tracks that process. It stretches you, challenges you, and ultimately makes you stronger.

So, whether you’re a musician, a speaker, or just someone thinking about taking that first step into the spotlight — do it. The stage will teach you more about yourself than you ever expected. And you’ll come away not just with applause, but with a deeper, quieter belief in your own power.

Have you gained confidence through performing or public speaking? I’d love to hear your story –let’s inspire each other.

Gina Monaco is a former journalist and editor, and marketing professional who now spends her time writing and blogging and as the vocalist for The Enablers, a multi-genre, but mostly classic, rock band.

—————————————–

The Business Side of a Band: Budgets, Bookings, and Branding

By Gina Monaco

For most people, being in a band looks like this: late-night gigs, adrenaline-pumping performances, road trips, and the shared joy of making music with people you love. And yes, that part is real. But behind every great show, there’s another side most audiences never see:

The business side.

Running a band — especially one that’s serious about playing professionally — isn’t just about creativity. It’s about strategy. It’s about being organized, focused, and willing to handle spreadsheets and emails in between rehearsals and sets.

Here’s a breakdown of what really goes into running a band like a business, from budgets to bookings to branding.

Budgets: Managing Money Like a Pro

Whether you’re playing local clubs or corporate events, money matters. Equipment, travel, marketing, rehearsal space, website hosting, promo materials — it adds up fast.

If you don’t keep track, your band can quickly become a passion project that costs more than it earns.

Here’s what smart bands budget for:

Gig income splits: How will the money be divided fairly between band members? Will some be reinvested in the band fund?
Expenses: Gas, gear maintenance, sound tech, and sometimes wardrobe or backdrops
Promotion: Boosted social posts, video content, professional photos, or even a band website
Savings: For future recordings, merch production, or emergency equipment replacements

Running your band finances like a small business builds long-term sustainability — and keeps everyone on the same page.

Bookings: Securing Gigs and Building Relationships

Getting booked is about more than talent. It’s about professionalism, persistence, and presentation.

A few essentials for booking success:

Have a pitch-ready promo package (or “one-sheet”): Include your band bio, high-quality photos, links to live video, your genre, and your tech requirements
Follow up consistently: Venues get tons of inquiries. A polite follow-up shows reliability
Tailor your approach: A retirement home, a corporate event, and a local bar all want different things. Customize your pitch to match their vibe

Building real relationships with venues, bookers, and event planners is crucial. Be the band that shows up early, communicates clearly, and brings a good vibe. It goes a long way.

Branding: Defining Who You Are and Why It Matters

In a crowded music scene, your brand is what sets you apart. It’s more than your logo or band name — it’s the feeling people associate with your music and presence.

Ask yourself:

What do we want people to feel when they hear our name?
What story are we telling through our songs, visuals, and social content?
Who is our audience, and how do we reach them authentically?

From social media posts to stage outfits to the tone of your emails, every touchpoint communicates your brand. Are you polished and professional? Gritty and raw? Fun and high-energy? Own it, and be consistent.

Branding helps:

Attract the right gigs
Build a loyal fan base
Make you memorable in a saturated market

And yes, branding helps you justify higher fees. A well-branded band doesn’t just play music. It delivers an experience.

It’s a Business and a Band

The most successful working bands today understand that music and business aren’t at odds — they’re partners. You can love the art and still be strategic. You can jam and still plan. You can stay true to your sound and market it with confidence.

Running a band is work. But it’s also a gift — to create, collaborate, and connect with people through music. And when you handle the business side with intention, you set the stage for bigger shows, better gigs, and a more sustainable future doing what you love.

What’s been the biggest challenge (or win!) for your band behind the scenes?
We’d love to hear your story or answer any questions from fellow musicians looking to level up their music business.

The Role of Authenticity in Music and Marketing

By Gina Monaco

In today’s world of streaming algorithms, short attention spans, and content that moves at lightning speed, standing out as a musician or creative isn’t just about volume. It’s about authenticity.

As someone building a band and sharing music with the world, I’ve learned that marketing isn’t just about “getting seen.” It’s about making sure people see the real you.

But here’s the challenge: How do you stay true to your artistic identity while also showing up in a space that often rewards trends, formulas, and fast growth?

Why Authenticity Matters—Now More Than Ever

Audiences today are smart. They can feel when something is genuine… and when it’s not.

There’s no shortage of talent on the Internet. What makes people stop and truly connect isn’t perfection — it’s personality. It’s vulnerability. It’s when a listener or a viewer thinks: “That’s real. That sounds like something I’ve felt before.”

Authenticity is what turns casual listeners into lifelong fans. It builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any sustainable community — whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or brand.

Staying True to Your Voice

As a musician, your sound and your message are an extension of who you are. That’s sacred. Even when playing covers.

But when you start navigating the world of promotion — especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or even LinkedIn — it’s easy to feel pressure to “perform” rather than express. You might wonder:

Should I follow this viral trend, even if it doesn’t fit my vibe?
Should I write songs that are more “marketable” instead of what I really want to say?
Should I show up more online, even when I don’t feel like it?

These are valid questions. The key is balance.

Yes, engaging with your audience matters. Yes, it’s okay to learn from what’s working. But your story, your truth, and your sound are your biggest assets. Watering them down for clicks may get short-term attention, but it rarely builds long-term impact.

Marketing Does Not Mean Selling Out

Let’s reframe something: Marketing is not the opposite of authenticity.

Done right, it’s actually an extension of it. It’s not about “convincing” people to like you. It’s about inviting people into your world.

Think of it like this:

Your music is the message.
Marketing is the microphone.

If the microphone’s too distorted, no one hears the message clearly. But when it’s tuned to your voice, your story carries farther, and deeper.

So instead of copying what others are doing, ask:

What do I want to say?
What kind of fans do I want to attract?
What content actually reflects who we are as a band?

When your promotional content matches your musical identity, it feels different—to you and to your audience.

Real Examples of Staying Real

Some of the most inspiring artists right now didn’t get big by being loud — they got big by being honest.

They share voice memos instead of polished videos. They show behind-the-scenes struggles, not just highlight reels. They engage with people like humans, not algorithms.

Whether you have 100 followers or 100,000, showing up with honesty creates connection. And connection is the heart of music.

Your Identity Is the Brand

In the age of content overload, authenticity is your greatest competitive edge.

Marketing trends will come and go. Audience expectations will shift. But your identity — your voice, your message, your truth — that’s the one thing no one else can replicate.

So, keep writing songs that mean something. Keep singing covers with heart. Keep sharing stories that reflect who you really are. And keep showing up — imperfectly, honestly, and fully.

Because when you stay true to yourself, you don’t have to chase your audience. The right audience finds you.

How do you stay authentic in your work—creative or otherwise?
We’d love to hear your take, whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or storyteller in your own right.

—————————-

Why Music Matters More Than Ever in the Digital Age

By Gina Monaco

We’re living in a time of unprecedented connection — notifications ping constantly, information is consumed in seconds, and life moves at a pace faster than ever before. During this digital whirlwind, music has not only remained relevant, but it has also become even more essential.
As working musicians, we have all seen firsthand how music anchors people in moments of chaos, bridges emotional gaps across cultures, and offers something increasingly rare in the digital age: human connection.

Here’s why I believe music matters now more than ever.

1. Music Cuts Through the Noise
The Internet is loud. Social media platforms, video feeds, emails, news alerts — each demands our attention. But music? It doesn’t ask for your time in the same way. It offers it.
Whether it’s a quiet instrumental track during your workday, a nostalgic song that brings you back to childhood, or a late-night playlist that speaks to how you’re feeling, music connects deeply, quietly, and personally. It bypasses algorithms and speaks directly to emotion.
In an age of endless scrolls, music invites us to pause — and feel.

2. It’s One of the Last Shared Human Experiences
We’re more digitally connected than ever, yet many of us feel more isolated. Live concerts, jam sessions, even singing along with others in a car — these are still some of the most meaningful, collective human experiences we have.
Music creates a sense of belonging. Whether it’s an anthem at a protest, a local band playing at a community event, or a viral hit uniting fans across continents, music builds invisible bridges between strangers. No translation needed — just rhythm, melody, and shared emotion.
In divided times, music reminds us of what we have in common.

3. It Helps Us Process Our Emotions
We all carry stress. Some of it is surface-level — deadlines, commutes, messages left unread. Some of it runs deeper — grief, loneliness, change. Music doesn’t erase these feelings, but it helps us move through them.
Songs let us feel seen when we can’t find the right words. They hold space for joy and sorrow alike. They validate our struggles and celebrate our victories.
Think about how many times you’ve turned to music not just for entertainment, but for healing. In a world full of instant fixes, music offers emotional honesty.

4. It’s One of the Most Democratic Art Forms
Thanks to technology, music has become more accessible than ever. Anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can listen, learn, or even produce their own tracks. Music isn’t confined to elite spaces or gatekeepers anymore. It’s global, grassroots, and growing.
This democratization means more voices are being heard — artists from marginalized communities, genres from remote corners of the world, and collaborations that would have been impossible a decade ago. Music today is more diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the real world than at any point in history.
And that matters because representation in art shapes how we see ourselves and each other.

5. It’s a Form of Resilience
Look back at any global crisis — wars, pandemics, civil rights movements and you’ll find that music was never far behind. It has always been a way for people to document history, process trauma, resist oppression, and find hope.
Even during the COVID-19 lockdowns, what did we turn to? Online concerts, balcony performances, collaborative music videos. Music helped us feel less alone when physical connection wasn’t possible.
In the digital age, music continues to offer emotional resilience. It gives us language for what we’re experiencing, and strength to keep going.

More Than Background Noise
In today’s world, where AI curates your feed and productivity often overshadows creativity, music remains a deeply human art form. It doesn’t just entertain. It transforms. It tells stories that algorithms can’t. It reaches places data can’t touch.
As musicians, we’re not just playing notes, we’re contributing to something timeless, emotional, and powerfully human. And I believe we all benefit from keeping music at the center of our lives, especially now.
So, whether you’re creating, listening, or sharing, thank you for making space for music.
Because in the digital age, it might just be the most analog thing that still holds us together.

Let’s keep the conversation going..
Has music helped you through a tough time or brought people together in your life or work? We’d love to hear back from you.

Gina Monaco is a former journalist and editor who now spends her time writing and blogging and as the vocalist for The Enablers, a multi-genre, but mostly classic, rock band.

————————————-

5 Surprising Skills You Gain as a Working Musician

By Gina Monaco, Vocalist, The Enablers

When most people think of musicians, they picture passion, talent, and creativity. But working musicians are also organizers, negotiators, marketers, and leaders. Behind every performance is a mountain of logistics, strategy, and interpersonal dynamics that often go unnoticed.
As someone who has worked in the corporate world, I have found that much of the skillset I acquired over the years are easily transferable to musicianship and vice versa. Here are five surprising (and incredibly transferable) skills that many musicians develop along the way:

1. Project Management
Whether you’re preparing for a single live performance or planning a multi-city tour, the process involves multiple moving parts: coordinating schedules, budgeting for travel and equipment, booking venues, and ensuring every rehearsal and recording session is productive. Each new project is a lesson in timelines, deliverables, and managing expectations.
You quickly learn how to:
• Break down a goal into actionable steps
• Keep your team (bandmates, sound engineers, venue staff) aligned
• Pivot fast when something goes wrong (like a last-minute cancellation or gear failure)
It’s not so different from launching a product or managing a client campaign — just with more amps.

2. Emotional Intelligence
Bands are made up of people with strong personalities, creative visions, and (sometimes) clashing opinions. Success often hinges not just on talent, but on how well you can navigate those relationships. You learn how to listen deeply, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and read the unspoken energy in the room.
These moments build:
• Empathy — understanding why someone’s having an off day
• Self-awareness — knowing how your mood affects the group
• Conflict resolution — when to speak up, and when to let it slide
The best bands — and the best teams — thrive on emotional intelligence.

3. Sales and Marketing
Gone are the days when you just “get discovered.” As independent musicians, we market ourselves constantly — whether we’re promoting a single, announcing a tour, performing in a local venue, or simply trying to grow a loyal audience online.
Through trial and error, you become fluent in:
• Building a brand voice
• Creating content that connects (videos, posters, livestreams)
• Understanding analytics to track what’s working
• Turning followers into fans, and fans into customers
In other words, you learn to be your own PR team, marketing manager, and business strategist rolled into one.

4. Public Speaking and Performance
If you’ve ever had to introduce a song to a crowd of strangers, handle technical difficulties live on stage, or keep performing despite distractions, you know what it means to stay calm under pressure.
Over time, performing hones:
• Stage presence — projecting confidence even when you’re nervous
• Improvisation — adapting in real-time without missing a beat
• Audience engagement — reading the room and shifting the energy
These same skills are invaluable in pitch meetings, presentations, or anytime you need to “own the room.”

5. Resilience and Grit
There’s no straight path in music. You face rejections from venues, late-night travel, financial setbacks, and countless “no’s” before hearing a “yes.” And yet you keep going.
Why? Because the purpose is bigger than the struggle.
Being a musician teaches you to:
• Push through discomfort and uncertainty
• Keep producing and improving even when it’s hard
• Build momentum from small wins, not just big breaks
This kind of grit builds character — the same drive that fuels entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders across industries.

Final Thoughts
Being a working musician means mastering far more than your instrument. You develop business acumen, emotional intelligence, and professional grit — skills that serve you in any industry.
We’re not just performers — we’re project managers, communicators, and strategists too.

——————————————————

Gina Monaco is a former journalist and editor who now spends her time writing and blogging and as the vocalist for The Enablers, a multi-genre, but mostly classic, rock band.

Gina studied Music and Jazz Vocals at Mohawk College and also studied with Juno Nominee Ray Lyell and Dan Clancy, lead vocalist for the iconic Canadian band Lighthouse. She continues to work with Paula Tessaro, founding member of the Juno nominated band Ray Lyell and the Storm.