Playing a Concert

Playing a concert can be great fun! Or it can be totally scary! Sometimes both at the same time.

So we've put together a list of our top tips for great concerts.

Write out a set-list

A set-list is a list of all your songs in the order you'll play them.

Make copies for everyone.

Print it BIG! so that you can still read it if it's down by your feet on the floor, or if the lighting isn't very good.

Remember your spares

Some instruments have parts that need to be replaced if they wear out or break. For example:

Make a list of the spares you might need and make sure you know where they are in an emergency.

Plan where you'll be on the stage

Before you start to set up your instruments, take a few minutes to decide where you're all going to be.

It's much better to think about all this before you start setting up your instruments. It's really annnoying if you have to start unplugging things and swapping places once you've begun to set up things up!

Know where you're going, know when you're on

If you're playing a concert somewhere you've never been before make sure you know where it is. Print out a map or set the GPS before you set out. There's nothing worse than being lost in an unfamiliar place a half hour before you're due to go onstage.

And when you do arrive, the first thing you should do is find out what time you're on. Times often change. Ask whoever is running the event when you'll be on. Don't get caught off guard!