Play with Confidence
Part of playing any instrument is having confidence in your ability. This doesn't apply only when you're playing in front of an audience — confidence is even needed to play for just one other person. What's the source of this confidence? It comes from the knowledge that you've practiced enough that when you intend to play a phrase or song you know it will come out the way you intend.
Harmonica competitions provide an outlet for the gunslingers among you. At these competitions you stand up at a microphone and you have three to six minutes to prove to the judges that you've got it. The big competitions include the annual National Harmonica League in England and the Asia Pacific Harmonica Competition.
No one wants to believe that they will be scared to play when the time comes, but in truth most people are, especially until they have done it a bunch of times. Even professional players have moments of nervousness before a performance. Maintaining your focus and confidence will go a long way toward making it easier to play for people, and to eliminate this nervousness.
Chapter 10 will focus on how to practice effectively and how to set up your own practice schedule.
